The new European border control system for non-EU citizens will come into operation from October 12 in Portugal and other Schengen area countries, authorities announced today.
“From October 12, 2025, Portugal will participate in the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the new European automated control system for the Schengen area, which replaces traditional passport stamps with centralized electronic records,” said the Internal Security System (SSI), the PSP and the GNR, among other entities, in a joint statement.
The entry into operation “will occur simultaneously and in a phased manner, over almost six months, in all countries” that are part of the Schengen area.
According to the note, the EES “applies to all non-EU citizens who enter the territory for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), regardless of whether they require a visa.”
Among the main changes to procedures are the “electronic registration of travelers’ entries and exits, indicating the date, time and border post” and the “collection of biometric data (four fingerprints and photograph) upon first entry.”
The system, which will operate at airports and ports, also allows for the “automatic detection of overstays within the legal period of stay in the Schengen area”, as well as interoperability with “other European databases”.
“Compared to the current system, which relies on manual passport stamping, the EES will allow for the faster detection of false documents, irregular entries, and other security threats, strengthening the protection of external borders and improving cooperation and automatic data sharing between Member States,” the authorities argue.
In Portugal, the implementation of the system is ensured by the SSI, in conjunction with the PSP, the GNR, ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, the port authorities and the National Civil Aviation Authority.