Biometric details to be demanded for non-EU citizens visiting Europe

All non-EU citizens are set to be subjected to a further layer of security when entering – and exiting - Portugal.

It comes as the long-delayed European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) starts a phased deployment from October 12.

Designed to tighten security and modernise its border checks, it was originally due to go live in 2022 but has been delayed numerous times.

Rolling out across the entire European Union, it means anyone who is not an EU citizen will have to submit key biometric data when landing in participating Schengen area nations.

Since Brexit, that includes the estimated 2.2 million British people who visit Portugal each year.

In practice, that will mean scanning their passports and fingerprints and having a photograph taken before going through passport control.

They will also have to have their picture taken on departure.

However, those with a Portugal Golden Visa or long-term visa will be able to bypass the additional steps.

The EES will be fully implemented by April 10, 2026.

Explains Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways, which supports private clients, families, and global investors in navigating life, investment, tax, and residency in Portugal: “The introduction of EES has been expected but delayed for a number of years. However, it is now being phased in – slowly at first – across the EU, from October.

“While this will add minimal additional time at the airport for trips to Portugal, it does once again underline the benefits of the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme.

“Those who take advantage of its myriad benefits will also be able to skip these new requirements and start enjoying their time in Portugal that little bit quicker.”

All the data submitted will be safely stored by the European Union and kept for a period of three years from the date of your last departure from the bloc.

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See the special Portugal Pathways guide for the full details and what impact it will have on you.

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About Portugal Pathways

Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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