Portugal has entered “a new era in border management” with the implementation of advanced control systems, according to a joint statement from all participating entities. The Internal Security System (SSI), through the Coordination Unit for Borders and Foreigners, which was established following the dissolution of the Foreigners and Borders Service, announced the developments.
The SSI noted these systems are part of the European Union’s digital transformation plan for border management, promising “more innovation, safety, and confidence.”
Starting today, these new systems are being installed at various air and sea border points. This initiative involves the GNR, PSP, airport and port infrastructure management entities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Agency for Immigration and Mobility (AIMA), and the National Internal Security Network (RNSI).
The systems being implemented are ‘VIS4’ (European Visa Information System), ‘PASSE+’ (National Air and Land Borders Control System), and the Border Portal.
The SSI emphasized that these systems offer a more automated, rigorous, and efficient management of entry and exit for both national and foreign citizens in the Schengen area, directly affecting visa control, biometric registration, and the movement records of third-country nationals.
Pedro Moura, the general coordinator of the Coordination Unit for Borders and Foreigners, stated in the communiqué that these systems are “crucial to ensure that Portugal can operate with state-of-the-art European systems at its borders, meeting the highest security and citizen service standards.”
The SSI also informed travelers that during the implementation phase, there might be longer processing times at document control checkpoints, particularly at international airports. However, significant constraints are not anticipated.
According to the Internal Security System, passengers can follow the process through the digital channels of the involved entities – SIS, PSP, GNR, AIMA, ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, MNE – as well as information provided at terminals.
