Goodbye Stamp, Hello Biometry: The Complete Guide to the New Entry System in Portugal (EES)

Hello, dear readers of Dicas de Lisboa!

If you are planning your next trip to Portugal and the Schengen Area, we need to talk about a fundamental change that has just come into force: the new European Border Control System, the Entry/Exit System (EES).

The era of the physical stamp in the passport for short-term travellers (like us Brazilians) is over. Border control has become digital, more technological and, like every major change, brought initial challenges, especially at our beloved Lisbon Airport.

So that your entry into the country is as smooth as possible, we have prepared a complete guide, step by step, to understand what has changed and what you should do to prepare.

1. What is EES and Why We Adopted

The EES - Entry/Exit System is a technological platform that electronically records the entry and exit of third-country nationals (those who are not part of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland) who travel to the Schengen Area for a short period (up to 90 days in 180 days).

Our main goal with this change is:

• Strengthen Security: The system allows faster detection of false documents, irregular entries and individuals who may pose a threat to security.

• Better Manage Migration Flows: With the digital registry, the supervision of the 90-day rule becomes automatic, ensuring the rigourous control of those who exceed the legal period of stay.

• Modernise the Borders: We are replacing a manual and error-prone process (the stamp) with a digital and interoperable system throughout Europe.

2. Deadline: When did the New Entry System in Portugal (EES) come into Force?

The new EES system was implemented in Portugal and the other countries of the Schengen Area from October 12, 2025. Its introduction is being done gradually and in a coordinated manner throughout the European Union.

3. The Step by Step of EES for the Traveller

The immigration process has changed radically. Here's what you should expect, especially the first time you enter the Schengen Area:

At the First Entry (and Biometric Registration)

When landing in the first country of the Schengen Area (which, for many of us, is Portugal), we will be directed to border control, where the new system will be applied:

• Passport Data Registration: The border agent will electronically read your data.

• Biometrics Collection: This is the big news. Your biometric data will be collected, which include:

  • A high quality facial photograph.

  • Four fingerprints (of the fingers).

• Electronic Registration: The EES system will electronically register the date, time and place of your entry, automatically starting the counting of your 90 days of stay.

In Subsequent Entries

Once your biometric data is registered in the system (they are stored for three years, with exceptions), the next entries and outputs should be faster, because the system will already identify you, and the process will only be to update the electronic record.

4. The Cost of the New System (EES vs. ETIAS)

It is essential to make a distinction that causes some confusion:

• The EES itself has no cost for the traveller. It is a border control infrastructure, a work tool for immigration agents.

• The EES is closely linked to the ETIAS. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which is the new electronic travel authorisation, is scheduled to come into force at the end of 2026.

Where is the cost?

ETIAS: This will be a mandatory requirement and will have a cost (about €20). We will have to request this authorisation online before travelling.

EES is the system that will verify the ETIAS data.

5. Who is Exempt from EES Registration?

The EES applies to all third-country nationals on short-term travel. However, some travellers are exempt from this new obligation:

• Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.

• Long-Term Visa Holders (Type D) or Residence Permit in any Schengen country.

• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican.

• Children under the age of 12.

6. The Initial Challenges and Our Golden Tips

As we saw in the news, the initial phase of the New Entry System in Portugal (EES) has been marked by long queues and delays at the main airports, including Lisbon. This is normal in large technological implementations, because the biometrics collection process takes longer than the old stamp.

To avoid stress and inconvenience, our Dicas de Lisboa team recommends:

• Arrive very in advance: If Lisbon Airport is your first entry point, consider arriving at the airport 3 to 4 hours before your flight, to have time in border control.

• Prepare the Documentation: Have the readable and valid passport (minimum 3 months after the expected departure date) ready. Make sure you can prove the purpose of your trip (hotel reservations, return ticket, etc.), if requested.

• Keep Patience: Remember that border agents are working with a new and complex system. Patience and cooperation are the key to speeding up the process.

Where To Find More Official Information

To make you feel safe and informed, we recommend that you always look for official sources:

• Visa Portal (Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros de Portugal):

  • Search for "EES" or "Entry/Exit System" for official announcements.

• Internal Security System (SSI):

  • Coordinating entity of the national implementation of the EES.

• Public Security Police (PSP):

  • The PSP is the authority that operates border control in Portugal.

• Official European Union Travel Portal (Travel Europe):

  • The European portal contains detailed information on the general operation of the EES and ETIAS.

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With all this information, your trip to Lisbon will be much more tranquillity. The New Entry System in Portugal (EES) is a step to the future and, despite the initial mishaps, promises more security and a more efficient registration for all of us.

Have a good trip and we look forward to seeing you in Lisbon!