The European Union is about to introduce a brand new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025, changing the normal passport stamping course of for non-EU nationals.
UK residents shall be amongst these affected by this modification when visiting the Schengen space.
Beneath the brand new system, Britons and different non-EU nationals might want to register and supply biometric knowledge when getting into the EU's Schengen Zone.
It will embrace each fingerprints and a facial picture as a part of the registration course of.
The system marks a big shift in how border management operates for UK nationals travelling to EU international locations following Brexit.
In mild of this, the International, Commonwealth and Improvement Workplace (FCDO) has shared what this implies for British nationals residing in Portugal.
Those that had been resident within the EU earlier than January 1, 2021, ought to apply for a Withdrawal Settlement residence card.
A Withdrawal Settlement residence card reveals that you’ve got the rights outlined within the Withdrawal Settlement and proves your proper to enter and stay in Portugal as a resident.
It additionally exempts holders from the necessities of the EES and European Journey Info and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – as soon as they’re launched – in addition to from visa necessities.
UK residents who moved to Portugal after January 1, 2021, want to use for a residence card beneath the overall immigration regime.
The FCDO suggested that these residence playing cards needs to be carried when travelling.
Failure to current the proper documentation might end in "difficulties" when getting into or exiting Portugal and different Schengen Zone international locations.
The British Embassy in Portugal can not help UK nationals who’re denied entry as a result of they lack the correct paperwork.
For additional info on residing in Portugal, together with visas and residency, passports and journey, healthcare, employment, taxes and extra, Britons ought to seek the advice of the FCDO's detailed information entitled 'Residing in Portugal'.
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Forward of the EES system launch, Britons in Spain got an analogous journey replace.
Expats had been suggested that they should have a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) – which is the biometric residency card required for British nationals residing in Spain post-Brexit.
It's necessary to notice that the system is just not at present in operation and is anticipated to start out in October 2025. Its particular begin date shall be introduced by the European Union a number of months earlier than its launch.
For extra info, Britons can go to the official EES web site: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en.