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Portugal implements mandatory biometric border controls

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-06 16:44 UTC → 2026-09-06 19:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Portugal has officially implemented the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) as of September 6, 2026, marking the end of a transitional period that allowed for the temporary suspension of biometric collection during periods of excessive wait times. The system mandates 100% biometric data collection for non-EU and non-Schengen citizens, including facial images and fingerprints, to replace traditional passport stamping. This digital registry applies to travelers staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino remain exempt from these requirements. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro previously warned that the transition would increase workload and pressure on border control services, particularly at major hubs such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports. To support passenger flow and tourism growth, Portuguese airports are undergoing broader technological upgrades. This includes efforts by ANA Aeroportos to reduce wait times through government collaboration and technological investment, alongside the expansion of digital kiosks for services like car rentals at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports.

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