Mandatory biometric data collection from 100% of passengers from outside the Schengen area has been functioning without constraints at most Portuguese airports since 6 September. The Deputy National Director of the PSP and head of the National Borders and Foreigners Unit (UNEF), João Ribeiro, stated that the process is proceeding smoothly at all airports, with the exception of Faro, where there is greater pressure.
At Lisbon airport, processing time has increased from five to 15 minutes to 15 to 30 minutes, which João Ribeiro considered quite acceptable. In Faro, the problems are related to climatic factors, flight delays and arrival peaks, as happened last Thursday, when more than 10 flights landed in 25 minutes, mostly with British passengers.
The constraints that occurred for months this year were resolved since the end of May, through investment in technology, reorganization of passenger flow areas and reinforcement of human resources, with 360 additional personnel at air borders. Currently, 1,504 police officers work in airport security and border control, representing 80% of recommended capacity.
The European Commission has allowed biometrics not to be applied until December when there are technological problems, while some EU countries are still preparing conditions for the Entry/Exit System (EES). Despite the current problem-free operation, João Ribeiro stated that it is not possible to guarantee that constraints will not return, depending on technological and human resource factors.
