Your first hour in Portugal: EES, ID checks, and what to know before leaving the airport

Landing in Portugal, your first hour is mostly about clearing border checks calmly and knowing a few essentials before you head into the city — here's what actually matters the moment you step off the plane.

What happens at passport control?

As of April 10, 2026, all Portuguese air and sea borders use the Entry/Exit System (EES), which collects fingerprints and a photo instead of stamping your passport. Build in extra time here — EES registration can be slower than a traditional passport check. Children aged 11 or under skip fingerprinting but may still need a photo taken. If you're departing Portugal by plane later, the same applies in reverse: allow extra time before boarding, as EES checks may happen at the gate too.

What should I do in the first hour after landing?

Once through border control, keep photo ID on you at all times in Portugal — it's a legal requirement, including while driving, and police can detain you at a station until your identity is confirmed if you can't produce it. It's worth having ID accessible (not buried in checked luggage) before you even reach arrivals.

Stay alert at this stage too: crowded spots like luggage check-in, car hire desks, and transport stops are where distraction-based theft teams tend to operate. Keep your passport, cash, and valuables secured and in sight, especially while handling bags or arranging a hire car.

Do I need to declare anything on arrival?

If you're carrying €10,000 or more in cash when entering (or leaving) the EU, you must declare it to customs. Worth confirming before you fly if this applies to you, so you're not caught off guard at the border.

What if I need medication or medical help early on?

UK prescriptions aren't recognized in Portugal, so bring enough medication for your whole trip, and pack a few days' supply in your hand luggage in case checked bags are delayed. Most medicines require a pharmacy visit to obtain locally. For emergencies, dial 112. For non-urgent health questions on the mainland, call (+351) 808 24 24 24 and press 9 for English. If you need unplanned treatment during your stay, you'll need to present a valid EHIC or GHIC card.

Driving straight from the airport?

UK photocard licences are valid for driving in Portugal — but if you still have an old paper licence, you'll need to update it or carry the correct International Driving Permit. If you've brought your own vehicle into the country, it can stay for up to 183 days in any 12-month period, strictly for tourism use, and you can't loan it to anyone else.

FAQ

Will my passport get stamped? No — under the EES, your fingerprints and photo are recorded instead of a passport stamp.

Can my child skip the biometric check? Children 11 and under aren't fingerprinted, though a photo may still be required.

What if I lose my luggage with my medication inside? Carry a few days' supply of medication in your hand luggage specifically for this reason, since UK prescriptions aren't valid for refills in Portugal.

Sources

• https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/highlights/completion-of-the-entry-exit-system-ees-implementation
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/print
• https://www2.gov.pt/en/guias/viajar-para-o-estrangeiro
• https://www2.gov.pt/en/cidadaos-europeus-viajar-viver-e-fazer-negocios-em-portugal/cuidados-de-saude-em-portugal/cuidados-medicos-em-hospitais-e-centros-de-saude-para-cidadaos-europeus-em-portugal