"Starting on 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," the Internal Security System (SSI), the PSP (Public Security Police), and the GNR (National Republican Guard), among other entities, said in a joint statement.
The implementation "will occur 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-EU citizens entering 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 travellers’ entries and exits, indicating the date, time, and border crossing" and the "collection of biometric data (four fingerprints and a photograph) upon 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 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 state.
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.
