EES

EES for Portugal — the EU Entry/Exit System

What EES is, when it comes into force in Portugal, what data is collected, impact on border waiting times, and FAQs. Updated 2026.

EES is already in force. Gradual start on 12 October 2025 and fully operational since 10 April 2026 at every external Schengen border. It replaces the manual passport stamp with a digital record including biometric data. Affects every third-country (non-EU) traveller to the Schengen Area. Also see the ETIAS page — the mandatory authorisation that will accompany EES.

What is EES?

EES (Entry/Exit System) is the European Union's new digital system that automatically records entries and exits of third-country (non-EU) travellers in the Schengen Area.

It replaces the manual passport stamp with digital biometric capture — fingerprints and face photograph — stored in a centralised database for 3 years.

Goals: automate the 90-in-180-day calculation, detect overstayers, and reduce fraud with forged passports.

When does it start?

Gradual start on 12 October 2025. The EES has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 at every external Schengen border (including the Portuguese airports of Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Madeira and all land and sea borders).

The manual passport stamp has been replaced by the digital record. You can check the current status on the official EES page.

How does it work at the border?

First entry (or entry after 3 years):

  1. Go to the SEF/border police desk (or automatic kiosk when available).
  2. Hand over the passport — it's read digitally.
  3. Place 4 fingers of one hand on a scanner for fingerprint capture.
  4. Face the camera for a facial photograph.
  5. Answer basic questions (duration, purpose, accommodation).

First time may add 5-10 minutes per person.

Subsequent entries within 3 years: only the face is recaptured (verification). Quick process, 1-2 minutes.

Who is subject to EES?

Subject to EES:

  • Citizens of third countries (non-EU) entering the Schengen Area for a short stay (up to 90 days)
  • Both visa-exempt travellers (Brazilians, Americans, British, etc.) and Schengen visa holders

Exempt from EES:

  • EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein citizens
  • Holders of a residence permit in an EU/EEA country
  • Holders of a long-term (Type D) visa
  • Heads of state and diplomatic dignitaries

What data is collected?

At every entry and exit:

  • Biometric data: 4 fingerprints (first entry) + high-resolution face photograph.
  • Passport data: number, issuing country, validity, full name, date of birth, nationality.
  • Trip data: entry date, exit date, border post.
  • Status: entry allowed or refused; reasons.

Retention period: 3 years for travellers with regular entry. Up to 5 years for those refused or who overstayed.

Access to data: border authorities, member-state police, Europol. GDPR applies — you can request a copy and correction of your data.

EU/EEA card holders / residents

EU citizens: not covered by EES. Use the usual "EU/EEA/Switzerland" lane, with fast verification of the national ID card or passport, no biometrics.

Holders of an EU residence permit: also exempt from EES. Must present a valid residence title + passport at the border.

Family members of EU citizens (non-EU): in principle exempt, but should carry a document proving the family relationship (marriage, birth certificate).

Dual nationality: use the EU passport to avoid EES.

Impact on waiting times

During the rollout and the first months, significant delays are expected at busy airports (Lisbon, Faro in summer, Porto).

European Commission estimates:

  • First 3 months after full implementation: queues 30-60 minutes longer at peak times.
  • After 6 months: stabilisation, queues similar to pre-EES.

How to prepare:

  • Arrive earlier at the airport, especially at peak times and in summer.
  • Have your passport ready before reaching the border control.
  • Travelling with young children, ask the officer for the family lane when available.
  • For frequent EU travellers, automatic kiosks (when available) are faster.

Frequently asked questions

No. <strong>EES</strong> is the automatic entry/exit recording system at the border — biometrics + database. <strong>ETIAS</strong> is a pre-travel authorisation (like the U.S. ESTA) that you apply for online before boarding. They work together: ETIAS authorises travel; EES records the crossing. Both apply to visa-exempt travellers.

Yes, for <strong>3 years</strong> for regular travellers, up to 5 years in case of refusal or overstay. Data is handled under European GDPR — you can request a copy and correction. Access is restricted to border authorities, member-state police and Europol for legitimate purposes (migration control, criminal investigation). Data is not shared commercially.

Fingerprints are collected from <strong>age 12</strong>. For under-12s, only the facial photograph is captured. At any age, the child's passport is read digitally and recorded in the system.

EU/EEA, Switzerland, Liechtenstein citizens; legal residents of an EU country with a residence title; holders of a long-term (Type D) visa; heads of state and dignitaries; some specific professional categories (commercial flight crews on duty). For most non-EU tourists, there is no exemption.

It depends. If you stay only in the international transit zone without passing border control, <strong>it is not an entry</strong> and nothing is recorded in EES. If you clear immigration (e.g. a connection with airline change requiring temporary airside exit, or a long layover with city exit), it counts and EES records it.

We provide up-to-date information but <strong>we are not an immigration authority</strong>. In case of a problem (incorrect data, refusal, doubts about your history), contact SEF/AIMA in Portugal directly or your home country's diplomatic representation. You can also request a copy of your EES data under GDPR via the European Commission's official site.

Related

ETIAS — Electronic travel authorisation

Required before boarding to the EU. Applied for online, valid 3 years.

Travel insurance for Portugal

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Entering Portugal by nationality

Specific requirements for your country of origin.