“The technical and coordination challenge of this evolution cannot, however, sideline the need for these entities to ensure passengers a maximum wait time at borders, similar to the service levels required for processes under ANA’s responsibility,” indicated a response to Lusa.
The PSP acknowledged that today is “a critical day” at Lisbon airport, with passengers from outside the European Union (EU) waiting more than 90 minutes at departures and arrivals due to the new control system.
Since Sunday, the new European border control system for non-EU citizens has been operational in Portugal and other Schengen area countries, where entries and exits of third-country travelers are recorded electronically, providing the date, time, and border post details, replacing traditional passport stamps.
ANA — Aeroportos de Portugal stated that many RAPID systems, which automatically recognize passengers, “have been experiencing operational issues.”
The airport manager assured collaboration with authorities to support passengers “within its capabilities,” providing water and food.
Moreover, it expressed the hope that the reinforcement of resources by competent entities would allow the “implementation of a maximum wait time commitment at the country’s borders.”
On Monday, the Internal Security System (SSI) highlighted the successful launch of the new system, but today the situation changed, with tens of thousands of non-EU foreign citizens at departures and arrivals at Lisbon airport.
According to the head of the National Unit of Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) of the PSP, Tuesday is the busiest day for flights to and from outside the Schengen area (European area of free movement of people and goods), and the new Entry/Exit System (EES) requires “more processing time at the border.”
“Today, considering the period I have been in these functions, for over a year, is the most challenging day to date due to the volume of passengers at departures and arrivals, which is requiring a great effort and commitment of resources,” stressed João Ribeiro.
The deputy national director of the Public Security Police emphasized that “anything over 90 minutes” constitutes a “risk for passengers, the experience is negative, flights are missed, and flights can be canceled.”
The system, operational at airports and ports, also allows the “automatic detection of overstaying the legal period in the Schengen area,” as well as interoperability with “other European databases.”
In Portugal, the system’s implementation is ensured by the SSI, in coordination with the PSP, GNR, ANA, port administrations, and the National Civil Aviation Authority.
