Traditional System of Passport Stamps will be replaced by centralized electronic records that include the collection of biometric data. The transition will take place phased over almost six months
The new European external border control system for extracommunity citizens will start operating from October 12 in Portugal and other countries of the Schengen space, authorities announced Monday.
“From October 12, 2025, Portugal will participate in the entry into operation of Entry/Exit System (EES), the new European Schengen Space Control System, which replaces traditional stamps in centralized electronics passports,” says, in a joint statement, the PSP and GNR, among other entities.
The entry into operation “will take place at the same time and in a phased manner, over almost six months, in all countries” that make up the Schengen space.
According to the note, the EES “applies to all citizens not belonging to the European Union, who enter the territory for short-term stays (up to 90 days within 180 days), regardless of needing a visa.”
Among the main changes in procedures are the “electronic registration of travelers’ entrances and exits, indicating the date, time and border post” and the “collection of biometric data (four fingerprints and photography) in the first entry”.
The system, which will operate at airports and ports, also allows the “automatic detection of overtaking the legal period of stay in the Schengen space”, as well as the interoperationality with “other European databases”.
“Regarding the current system, based on the manual passport stamp, EES will make it possible to detect false documents, irregular entries and other security threats, reinforcing the protection of external borders and improving automatic data cooperation and sharing between Member States,” the authorities maintain.
In Portugal, the implementation of the system is ensured by the SSI, in articulation with PSP, GNR, ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, Port Administrations and the National Civil Aviation Authority.
