Portugal Passport Fate and Threats of Suspension from Schengen Zone
Portugal passport is one of the strongest passports in the world. As per the Passport Index, Portugal’s passport holders can travel to  175 countries without visa restrictions. The 175 countries include visa-free travel to 124 countries, visa on arrival for 44 countries and eTA (electronic travel authorization) for 7 countries. This means the Portugal passport is the 4th most powerful passport in the world in 2024. However, this strong passport is under serious threats of suspension by the European Union. Portugal is facing suspension from the Schengen zone due to border control delays.
Suspension Threat to Portugal Passport – Is It Real?
The Schengen states agreed to open their borders for free movement of EU citizens or non-EU people visiting any member state. Schengen area includes 425 million EU citizens who can travel without any visa requirements. Portugal is also a part of the Schengen zone and Portugal’s citizens and any person holding a valid Portugal visa can travel to other Schengen states without visa requirements.
The EU is pressing the country to introduce the new border control system by July 2024. However, the situation seems to become a bit tough as the country may default on the deadline which could possibly result in the suspension of Portugal from the Schengen zone.
Bureaucratic Approach is Cause of Delays
The Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro raised his concerns about delays in implementing the new border control system. He highlighted the role of the previous administration headed by António Costa and held him responsible for delay and possible suspension. He raised the question that when €25 million funds were approved in March, what were the reasons for not initiating the procurement process for border control system?
Authorities are trying to meet the deadline of July by accelerating the process of implementing the new border control systems via direct contracts. Critics, however, has raised the possibility of nepotism, favoritism and inefficiency in case of quick adoption and procurement process. Further, we will see how the authorities will handle the bureaucratic hurdles.
List of EU Schengen Countries 2024
1: Austria
2: Belgium
3: Bulgaria
4: Croatia
5: Czech Republic
6: Denmark
7: Estonia
8: Finland
9: France
10: Germany
11: Greece
12: Hungary
13: Italy
14: Latvia
15:
16: Luxembourg
17: Malta
18: Netherlands
19: Poland
20: Portugal
21: Romania
22: Slovakia
23: Slovenia
24: Spain
25: Sweden
Non-EU countries issuing Schengen visas
1: Iceland
2: Liechtenstein
3: Norway
4: Switzerland
EU countries not issuing Schengen visas
1: Cyprus
2: Ireland
Impact of Portugal’s Suspension from Schengen Zone
The recent video conference between Paulo Viseu Pinheiro, head of Portugal’s internal security system, and the EU’s Director-General of Internal Affairs shows the seriousness of the matter. EU is closely following up the situation as this scrutiny underscores the high stakes involved. Failure to meet the deadline could enforce strict border control by EU and that will hurt hundreds of thousands of people.
In case of suspension, people who wish to enter Schengen states from Portugal will require
Visa Before They Travel
If EU suspend Portugal from Schengen Zone, people travelling to and from Portugal will require a visa to enter Portugal and the Schengen states.
Strict Border Checks
Suspension means people have to gone through strict border checks and thus long waiting hours.
Additional Scrutiny
Additional scrutiny and paper work will increase check-in and check-out time.
Security Checks
Security checks will be enforced for every passenger, means rush and long queues.
Top 5 Countries with Most Applicants for EU or Schengen Short Stay Visa in 2023
EU and Schengen associated countries received 10.3 million applications for short-stay visas in 2023 alone. These statistics shows a growth of 37% when compared with previous year. As per European Commission, EU and Schengen countries approved 8.5 million short stay visas during 2023.
Top 5 Countries for EU and Schengen Visa Applciations in 2023
Position FOR EU AND SCHENGEN VISA APPLCIATIONS IN 2022
What Should be Your Plan B in Case of Portugal’s Suspension?
Travelers visiting Portugal or Portugal Passport holders planing a trip to Schengen states during July and August months of 2024 must closely monitor the development. Suspension is a chance which could happen, staying up to date is key to avoiding any panic situation. You should make up your mind and take the necessary steps to avoid the consequences in case of suspension of Portugal. Stay tuned to our blog to get more updates on this story.