A joint statement from SSI, PSP, and GNR notes that the Entry/Exit System (EES) was successfully launched on Sunday across all 29 Schengen area member states.
On the first day of operation, Portugal achieved the highest number of records in Europe, with 10,774 registered crossings, including 10,749 at air borders and 25 at sea borders, according to the same statement.
The new European border control system for non-EU citizens began operations on Sunday in Portugal and other Schengen countries, recording traveler entries and exits from third countries electronically, noting the date, time, and border post, replacing the traditional passport stamps.
According to the SSI, Lisbon recorded the highest number of entries, with 5,751, followed by Faro with 3,065 and Porto with 1,441.
“The EES marks a historic milestone in the management of the European Union’s external borders and a fundamental step in the modernization and digitalization of border control. It will gradually replace the old manual passport stamping procedures with an automated electronic registry, contributing to a more rigorous, efficient, and secure control,” the statement mentions.
The SIS also points out that with the launch of this system, “the European Union takes a decisive step in strengthening internal security and preventing irregular immigration.”
The system, operational at airports and ports, allows “automatic detection of overstays in the Schengen area” and ensures interoperability with “other European databases.”
According to the SSI, information is shared in real-time with Schengen countries’ authorities through a centralized and interoperable system with other European security databases (such as the Schengen Information System (SIS II) and the Visa Information System (VIS)).
In Portugal, the implementation of the system is managed by SSI in coordination with PSP, GNR, ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, port administrations, and the National Civil Aviation Authority.
