EES and ETIAS: New EU Entry Systems

Beginning on 12 October 2025, Portugal will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace traditional passport stamps with digital border records at all Schengen external borders. The new system applies to non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, regardless of whether a visa is required.

The EES will electronically record the date, time, and location of each entry and exit, while also collecting biometric data, including four fingerprints and a facial image, upon a traveler’s first entry. This digital system will automatically detect overstays and enhance border management by being interoperable with other EU databases, such as SIS II and VIS4EES.

In addition to EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in late 2026. ETIAS will serve as an electronic travel authorization for citizens of visa-exempt countries who wish to travel to the Schengen Area for short stays.

Travelers will need to apply for ETIAS if they are not EU citizens, are nationals of a visa-exempt country under the Schengen Agreement, plan to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and do not hold a residence permit issued by a Schengen country.

For travelers from non-visa-exempt countries, a visa issued by Portugal or another Schengen country will continue to be required for entry and short stays.

To enter Portugal (or any other Schengen Area country), travelers must hold either a valid visa or, for visa-exempt nationalities, an ETIAS travel authorization once the system becomes active.

Below are some examples of countries and their entry requirements for Portugal. To learn more about the specific requirements that apply to you, contact us.

South Africa – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)
Turkey – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)
United States – Visa not required; ETIAS will apply (when active)
Hong Kong – Visa not required; ETIAS will apply (when active)
China – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)
India – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)
Pakistan – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)
Lebanon – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)
Russia – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)
Vietnam – Visa required (ETIAS not applicable)

Both EES and ETIAS are designed to modernize border management, improve security, and streamline entry processes into the Schengen Area. However, travelers and businesses should ensure they understand these new procedures and prepare for compliance ahead of their introduction.