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A significant added layer of security is set to be imposed on all non-EU citizens travelling to Portugal over the coming months.
In line with the rest of the European Union, Portugal is starting a gradual six-month roll-out of what is known as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).
Starting on October 12, 2025, with a phased introduction, it will be fully up and running on April 10, 2026.
What does it mean for you? Well, once in place, you’ll need to provide biometric information on your arrival – and departure - in any of the Schengen area nations which will be kept in a centralised EU database.
The process will involve scanning your passport, your fingerprints and having a photograph taken.
“If you refuse to provide your biometric data,” says the EU, “you will be denied entry into the territory of the European countries using the EES.”
Explains the Portugal Embassy in the UK: “The system applies to all non-EU citizens entering the territory for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, regardless of whether a visa is required.
“The EES aims to strengthen security within the European Union, improve the efficiency of border controls, and ensure a stricter and technological management of the entry and exit of third-country nationals in the Schengen Area.”
Since Brexit, that will also include the estimated 2.2 million British people who visit Portugal each year.
However, those with residence permits – such as Portugal’s Golden Visa – will not be subject to the additional layer of administration; providing another compelling reason to take advantage of the programme.
The EES was originally scheduled to start in May 2022 but has been repeatedly delayed due to the logistical issues involved.
So what is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
In short, it is a way for the EU to ensure it is aware of everyone on its soil at any given moment. It is designed to strengthen and modernise border security by compiling a database of all those coming and going from its member nations.
It will ensure visa limits are not exceeded, crack down on identity fraud by the use of biometric data, and prevent organised crime and terrorism.
Do the checks take place at the point of departure or arrival?
When you land on EU soil you will need to register your details at one of a number of dedicated terminals set up at ports or airports.
On your first visit following its introduction, you will need to scan your passport – as you do with e-Passport control gates at some airports – and then submit your fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Your data will be stored for up to three years, meaning you will only need to have your photograph taken on exit. Each time you use a terminal, a further three-year period starts.
The process should be relatively simple but, especially during its introduction, expect there to be some delays as people get used to the new technology.
If I have a Golden Visa do I still need to submit my data every time I enter or exit the EU?
No, if you have a resident’s permit or long-term visa for any of the Schengen area nations you will be able to avoid the additional checks.
It is one of the many advantages of taking advantage of Portugal’s residency-by-investment Golden Visa programme – and may well encourage more to make the move to acquire one.
If I am a non-EU citizen, does it mean I no longer need to go through passport control?
No. You will still need to line up for a border official to check your passport, but the process should be sped up as a consequence of EES.
The data you submit will be sent through to border posts. It will, eventually, remove the need for passports to be stamped too.
Will young children also be subject to the biometric checks?
If they are under 12, only a photograph will be required - not fingerprints. Above that age, and they will need to submit the same data as adults.
Who is the data I submit shared with?
Travel companies and operators will not have access to your biometric data. Transport carriers will, however, be able to verify whether short-stay visa holders have already used the number of entries authorised by their visa.
Border, visa and immigration authorities of those nations using the EES will have access in order to verify your identity and whether you should be allowed entry.
Law enforcement authorities of the countries using the EES and Europol will also have access for enforcement purposes.
Can I not submit my data in advance of travelling?
An app has been developed and is expected to be rolled out to various nations over time.
However, while smartphones will be able to submit photographs, you will still need to ensure your fingerprints are submitted at the first point of entry.
Keep an eye out for announcements as to when the app is expanded and how it will alter your need to report to an ESS terminal or arrival or departure.
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