Portugal has suspended the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) at Lisbon Airport for three months, following weeks of extreme congestion. Moreover, airlines and travelers also pressed authorities for action. Consequently, officials have reinstated manual passport checks while they work on a solution.
Specifically, the suspension impacts Portugal’s main airport, the Humberto Delgado Airport. Aviation data reports that previously, the airport welcomed over 33 million passengers in 2024. But the government notes that the EES has only strained its existing border control capacity.
What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
Overall, the Entry/Exit System, known as EES, is a cornerstone of the EU’s smart borders plan. In particular, it replaces passport stamping with biometric registration for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area. Specifically, border officers record fingerprints, facial images, and entry and exit dates.
The European Union designed the system to improve security and track overstays. In theory, it should also speed up border checks once fully operational. However, initial rollouts across Europe have proven challenging.
Why Lisbon Struggled With the Rollout
Problems emerged quickly once the EES launched at Lisbon Airport. For example, biometric registration added processing time per passenger, according to airport estimates. Moreover, during peak arrival hours, those extra seconds compounded into hours-long queues.
In some cases, waiting times exceeded four hours, particularly for long-haul arrivals. Consequently, travelers missed onward connections and crowded terminal corridors. Airlines also reported delays cascading across their networks.
Moreover, Lisbon Airport already operates near capacity. Although staffing levels increased, infrastructure limitations remained. Therefore, authorities concluded that continuing EES risked further disruption.
Portugal to Suspend EES
In response, Portugal’s government announced the suspension as a temporary but necessary step. Officials emphasized that the move aims to protect passengers and restore airport efficiency. Importantly, the suspension will last three months, with a review before reinstatement.
A spokesperson for Portugal’s Internal Administration Ministry said the pause allows targeted improvements.
“The government has decided to suspend, with immediate effect and for three months, the application of the Entry Exit System (EES) computer system and to increase by approximately 30% the capacity of electronic and physical equipment for controlling external borders at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon,” noted the Ministry in a statement.
“It was also decided to immediately reinforce the human resources operating at the airport, using the certified capacity of the National Republican Guard in border control.”
“The decision to temporarily suspend the EES was taken under the relevant European regulations, given the worsening constraints in the ‘arrivals area’ of Lisbon airport with non-European passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area.”
Meanwhile, the government has deployed extra border officers and upgraded equipment. Officials are also refining procedures to reduce processing time per traveler. As a result, authorities hope to relaunch EES smoothly later this year.
Three-Hour Delays And Broader Impact
For now, travelers entering Portugal will see familiar passport checks while the EES is suspended. Notably, this change has already shortened queues at Lisbon Airport. Nevertheless, officials continue advising passengers to arrive early.
Meanwhile, airlines welcomed the suspension, albeit cautiously. Several carriers warned that prolonged delays could harm Portugal’s tourism reputation. However, they acknowledged that an unstable rollout posed greater risks.
According to tourism data, Portugal welcomed 26.5 million international visitors in 2023. Tourism accounts for roughly 15% of the national GDP. Therefore, airport efficiency carries significant economic importance.
How Other Countries Are Handling EES
Portugal’s pause contrasts with approaches elsewhere in Europe. For instance, Finland continues phased implementation at regional airports. Finnish authorities introduced EES gradually, starting with pilot operations.
For instance, at Lapland airports, border agencies tested biometric systems during off-peak seasons. Notably, this strategy reduced pressure on staff and infrastructure. Consequently, queues remained manageable during the initial rollout.
European officials say such phased approaches may offer lessons. However, they also stress that airport layouts and traffic volumes differ widely. Therefore, no single model fits every gateway.
EU Oversight and Broader Implications
As a result, the European Commission is monitoring Portugal’s decision closely. While EES rules allow temporary operational adjustments, long-term suspension raises concerns. Still, Brussels has not indicated any immediate enforcement action.
Analysts say Lisbon’s experience highlights the system’s growing pains. Large hubs face tougher challenges than smaller regional airports. Yet, the EU maintains that EES remains essential for border modernization.
In addition, security experts note that overstays currently account for a significant share of irregular migration. Correspondingly, the EES aims to close that gap by providing real-time data. Thus, successful implementation remains a strategic priority.
What Happens Next
Portugal plans to use the suspension period to prepare for a relaunch. Authorities are reviewing staffing models and terminal layouts. Additionally, they are testing additional self-service biometric kiosks.
If improvements succeed, the EES could return before the summer travel peak. This timing matters, since Lisbon handles heavy seasonal traffic. But officials say they will not resume the system without confidence in performance.
Overall, for travelers, clarity remains key. Airports and airlines are expected to communicate updates frequently. Meanwhile, passengers should continue checking official guidance before flying.
Test Case for Europe’s Smart Borders
Portugal’s decision underscores the complexity of modern border reforms. While technology promises efficiency, execution remains critical. Lisbon Airport has become a test case for Europe’s smart borders ambitions.
If Portugal resolves its challenges, others may follow its example. If not, pressure could mount to rethink rollout strategies. Either way, the next three months will shape the future of EES across Europe.
