Recent reports suggesting that Portugal and Italy are set to abandon the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks, following Greece, are not supported by verified information. As of May 3, 2026, the EES—a biometric system for non-EU travelers—has faced multiple delays but has not been scrapped by any member state.
The EES was originally scheduled to launch in 2022 but has been postponed several times due to technical and operational challenges. The latest target date for implementation is 2025, though some reports indicate further delays may occur. No official announcements from Portugal, Italy, or the European Commission confirm that these countries are abandoning the system.
Claims of 'huge queues' and 'chaos' at airports are also unverified for the current date. While testing of the EES has occurred at some borders, widespread disruption has not been reported. The European Commission has stated that member states are working to ensure a smooth rollout when the system becomes operational.
Travelers are advised to rely on official sources, such as the European Commission and national border authorities, for accurate updates on the EES timeline and requirements.
