Airport biometric checks have expanded for many short-stay visitors
Portugal moved to full biometric registration for travellers covered by the EU Entry/Exit System on 6 September. Residence-permit and long-stay-visa holders are among the people exempt from EES registration.
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Archived 12 September 2026Visitors arriving from outside the EU may need more time for their first registered crossing, while Portuguese residents should carry the document that proves their exemption.
- EES records the entry and exit of covered non-EU nationals travelling for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- The system uses passport data, a facial image and fingerprints where required instead of relying only on a passport stamp.
- Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas are exempt from EES registration.
- A first registration or a document that cannot be read automatically may increase the time needed at border control.
Who should expect the new process
The Entry/Exit System applies to many third-country nationals entering participating European countries for a short stay. Portugal announced that the biometric collection stage for covered travellers became fully operational on 6 September at its international air borders.
This does not mean that every non-EU passport holder follows the same route. A valid residence permit or long-stay visa changes the position, as do EU free-movement rights and other stated exemptions. Border officers decide the applicable control from the traveller's documents and circumstances.
Prepare the arrival without creating unnecessary delay
A short-stay visitor should have the correct passport and the evidence normally needed for the journey. Allow extra time on a first EES crossing, particularly when several international flights arrive together.
A Portuguese resident should travel with a valid passport and residence document rather than expecting an airline booking or a digital photograph of the card to establish the exemption. If meeting someone at the airport, use live arrival information and leave margin for border processing before fixing onward transport.
What you can do now.
- 01
Identify whether the traveller is a short-stay visitor or holds a residence permit or long-stay visa.
- 02
Carry the original valid travel and residence documents needed for the crossing.
- 03
Allow additional time before a connection, transfer or fixed appointment after arrival.
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