“Travel to Europe” is the new app launched to speed up border control for passengers from third-party countries. According to a statement released this Tuesday, March 17, the goal is to make the entry process more efficient. Initially, the application will be used at Lisbon Airport. The app was developed under the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), which aims to make external border controls faster, more modern, and more efficient for non-EU travelers. The new system came into effect last autumn and caused significant delays for passengers, leading to its suspension in December after queues exceeded seven hours. With “Travel to Europe,” travelers can register up to 72 hours before their trip by entering personal data and answering a brief questionnaire about entry requirements. A QR code is then generated for use at self-service border control kiosks (SSK) upon arrival in Portugal. Use of the app is optional and does not replace standard border control procedures, but it allows information to be processed in advance to simplify the entry experience. The app is free and available for iOS and Android.
Portugal launches app to streamline airport border control
Tuesday, 17 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The Immigration Law is Portugal’s legal framework that governs entry, residency, asylum and deportation of non-nationals. It was amended by Law No. 61/2025 on October 22, 2025, after parts of an earlier draft were rejected by the Constitutional Court; the changes reorganise administrative responsibilities and introduce stricter control measures that affect visas, residency and family reunification processes.
