Latest news and stories about schengen in europe in Portugal for expats and residents.
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.
The EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) — which now obliges over a third of non‑EU nationals entering the Schengen area to submit extra personal and biometric data — has provoked a standoff between airports and Brussels. Airports warn of operational strain, higher costs and longer processing times amid limited staff and technical readiness; EU institutions argue the measure is necessary to improve border security, migration management and traveller rights. The dispute highlights tensions between security aims, data‑protection concerns and practical implementation challenges that could affect expats, short‑term visitors and airlines alike.
Europe is facing a serious security risk. Former Russian combatants involved in the aggression against Ukraine represent an increasingly significant threat.
A surprise inspection carried out 4 months ago revealed 14 deficiencies at the country's main airport. Failures regarding human resources, equipment, and inspections carried out by the PSP are causing concern in Brussels.
A lack of staff to detect document fraud or screen all passengers from outside the Schengen Area are examples of the 14 flaws detected. Luís Neves is concerned but is “seeking solutions”.
Bruno Retailleau, leader of the Republican Party, has promised to re-establish border controls and ostracise Spain after Sánchez launched a mass regularisation of undocumented immigrants.
The National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAV) expressed concern on Monday, the 20th, regarding the implementation of the new border control system at Portuguese airports, calling for urgent coordination among authorities. The association warned that there is a serious risk of increased queues at border controls with the full entry into force of this new European system, which aims to strengthen security and control of entries and exits in the Schengen area. ANAV highlighted that the implementation has revealed constraints in several countries, including Portugal, and raised doubts about the response capacity of national airports, especially after the temporary suspension of biometric data collection at departures due to long wait times. The association noted that these issues negatively affect the customer experience and increase assistance costs, a situation further aggravated by weaknesses in the handling sector. ANAV president Miguel Quintas called for an urgent, coordinated response from the Government and relevant authorities to ensure the normal functioning of national airports. The European Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces passport stamps with digital biometric registration for non-EU citizens, has been in full operation across the EU since April 10th.
Home News EES led to 27,000 entry refusals EES led to 27,000 entry refusals Data from the European Commission reveal that the Entry/Exit System (EES) recorded more than 27,000 refusals at entry in Schengen Area countries. By Bruno G.
Following months of testing and long queues at Lisbon Airport, Portugal joins the full implementation of the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) this Friday, April 10. The initiative strengthens border monitoring for the Schengen Area, making digital registration mandatory for foreign citizens. European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podestà stated that the system is performing well, with over 45 million entries and exits recorded during the trial period, though some member states have faced technical implementation difficulties. Portugal previously experienced significant delays and chaos, leading to a temporary suspension of the system in December, which was quietly resumed in January. Authorities noted that if excessive wait times occur, particularly during the summer, member states may opt to suspend biometric data registration.
The European Union's automated system replaces passport stamps with digital registration of biometric data
In five months, more than 45 million entries and exits were recorded. There were 24,000 entry refusals, of which more than 600 would have posed a security threat to the European Union.
The new European Entry/Exit System requires digital registration for non-EU citizens in the Schengen area. Airlines and airports warn that the final phase arrives on April 9th, during the peak of Easter travel.
European Union (EU) airports and airlines warned today of waiting times exceeding two hours at border controls for third-country citizens during Easter week.
Expected delays are due to “operational problems” with the implementation of the new European access mechanism.
European Union (EU) airports and airlines have warned of wait times exceeding two hours for non-EU citizens at border controls during the Easter period. These delays are attributed to operational issues with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which completes its implementation phase on April 9. Industry bodies ACI Europe and A4E are calling for an extension of the system's suspension flexibility, citing staff shortages and technical issues, as the transition period ends during the peak Easter travel season.
The disappearance of a bank card revealed that he had a pending arrest warrant.
A new application is being introduced to help travellers pass through EU borders more quickly.
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.
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.
Demobilized Russian fighters could pose crime and security risks for the EU's Schengen free-movement area, northern and eastern capitals warn.
Given the island's proximity to the European Union's structure, as it is part of the Schengen Area and a member of the European Economic Area, it “will not be complicated” to conclude the accession process, with “quite rapid” negotiations expected, says the Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Home News EES delay postpones ETIAS EES delay postpones ETIAS Travellers planning to visit the Schengen Area, including Portugal and Spain, have gained an unexpected respite from the bureaucratic calendar.
Home News ETIAS is delayed. What are the new rules? ETIAS is delayed.
Home News ETIAS delayed until 2027 ETIAS delayed until 2027 The European Union has confirmed that the EU Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will not become mandatory until at least spring 2027, giving UK travellers another year of trips to the continent without hassle.
