Brazilians Travelling to Europe: Fingerprints at the Border Now, ETIAS Later

Lisbon, Paris, Rome, Barcelona: Europe is one of the favourite destinations for Brazilians, whether for a holiday, a family visit or a course. The good news is that Brazilians still do not need a visa for short trips. But the experience at the border has changed.

Since 10 April 2026, the European Union's Entry/Exit System, known as EES, has been fully operational. It records your fingerprints and face image the first time you enter, instead of stamping your passport. A second system, ETIAS, will later require a short online permit, but as of October 2026 it is not running and has no launch date.

What Is Running and What Is Not

Your First Crossing With EES

On your first trip, you will scan your passport, look into a camera and give four fingerprints, either at a kiosk or with an officer. Children under 12 are not fingerprinted. It can take extra time, especially at busy airports in summer and at holiday periods, so arrive early for connections.

On later trips, the system checks your face against your record, which is usually faster. The system also counts your days in Europe automatically, so mistakes with the 90 day rule are easier to spot.

The 90 Day Rule Explained Simply

You can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. This is a rolling window, not a calendar year. Every day you spend in any Schengen country counts, including the day you arrive and the day you leave. Ireland and Cyprus have their own rules and do not use EES.

What to Carry at the Border

• A passport valid for at least three months after you leave Europe.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host.
• Proof that you have enough money for your stay.
• Travel medical insurance, strongly advised.

Beware of Fake ETIAS Websites

Because ETIAS has been in the news, some websites already ask for payment. Since the system is not running, any site selling ETIAS today is not official. When it launches, use only the official European Union website or app.

Steps Before Your Next Trip

1. Count your days in Europe over the past 180 days.
2. Check your passport expiry date.
3. Print or save your bookings and return ticket.
4. Allow extra time at the airport for your first EES registration.

Studying or Working in Europe

Visa free entry is only for short visits. If you want to study for more than 90 days, work, or live in a Schengen country, you need the right national visa or residence permit from that country. Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland and Germany each have their own rules and processes.

Some Brazilians enter as tourists and then try to change status inside the country. Rules on this vary a lot, and in many places it is not allowed. It is safer to get the right visa before you travel.

Overstaying, even by a few days, can lead to fines, a ban on returning or problems with future visa applications. With EES now counting your days automatically, it is much easier for border officers to spot an overstay than it was with passport stamps.

Families should prepare a little more. Children have their face image and passport details recorded, even though those under 12 are not fingerprinted. If a child travels with only one parent or with another adult, carry the travel authorisation required by Brazilian rules, as airlines and border officers may ask for it.

Finally, keep your own simple list of entry and exit dates, especially if you visit Europe several times a year. It helps you plan within the 90 day limit and answer questions at the border with confidence.

Before You Rely on Any Figure

This reflects the official European Union position and reliable reports as of October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.

The Honest Summary

Brazilians can still visit Europe without a visa, but border checks now include fingerprints and a face scan. ETIAS is delayed and costs nothing today. Respect the 90 day rule, carry your documents and ignore any site that sells ETIAS now.

Key takeaways

• Brazilians do not need a visa for short trips to the Schengen area.
• Since 10 April 2026, the Entry/Exit System records fingerprints and a face image at the border.
• ETIAS, a 20 euro online permit, is not running and has no launch date as of October 2026.
• You can stay up to 90 days in any 180 day period.