Immigration
Faro airport experiencing "greater pressure" in biometric data collection
Mandatory biometric data collection (photos and fingerprints) for 100% of non-Schengen passengers is now in effect at Portuguese airports. While generally fluid elsewhere, Faro airport is facing increased pressure due to traffic peaks and weather, with officials acknowledging that while the system is mandatory, the European Commission allows for flexibility until December in cases of specific technological constraints.
Why it mattersIf you are traveling into Portugal from outside the Schengen area through Faro, expect longer queues at border control due to the mandatory biometric processing, which now adds 15 to 30 minutes to the arrival process.
