Portugal begins collecting biometric data from non-EU citizens at airports

Portugal has begun collecting biometric data from all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps with a photograph and fingerprints.

The government said the new registration system would strengthen control and security at the European Union's external borders. Authorities have increased technological capacity and staffing at border points, while advising passengers to arrive at airports earlier to allow for the additional procedures.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the authorities had improved airport performance, particularly at the busiest airports in Lisbon, Faro and Porto. “We cannot say that all the limitations have been resolved, but we have improved very, very much in the performance of our airports, particularly those under the greatest pressure, such as Lisbon, Faro and Porto,” he said in comments cited by the government on social media.

The system caused disruption during its first months in Portugal. Airports experienced delays and long queues for passengers entering the country, with media reports saying waits reached as long as six hours. The government suspended the system at Lisbon airport for several months in December 2025 in response to the problems.

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We cannot say that all the limitations have been resolved, but we have improved very, very much in the performance of our airports, particularly those under the greatest pressure, such as Lisbon, Faro and Porto.