Alex Portugal has recently seen several important developments that travelers should note , especially as the autumn and winter seasons approach . changes affecting entry rules . airport operations and local safety advisories have been announced , and while many distruptions have been avoided certain concerns remain .
New EU entry / exist system Takes Effect
Starting 12 October 2025, Portugal will join other Schengen states in implementing the European Unions new entry / exist system (EES ) . Under this system , Non EU citizens entering via airports , seaports , or land borders will no longers have passports stamped manually . Instead , biometric data including fingerprints and facial images will be collected and stored alongside entry and exit records. The new regulation will enforce the 90 days in 180 days stay rule for short stays in the Schengen Area
Airport Strike Threats Resolved
A major source of concern had been Scheduled Strikes by ground handling staff at airports across Portugal , set to run from September 2025 through January 2026. these strikes threatened to cause significant travel disruptions , particularly during peak holiday periods .
However the planned industrial action has been cancelled following a ruling by Portugal’s Arbitration court which imposed minimum service requirements . Because of this ruling , the unions involved stated that there no longer viable condition to carry out of the strikes As a result , flights are expected to proceed as scheduled for Lisbon , porto , faro and Madiera regions .
Although the cancellation removes the immediate risk , potential residual pressures such as delays at busy times should still be anticipated .
Safety Alerts & Travel Tips
- petty crime , especially pickpocketing remains a concern in crowded tourist areas including lisbon and porto as well as on popular tram lines and public transport .
- vehicle break ins have been reported particularly in rental cars showing foreign plates or strikers . it is recommended that valuables not be left visible in parked cars .
- Nightlife risks such as spiked drinks and poorly lit streets are being highlighted . it is advised that drinks not be left unattended and that travelers stay in groups after dark .
- wildfire risk remains elevated especially inland ares and the Algarve during the final months of the wildfire season . Travelers should monitor local weather reports and official alerts .
what travelers should do now
To ensure smooth travel the following steps are recommended .
- Check required documents before departure especially if you are non – EU , since biometric registration will be required starting in October.
- verify fight status close to your travel date , even though strikes have been cancelled : procedural or staffing issues might still create delays .
- Travel insurance should cover unforeseen events including health emergencies , natural disasters and distruptions.
- Stay alert locally: keep valuables secure, avoid risky areas at night and heed local warnings about Weather fires or transport disruptions .
Overall though recent changes impose new procedures and possible inconvenience , many major disruptions have been averted .If proper precautions are taken travelers to Portugal should be able to enjoy their stay safety and without unexpected problems.
