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The Lisboeta

PSP screened over 11 million passengers at Lisbon airport

Wednesday, 14 January 2026AI summary

📍 Lisbon 🏛️ Government 🧭 Travel #airport-security #public-safety #psp #border-control

PSP screened over 11 million passengers at Lisbon airport

Portuguese outlets report the Public Security Police (PSP) screened more than 11 million passengers at Lisbon airport in 2025, refusing entry to 1,867 people and detaining 263; separate reporting says PSP identifies an average of about 70 suspicious international passengers a day. Coverage combines national totals with daily operational figures and highlights intensified checks on arrivals. Travelers should note increased security controls may mean longer queues and documentary checks at Lisbon airport — carry ID and travel papers and allow extra time for arrivals and departures.

Context & Explainers

The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).

PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.