The introduction of the entry and exit control system to the European Union has jeopardized Portugal's participation in the Schengen area. Find out what risks the country faced and how they were overcome

Few weeks ago, the whole of Europe was shaken by the statement of the Portuguese minister, Antonio Leitau Amaral, that Portugal may be excluded from the Schengen zone already this summer. However, a few days ago, the spokesperson of the European Commission reassured the public, denying such a possibility.

Why was Portugal threatened with exclusion from the Schengen area and what has changed? We will find out further. 

How did Portugal end up under the threat of exclusion from the EU?

EU countries are actively preparing to introduce the EES entry and exit control system to the European Union in October 2024, and in 6 months to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). These technologies are designed to make entering and staying in the region safer: 

- EES will replace the physical stamping of passports of citizens of countries that have the right to visa-free entry to the EU during passport control upon arrival in the region. With the help of the EES system, certain information about foreigners entering the EU will be registered: passport data and biometric information (fingerprints and facial photos).

- The ETIAS system will require foreigners who are citizens of non-EU countries, but are entitled to visa-free entry to the region, to go through the registration procedure before traveling, to pay a visa fee of 7 euros and to obtain an appropriate permit. 

Such changes in the EU entry/exit system require the installation of new digital and biometric border control systems, which must be tested by July 2024. Taking into account that Portugal experienced certain difficulties in arranging checkpoints, Minister Antonio Leitau Amaral expressed his fears that if the state does not meet the conditions in time, it may be excluded from the Schengen zone altogether. 

What has changed? 

The other day, the spokesman of the European Commission said that he rejects such a scenario, because the organization cooperates with all EU member states, including Portugal, in the framework of the implementation of new systems, and there is no scenario of excluding any country from the Schengen zone.

In Portugal, there were some problems related to the procurement of equipment that could cause delays. Such developments could jeopardize the free movement of people and force the reintroduction of internal border controls as well as controls in other Member States for people traveling to and from Portugal. However, they were overcome, in particular, the Government of Portugal fulfills its obligations and makes every effort to ensure that Portugal is part of the new system of entry and exit control to the European Union. Portugal is catching up with the delays, keeping the government, the Commission, relevant agencies and European partners informed every step of the way. Considering this, Portugal is no longer in danger of being excluded from the Schengen zone. 

We will remind you that we previously talked about the changes that will take place in the coming months in the system of entry and exit from the EU and what exactly tourists and expats will need to consider when traveling to the region.

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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