Latest news and stories about border control in europe in Portugal for expats and residents.
The European Union is rolling out a new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) at borders, which is expected to cause significant travel disruptions. Airports in Portugal, including Lisbon and Faro, may face long queues and flight delays as the new digital verification process is implemented during the busy summer season.
The European Commission has confirmed that Portugal will temporarily suspend the collection of biometric data for the Entry/Exit System (EES) at national airports when necessary. The measure aims to prevent excessive queues during peak travel times, with the government notifying Brussels of the planned suspensions.
The Entry/Exit System (Sistema de Entrada/Saída or EES) is an automated IT system for registering travelers from non-EU countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travelers, each time they cross an EU external border. It replaces the manual stamping of passports and is designed to improve security and identify overstayers within the Schengen Area.
A December audit by the European Commission identified serious deficiencies in border control procedures at Lisbon and Porto airports. Brussels warned that these failures could negatively impact other European Union member states and compromise security. Separately, local authorities in Horta have expressed concern over operational restrictions imposed by the National Civil Aviation Authority (Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil or ANAC) that are forcing flight diversions.
ANAC (Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil) is Portugal's national civil aviation regulator, responsible for safety oversight, licensing and economic regulation of airlines, airports and ground-handling services. It oversees tenders and issues licences such as the recent ground-handling awards for Lisbon, Porto and Faro, so its decisions directly affect airport operations, service providers and related jobs.
The European Union is implementing a new entry control model featuring screening centres and return hubs as part of the upcoming European Pact on Migration and Asylum, aimed at accelerating deportations and harmonising migration procedures.
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.
Portugal has temporarily suspended passport checks for British travellers to alleviate significant airport congestion and border delays, reflecting broader systemic challenges within the Schengen Area.
An analysis of the logistical failures and administrative challenges surrounding the implementation of the EU's Entry/Exit System at Portuguese borders, focusing on the impact on travelers and the resulting airport disruptions.
Portuguese authorities have officially declined requests to suspend the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at airports during the peak summer season, maintaining their commitment to the new regulatory framework despite concerns over potential travel disruptions.
Greece has joined a growing coalition of European nations supporting Jet2's call to suspend the Entry/Exit System (EES) to prevent potential travel disruptions and ensure a seamless experience for UK tourists.
Greece has joined a growing coalition of European nations, including Germany, Spain, and France, in implementing measures to streamline border processes for UK travelers by reducing reliance on biometric entry systems, aiming to enhance overall travel efficiency within the Schengen Area.
Biometric data collection for departures at major Portuguese airports was temporarily suspended on April 11 to mitigate severe passenger delays, but has since resumed full operations under the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
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.
António José Seguro concludes his first five-day Open Presidency, focusing on the Leiria district to address the aftermath of severe February weather and hear local grievances.
Home News Border control at Faro airport improving? Border control at Faro airport improving?
Home News New EU border technology goes live across Europe New EU border technology goes live across Europe A major upgrade to the European Union’s border and migration infrastructure came into effect on June 12, introducing new digital tools designed to help authorities access information more e
Frontex recorded 39,000 irregular crossings of the EU's external borders — a reduction that reflects ongoing cooperation with partner countries. The corridor from Libya to Crete remains active.
The European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, believes that Portugal has made “significant progress in recent weeks” regarding the new European border control system, stating that an increase in resources has allowed for the overcoming of “initial problems”. “There were some problems at the beginning because there was not enough staff or equipment. But now, Portugal...
Magnus Brunner argued that, overall, the new border control system “is working well,” noting that there are European airports where “the average processing time is 30 seconds.”
The new Pact on Migration and Asylum becomes mandatory this Friday across the EU. Magnus Brunner, in an interview, also welcomes “significant progress” by Portugal in border control.
Starting Friday, there will be mandatory screening of migrants at the EU's external border, including a rapid assessment to determine if an asylum application can proceed or is inadmissible.
The pact becomes mandatory in all member states, introducing a profound reform in border control.
Regarding asylum, the draft law aims to reform the procedures for assessing international protection applications, as well as amending procedural deadlines.
The Minister of the Presidency considers that the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which has now entered into force, will stem illegal immigration towards Europe and strengthen regular immigration channels.
Home News British passengers warned of long queues at EU airports British passengers warned of long queues at EU airports British travellers planning to visit European destinations during the summer are being formally warned of the likelihood of queues lasting up to six hours at border controls i
António Assis Teixeira, European correspondent for CNN Portugal, spoke about the European Commission's support for Portugal in the area of border control.
The data was released this Thursday by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Magnus Brunner.
With major EU migration reforms under way, “it's the right time” to phase out controls, migration commissioner says.
The European Commission is deploying 25 border guards and providing eight million euros in funding to assist Portugal with border control operations.
The European Commission announced today that it has mobilised 25 Frontex agents and approximately eight million euros in infrastructure to support Portugal in border management, following issues identified with the new EU Entry/Exit System.
