The Portuguese government has announced the temporary suspension of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport for a period of three months.
The measure applies exclusively to Lisbon Airport and is intended to relieve pressure on passport control operations during peak travel periods.
During the suspension, border authorities will revert to traditional manual passport checks for non-EU travelers. Officials stress that the decision is temporary and aimed at stabilizing airport operations while technical and logistical adjustments are implemented.
Authorities say the rollout of the system has led to significant operational disruptions, with long queues and severe delays affecting non-EU travelers, who reportedly wait several hours to clear border controls.
Despite the pause in Lisbon, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System remains scheduled for full implementation across Schengen external borders in 2026.
The EES is a Schengen-wide digital border control system designed to electronically register the entry and exit of third-country nationals, including the collection of biometric data.
The decision has sparked political debate, with critics raising concerns about preparedness and coordination. The government maintains that the suspension is a pragmatic step to protect travelers and restore normal operations ahead of a more stable reintroduction of the system.
Travelers arriving in Lisbon over the next three months are advised to expect traditional passport checks, allow extra time upon arrival, and monitor official updates from Portuguese authorities and airlines.
To mitigate disruptions, the government has ordered reinforced border staffing, including the deployment of additional personnel from security forces, to ensure passenger flow while maintaining border security standards.
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing free movement between member states while maintaining a shared external border. To strengthen security and modernize border management at those external borders, the EU’s Entry/Exit System replaces manual passport stamping with electronic records that include biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images. The system is intended to improve efficiency, accurately track overstays, enhance security, and facilitate legitimate travel.
