In a joint statement from all entities involved, the Internal Security System (SSI), through the Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit, a structure created in the SSI after the end of the Foreigners and Borders Service, says that Portugal enters “a new era in border management” with the implementation of the new control systems.

According to the SSI, these systems are being installed as part of the European border management digital transformation plan, which will bring “more innovation, security and trust”.

The SSI states that these new systems are being installed from today at several air and sea border points with the involvement of the GNR, PSP, the entities managing airport and port infrastructures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Agency for Immigration and Mobility (AIMA) and the National Internal Security Network (RNSI).

The systems in question are ‘VIS4’ (European Visa Information System), ‘PASSE+’ (National Air and Land Border Control System) and the Border Portal.

The SSI highlights that these systems “bring more automated, rigorous and efficient management of the entry and exit of national and foreign citizens in the Schengen area, with a direct impact on visa control, biometric registration and movement history of citizens from third countries”.

Quoted in the statement, the general coordinator of the Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit, Pedro Moura, says that these systems are “fundamental to ensuring that Portugal is prepared to operate with state-of-the-art European systems at its borders, with the highest standards of security and service to citizens”.

The SSI also informs passengers that during the implementation period there may be an increase in processing times at document checkpoints, especially at international airports, although no significant restrictions are expected.

According to the Internal Security System, passengers can follow the process through the digital channels of the entities involved - SIS, PSP, GNR, AIMA, ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, and MNE - as well as information provided at the terminals.