Travel to the Schengen Area
Consult all the information you need for your trip to one of the Member Countries.
EES: the new European Entry / Exit system
The Entry / Exit System (EES) is the new European border control system for registering the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling* to Europe for a short stay (up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period).
* Non-EU nationals: travellers not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
As of 12 October 2025, the EES is being gradually introduced at the external border crossing points of the 29 European countries. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational.
Non-EU nationals must provide their personal data whenever they reach the external borders of European countries using the EES.
This system aims to make border controls safer and more efficient, replacing manual passport stamping with an automated digital registration system.
To whom does the EES apply?
Non-EU nationals, regardless of whether they need a short-stay visa or they are visa-free travellers, for a short stay (up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period).
What data is collected by the EES?
- Personal data from the travel document, such as full name, date of birth, nationality;
- Date and place of each entry to and exit from the 29 European countries using the EES;
- Biometric data such as facial image and / or fingerprints;
- Information on refused entry, if applicable.
How does EES registration work?
To register in the EES, the traveller must present their travel documents and provide biometric data.
Registration can be completed at a physical booth at the border or at a self-service kiosk. Self-service kiosks are available only to passengers with biometric passports and do not replace final validation by border officers. In addition, travellers covered by the EES can use the Travel to Europe app to pre-register part of their travel information before arriving at border control, making the entry process more efficient.
Travel to Europe: pre-register before departure / arrival
If you are travelling to Portugal and are covered by the EES, you can use the Travel to Europe app to pre-register part of your travel information before arriving at border control.
Through the app, travellers can:
- Enter their personal and travel details in advance;
- Complete a brief questionnaire on entry requirements for Europe;
- This can be done up to 72 hours before travel, thereby reducing the time spent at border control.
Once completed, a QR code is generated, which is then validated at self-service kiosks (when available on arrival in Portugal) or at a physical booth by border officers.
Physical booth
Step-by-step
Step 1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
The traveller presents their travel documents and personal data (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) directly to the passport control officer. The passport control officer collects biometric data (facial image and / or fingerprints), recording them in the EES.
Step 2 - Confirmation and decision
The passport control officer checks the collected data, asks any further questions, and grants or refuses entry into the Schengen Area by completing the registration in the system.
Step 1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
The traveller presents their travel documents and personal data (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) directly to the passport control officer. The passport control officer collects biometric data (facial image and / or fingerprints), recording them in the EES.
Step 2 - Confirmation and decision
The passport control officer checks the collected data, asks any further questions, and grants or refuses entry into the Schengen Area by completing the registration in the system.
Self-service kiosk
Step-by-step
Step 1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
If the traveller has completed pre-registration in the Travel to Europe app, they must use the QR code at the self-service kiosks to continue the process. Otherwise, they should follow the on-screen instructions to enter their personal details (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) and biometric data. The information will then be verified by a border officer.
Step 2 - Confirmation and decision
After using the self-service system, the traveller goes to a border control lane. The passport control officer confirms all the collected data. The passport control officer asks any further questions and grants or refuses entry by completing the registration on the EES.
Step 1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
If the traveller has completed pre-registration in the Travel to Europe app, they must use the QR code at the self-service kiosks to continue the process. Otherwise, they should follow the on-screen instructions to enter their personal details (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) and biometric data. The information will then be verified by a border officer.
Step 2 - Confirmation and decision
After using the self-service system, the traveller goes to a border control lane. The passport control officer confirms all the collected data. The passport control officer asks any further questions and grants or refuses entry by completing the registration on the EES.
Refer to EES frequently asked questions
Schengen Area Travel Requirements
Nationals of countries outside the European Community (EC) transiting between two Schengen Member States must hold a Schengen visa.
Please see below for nationalities that require a visa and those that do not for entry into the Schengen Area. Find out more about entering the Schengen Area.