UK Foreign Office updates Portugal travel advice with EES guidance for British tourists

Travelers can use the EU's mobile app to complete an entry questionnaire before arriving in Portugal

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for British tourists heading to Portugal, with additional information on the European Entry/Exit System (EES). The advice also covers Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores.

According to the UK Foreign Office, travelers can use the EU's Travel to Europe mobile application to complete an entry questionnaire before departure.

"Prior to traveling to Portugal, you can use the EU's Travel to Europe mobile application to complete an entry questionnaire. The application is optional, but it can help you save time and speed up border checks."

What to expect at the border

The EES is now being implemented across the Schengen area, replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports for short-stay visitors. Travelers across Europe have reported lengthy queues at passport control, and some have missed flights as a result.

On your first visit to a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. You should follow directions from your travel operator or staff at your port of entry.

You may also need to provide a fingerprint or photo when leaving the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned, but may still be required to have their photo taken.

No action is required before arriving at the border, but travelers should be prepared to wait longer than usual and allow extra time for immigration controls on departure.

How long does the EES record last

The Foreign Office guidance states that your digital EES record is valid for three years. Long-term residents of a Schengen country are exempt from EES across all Schengen countries. A full list of exemptions is available on the EU's official Travel Europe website.

The Schengen countries affected by the EES include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

ETIAS expected in autumn 2026

The EES is part of broader EU efforts to strengthen border security. From autumn 2026, the EU is expected to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

No action is required from travelers at this point. The EU will announce the specific start date before ETIAS goes live. Once introduced, UK passport holders without a visa or residence permit will need to apply for authorization before entering the Schengen area.

General travel advice

The Foreign Office advises travelers heading abroad to research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance. Coverage should include your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency.