Latest news and stories about biometrics in europe in Portugal for expats and residents.
The European Commission has granted Portugal the authority to temporarily suspend biometric border control systems at airports, with the Ministry of Internal Administration clarifying that the PSP holds the operational decision-making power for these short-term measures.
CNN journalist Clarissa Ward reports significant travel chaos and long queues at Lisbon Airport attributed to the implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System biometric scanning requirements.
The European Union has fully implemented its new Entry/Exit System, replacing physical passport stamps with mandatory digital biometric registration for non-EU citizens to enhance Schengen Area border security.
RENA – The Association of Airline Companies in Portugal argues that the European Union should continue to allow the temporary suspension of the border control system involving biometric data collection at airports, granting governments greater decision-making latitude. “We believe that the situation has since improved and there are more resources to respond to potential...”
The iconic passport stamps, often seen as travel mementos, have been permanently discontinued for arrivals in Portugal. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully implemented this Sunday, September 6th. Following months of testing and adjustments to address initial long queues for Schengen Area arrivals, the government warns that longer wait times may still occur, particularly for non-Schengen flights. The executive branch states it is continuously monitoring the system to improve procedures and technology, aiming for greater efficiency without compromising border security. Stamps are being replaced by biometric data collection, including facial images and fingerprints. This measure is part of a broader European Union initiative to strengthen border control, allowing for the tracking of travel documents and stay durations across 29 European countries, excluding Ireland and Cyprus.
The European Commission indicates that Portugal has the option to pause biometric data collection at airports should the need arise.
Problems with biometric data collection are not limited to Portuguese airports. Long waiting times at border controls are occurring across Europe, and the Airports Council International has already requested that the European Commission consider suspending the checks entirely.
