EES and ETIAS: The New EU Border Rules for Portugal (2026)
Two new EU border systems affect travel to Portugal. The Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on 10 April 2026 and now records your entries and exits digitally instead of stamping your passport. ETIAS, a separate travel authorisation, is expected in the last quarter of 2026 and will cost 20 euros.
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System is an EU wide database that records when non EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen area, including Portugal. It launched on 10 April 2026 and replaces the old passport stamp with a digital record of your name, travel document, fingerprints and a photo. It works at the border on arrival, so expect to register your biometrics the first time you cross.
What is ETIAS, and how is it different?
ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa, for visa exempt visitors such as Americans, Britons and Canadians. It is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, with a grace period into 2027. It costs 20 euros, is free for under 18s and over 70s, and is linked to your passport for up to three years. You apply online before you travel.
| EES | ETIAS | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Digital entry and exit record at the border | Pre travel authorisation applied for online |
| Who | All non EU travellers | Visa exempt non EU visitors |
| When | Live since 10 April 2026 | Expected Q4 2026 |
| Cost | Free | 20 euros (free under 18 and over 70) |
Do these replace a residence visa?
No, and this matters. EES and ETIAS are for short visits, up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. If you are moving to Portugal you still need a residence visa such as the D7 or D8, then a residence permit. Once you hold a Portuguese residence permit, ETIAS does not apply to you.
Not sure whether you need ETIAS or a residence visa? That is exactly the kind of thing the Discovery Plan clears up, so you stop second guessing which rules apply to your situation.
What should movers actually do?
If you are visiting to scout before you move, you will register under EES at the border now, and from late 2026 you will likely need ETIAS too, so check before you fly. If you are relocating, focus on your residence visa rather than ETIAS, because the permit route is what lets you stay beyond 90 days. Our scouting trip guide walks through planning that first visit.
Planning a scouting trip or a full move?
Start with the free quiz, then let the Discovery Plan map your route, border rules and all, in the right order.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EES already in force?
Yes. The Entry/Exit System launched on 10 April 2026 and now applies at Schengen borders, including Portugal, recording your entries and exits digitally.
When does ETIAS start?
ETIAS is expected in the last quarter of 2026, with a transitional grace period running into 2027 before it is fully enforced.
How much is ETIAS?
It costs 20 euros for most applicants, and is free for travellers under 18 or over 70. An approved ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires.
Do I need ETIAS if I have a Portuguese residence permit?
No. ETIAS is for short stay visitors, not residents. Once you hold a Portuguese residence permit it does not apply to you.
Does EES mean longer queues?
Your first crossing after it went live adds fingerprints and a photo, so allow extra time the first time. Later crossings are meant to be quicker.
Can I still spend 90 days in Portugal as a visitor?
Yes. The 90 days in any 180 rule for the Schengen area still applies. EES simply records it digitally instead of stamping your passport.
Sources: European Commission, EES and ETIAS official information (travel-europe.europa.eu). Dates and the 20 euro fee confirmed by the European Commission. Current June 2026.
Last updated June 2026. By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same.