New Biometric Checks for UK Tourists in Algarve & Portugal
The days of long queues at Algarve passport control are quickly becoming a thing of the past. So, what is stopping you to book your perfect place in the Algarve? Non-EU citizens will face new biometric border checks when entering and leaving the Algarve and other Schengen Area countries. This change is part of the European Union’s long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to strengthen border security.
What is the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is an automated system that will register non-EU nationals each time they cross an external EU border. It applies to all Schengen Area countries, including Portugal. The system replaces manual passport stamping and is intended to speed up processing for eligible travelers over time.
How EES Will Affect Your Trip to Portugal?
Before passing through passport control, non-EU travelers will be required to:
- Scan their passport.
- Provide four fingerprints.
- Have a facial photograph taken.
This process will also be repeated upon your departure from Portugal. While it may add minimal time initially, the EU expects it to streamline border crossings for frequent travelers once their biometrics are on file.
Who is exempt from the New EES Checks?
A key exemption applies to holders of a Portugal Golden Visa or a valid long-term residency permit. These individuals will be able to use dedicated lanes and bypass the additional EES biometric registration, moving through border control much faster.
Data Security and Full Implementation
All collected biometric data will be securely stored by the EU for three years from the traveler’s last departure from the Schengen Area. The EU expects the EES soon to be fully operational across all member states.
So, what is stopping you to visit the Algarve and book your perfect place in the Algarve right here now with us.
