LISBON, Mar 2: The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has announced the launch of a new Portuguese Electronic Passport (PEP), aimed at simplifying the passport renewal process for citizens and enhancing security features. The updated passport is expected to be available by mid-2026.

Redesigned Cover Inspired by National Identity
As part of the overhaul, the new PEP will feature a redesigned cover inspired by Portugal’s national territory. To involve citizens in the process, the government plans to organize a public competition, inviting individuals to submit design ideas for the final selection. This initiative aligns Portugal with global trends, as many countries have already adopted similar measures to modernize their travel documents.

Enhanced Security Measures
The new passport will also incorporate advanced security features to combat counterfeiting and ensure authenticity. These include durable materials, anti-copying measures, and state-of-the-art printing techniques. The upgrades aim to provide a more secure and reliable travel document for Portuguese citizens.

Streamlined Renewal Process
The introduction of the new PEP is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve convenience for citizens. This move follows a growing trend among European countries, many of which have extended passport validity to ten years to facilitate smoother travel experiences.

The updated passport reflects Portugal’s commitment to modernizing its administrative processes and enhancing the security and usability of its official documents. Further details about the design competition and implementation timeline are expected to be announced in the coming months.