Lisbon, Sept. 15, 2025 (Lusa) - The new European external border control system for non-EU citizens will come into operation on 12 October in Portugal and other Schengen countries, authorities announced on Monday.
"From 12 October 2025, Portugal will participate in the entry into operation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the new European automated control system for the Schengen area, which replaces traditional passport stamps with centralised electronic records," said the Internal Security Service (SSI), the Public Security Police (PSP) and the National Guard (GNR), among other entities, in a joint statement.
The entry into operation "will take place simultaneously and in phases over almost six months in all countries" that are part of the Schengen area.
According to the note, the EES "applies to all non-European Union citizens entering the country for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), regardless of whether they require a visa."
Among the main changes in procedures are the "electronic registration of travellers' entries and exits, indicating the date, time and border post" and the "collection of biometric data (four fingerprints and a photograph) on first entry".
The system, which will operate at airports and ports, also allows for the "automatic detection of overstaying the legal period of stay in the Schengen area", as well as interoperability with "other European databases".
"Compared to the current system, based on manual passport stamping, the EES will enable 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 maintain.
In Portugal, the system is being implemented by the Internal Security Service, in conjunction with the Public Security Police, the National Guard, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, the country's airports managing company, the port authorities and the National Civil Aviation Authority.
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