Latest news and stories about border control in Portugal for expats and residents.
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A new application is being introduced to help travellers pass through EU borders more quickly.
Portugal has launched the “Travel to Europe” mobile application, developed by the European border agency Frontex, to streamline entry for non-EU citizens. The app allows travelers to submit data in advance, helping to avoid the long queues seen at border controls (controlo de fronteiras) last year. Non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area (Espaço Schengen) should download the app to speed up their arrival.
Frontex's 'Travel to Europe' app has been available at Lisbon Airport since Monday. It generates a QR code after a questionnaire and can be used up to 72 hours before travel.
Portugal has introduced a new European mobile app, “Travel to Europe,” aimed at reducing border control queues at Lisbon airport. The app allows travelers from third countries to pre-register their personal and travel information up to 72 hours before arrival, helping to expedite border checks. Initially available only at Lisbon, the system is part of efforts to address delays caused by the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which faced processing issues. Despite the app being optional, it aims to streamline in-person border procedures. Recent assessments highlighted serious deficiencies in Lisbon's border security, prompting urgent measures including a temporary suspension of the EES and increased security personnel to manage queues and improve control.
Portugal has introduced a new European-wide mobile application designed to streamline and speed up border control processes. This initiative aims to enhance travel efficiency across borders within the European Union, reducing wait times and improving the overall border crossing experience for travelers. The app represents Portugal's effort to modernize border management and facilitate smoother mobility within Europe.
Allows users to complete a questionnaire up to 72 hours before boarding at any airport.
“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.
Home News EES system detected 4000 overstays EES system detected 4000 overstays The European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) has already detected 4000 travellers overstaying in the Schengen Area. By Bruno G.
With the Middle East plunged into a new conflict and the shadow of a humanitarian crisis growing, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued an urgent warning to European leaders: the EU must activate all diplomatic mechanisms and strategic partnerships to prevent instability from turning into an uncontrolled wave of migration towards Europe. In a letter to the 27 member states ahead of their meeting in Brussels, Von der Leyen stressed the need to collaborate with regional partners like Turkey, Lebanon, and Pakistan to mitigate potential migratory flows. She highlighted the precarious situation of four million Afghans in Iran and the displacement of over 800,000 people in Lebanon due to Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. The Commission President also called for constructive engagement with Syria regarding stabilisation and refugee returns, while noting that the EU is closely monitoring the Western Balkans and preparing a new Mediterranean Pact to manage migration.
Attempts to reform EU migration rules date back to the 2015 refugee crisis, but there are doubts about how the new rules will fare under new pressure.
Home News AIMA affects border control in Portugal Airports AIMA affects border control in Portugal Airports A failure in the AIMA data centre affected border control at all Portuguese airports with international flights. By Bruno G.
“By summer” is the new deadline for completing the hearing room where judges will be able to interview foreign nationals barred at Lisbon Airport. ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal states that the project is in the contracting phase and expects the renovation to be finished by summer. The room, proposed by the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM), is at least a year behind schedule due to bureaucratic delays and disputes over responsibilities between the police, the Ministry of Justice, and airport management. Currently, 1,867 passengers were denied entry in 2025, and the new facility aims to ensure that the legal right of these individuals to be heard by a judge is upheld more efficiently, preventing cases where people are deported before their legal proceedings can be completed.
The “rapid” border control computer system has been inoperable since this morning. It is the passport reading system used at airports.
There is a risk of a resurgence in a climate of intolerance, increased refusals of entry into Portugal for those 'suspected' of being would‑be immigrants, and frequent police operations by the UNEF. Opinion by Carlos Vianna
Police continue to protest the lack of recognition and proper professional standing for officers posted at Lisbon Airport. The plenary meeting is taking place this morning at the Border Control police station.
Estonia urged EU Member States to follow its example and ban the entry into the Schengen Area of any Russian citizen who has fought against Ukraine.
PS leader José Luís Carneiro argued on Tuesday that Portugal never had open borders, calling that claim a 'lie told a thousand times' by the Government and its allies and challenging them to a 'serious debate' on immigration. 'A lie told a thousand times does not become the truth. And what ...'
PS leader José Luís Carneiro condemned Government claims that Portugal has 'open borders' as a 'lie told a thousand times', arguing the country never had open borders, rejecting any link between immigration and insecurity, and challenging the Government to a serious debate on immigration policy.
The PSP reports it detained 343 people at air borders last year, 86 more than in 2024.
In 2025, 343 people were detained at air borders for offences involving false documentation or to serve international warrants. This figure is higher than in 2024, when there were 257 detentions.
Decisions to bar foreign nationals from the country more than doubled in 2025, rising from 110 in 2024 to 292, according to PSP data.
Detentions carried out by the PSP at air borders across all Portuguese airports rose by 34% last year compared with 2024, and entry bans to the country more than doubled, the police revealed today.
Entry bans imposed in Portugal doubled in 2025. Detentions at air borders rose by 34%.
Reports indicate 24 National Republican Guard (GNR) personnel were assigned to reinforce border checks at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport to help reduce queues and bolster security. The GNR later clarified the 24 officers will be deployed as reinforcements from next Tuesday; the airport had previously been reinforced by 25 GNR personnel at 19:00 and around 80 PSP officers over the Christmas period.
