Portuguese Phrase
Tens algo a declarar?
Meaning
Literally, “Do you have anything to declare?” It is the standard question asked by customs officers, police, or officials when they need to know whether a person is carrying undeclared items, money, or information.
When to use
Use this phrase at airports, border crossings, police stations, or any formal setting where an authority needs to verify that you are not hiding something. It is informal in tone because of the second‑person singular *tens*, so it fits casual conversation in Portugal but would be replaced by *tem* in Brazil.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tensalgoadeclarar?
Tens
Second‑person singular present of the verb *ter* (to have). Used in European Portuguese; in Brazil the equivalent is *tem*.
algo
Indefinite pronoun meaning “something” or “anything”. It is neutral and works with both singular and plural verbs.
a
Preposition that introduces an infinitive verb, equivalent to English “to”.
declarar
Infinitive of the verb meaning “to declare” (e.g., at customs, to the police, or in a formal interview).
?
Interrogative punctuation marks the sentence as a question.
🗨In Conversation
Tens algo a declarar?
Do you have anything to declare?
Não, nada. Só a minha bagagem.
No, nothing. Just my luggage.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem algo a declarar?
Correct in Brazilian Portuguese, but in European Portuguese the verb should agree with the informal ‘tu’ → *tens*.
Tens algo para declarar?
The preposition *a* is required before an infinitive; *para* changes the meaning to “in order to declare”.
Tens algo a declarar
Missing the question mark makes it a statement rather than a question.
↔Alternatives
Tem algo a declarar?
Do you have anything to declare? (Brazilian Portuguese)
Tem alguma coisa a declarar?
Do you have anything to declare?
Tem algo a dizer?
Do you have something to say?
Cultural Tip
In Portugal, customs officers typically use the informal *tens* when speaking to travelers, but they will switch to the formal *tem* if they want to be more polite or if they are addressing a group. In Brazil, the standard form is *tem*. Remember that the phrase is usually asked before you reach the baggage claim area, so a quick, honest answer is appreciated. If you are carrying items that exceed the duty‑free limit, you must answer “sim” and be ready to declare them.