All foreign nationals entering Portugal May 10 through 14, 2017 will be subject to border control procedures. Portugal has suspended the Schengen Agreement exemptions during this time due to the Pope's visit.

EU nationals, who are usually able to move freely within the Schengen Area, will be subject to border control procedures when entering Portugal during this time. This change does not affect non-EU nationals, who are already subject to border control measures when entering Portugal.

Background

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, established the Schengen Area to abolish internal borders between signatory countries. Accordingly, nationals of any Schengen Area country are generally exempt from border control measures when entering other Schengen Area countries.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

EU nationals travelling to Portugal between May 10 and 14, 2017 should prepare to undergo border control procedures. It is expected that standard Schengen Area exemptions will be restored on May 15, 2017.

Fragomen is monitoring developments and will provide updates as they become available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.

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