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Schengen Visa Updates 2025: What Travelers to Portugal Need to Know
The Schengen area implements new entry requirements in 2025, including the EES system, affecting how non-EU visitors enter Portugal and other member states.
Significant changes to the Schengen visa system and border controls are being implemented in 2025, affecting travelers to Portugal from outside the EU.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU Entry/Exit System is now operational at Portuguese border crossings:
- Biometric Registration: First-time visitors must register fingerprints and facial images
- Automated Tracking: System tracks entry and exit dates automatically
- 90/180 Day Rule: Enhanced monitoring of short-stay visa limits
ETIAS Implementation
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System affects visa-exempt travelers:
- Citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) must obtain ETIAS authorization
- Online application with €7 fee
- Valid for three years or until passport expiry
- Multiple entries permitted within validity period
Impact on Different Travelers
Short-Stay Visitors
- Must comply with EES registration
- ETIAS required for visa-exempt nationalities
- Stricter enforcement of 90-day limits
Residence Permit Holders
- Use dedicated lanes at border control
- Residence card serves as travel document within Schengen
- Not subject to ETIAS requirements
These changes aim to enhance border security while maintaining the benefits of the Schengen free-movement area.