The new European border control system for non-EU citizens is now operational in Portugal and other Schengen countries, replacing the traditional passport stamps.
The Internal Security System (SSI) states that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) “applies to all non-EU citizens entering the territory for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), regardless of visa requirements.”
Today, on social media, the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) outlined the changes in border control. Here are the highlights:
- “Entries and exits of travelers from third countries are now electronically recorded (date, time, and border post);
- The EES replaces the manual passport stamping, modernizing and securing the control process;
- On first entry, four fingerprints and a photograph are taken, applicable from December;
- The system automatically identifies overstayers in the Schengen area;
- Information is shared in real-time with Schengen country authorities via a centralized, interoperable system with other European security databases (such as the Schengen Information System – SIS II – and the Visa Information System – VIS).”
Entrou hoje em vigor, em todos os países Schengen, o novo sistema europeu de controlo automatizado de fronteiras externas: EES.
Em Portugal, a implementação é coordenada pelo SSI, em articulação com a PSP, GNR, ANAC, ANA Aeroportos e Administrações Portuárias.#entryexitsystem pic.twitter.com/2CO3OvpU6n— PSP – Polícia de Segurança Pública (@PSP_Portugal) October 12, 2025
What are the benefits of the new system?
In the same post, PSP outlined three benefits of this new border control system for non-EU citizens, stating it provides “greater efficiency in controls, especially at airports and seaports,” enhances “internal security by preventing the use of fraudulent documents and irregular entries,” and offers “more accurate immigration management and quicker responses from authorities.”
The new European border control system for non-EU citizens begins operation today in Portugal and other Schengen countries, replacing traditional passport stamps.
Lusa | 06:16 – 12/10/2025
In Portugal, the system’s implementation is coordinated by the SSI in collaboration with PSP, the National Republican Guard (GNR), ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, port administrations, and the National Civil Aviation Authority.
