Are there long queues at Lisbon airport?

There are massive queues for everything, the facilities are basic, and the terminal is unbearably crowded at peak times.



As of March 2026, Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is experiencing significant and often record-breaking queues, particularly at passport control for non-EU travelers. These delays are primarily driven by the full rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires biometric registration (facial scans and fingerprints) for travelers from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. In early 2026, some passengers reported wait times of up to 7 hours, leading the Portuguese authorities to temporarily suspend the system to clear the backlog. While the situation is being managed with additional staff and more biometric kiosks, the "EES chaos" remains a major factor. For 2026 travelers, it is highly recommended to arrive at least 4 hours before an international flight and to use the "Electronic Passport" gates whenever possible if eligible. Beyond immigration, the airport's infrastructure is currently operating at overcapacity, meaning security and check-in lines can also be lengthy during peak morning and evening surges. Always check the airport's live status or your airline's app for the most current wait-time alerts before heading to the terminal.

People Also Ask

How early should I arrive at Lisbon Airport? A two-hour before the flight arrival at the airport is ideal if you want to check in stress-free and find your way unhurriedly through the airport.

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Please note that, even though Fast Track speeds up your way to the flight, by reducing queueing times, it does not replace or speed up the mandatory check-in, security screening or boarding procedures. Thus, it is always advisable that you reserve time for these procedures.

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Allowing yourself at least a 60-minute layover for domestic flights and a two-hour layover time for international flights can often be a much more comfortable and stress-free journey than booking a flight with a very tight connection.

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Remember that, after checking-in, you will have to go through X-ray screening and, when travelling to non-Schengen destinations, you must also go through passport control.

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There's no fixed time given by the airport stating how early passengers can go through the security check. But for a guarantee of minimal stress, arriving 2-4 hours early is recommended. If you want, you can even travel 6 hours ahead. It's wise to give yourself some cushion for ease of mind.

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The general guideline on how early to get to the airport for a domestic flight is 2 hours. However, those traveling at a very busy time of year or out of a large airport might want to allow more time.

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Though TSA does not actually offer any specific recommendations for airport arrival time, the general rule of thumb is 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.

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Normal circumstances should process you through security within 20 minutes (from entering the line to putting your shoes back on). If you're flying out of a smaller airport, it's not unreasonable to expect even a fraction of that time.

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Terminal 1 has been in operation since the inception of the airport in 1942. It serves both arrivals and departures unlike Terminal 2 which serves departures only. For this reason there are no transportation facilities or parking lots next to Terminal 2. A regular shuttle service operates between the two terminals.

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While Lisbon is the most expensive city to live in Portugal, it is quite affordable when compared to other countries in western Europe, although, what once was a cheap city has seen its prices creeping up. This said, the cost of living in Lisbon for international students and expats is usually still very affordable.

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You must carry photo identification when in Portugal. To minimize the risk of your passport getting lost or stolen, carry a photocopy of your passport or other form of valid photo ID with you.

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If a delay in your first flight is the reason you're missing your connection, don't worry too much. Usually, most airlines will rebook you on the next flight, and that too for free. Although, you might have to fly on standby depending on seat availability.

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If your itinerary was purchased as one ticket (as in: you have only one itinerary and one confirmation number), and the connection time was too short and you miss the second (or third) flight, you can rest easy, no matter what happens. The airline will simply put you onto the next available flight, free of charge.

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Laurel Brunvoll, owner and president of the boutique luxury travel agency Unforgettable Trips, agreed that 90 minutes is a good floor on connection times, even if an airline sends you an itinerary with as little as 40 minutes between flights.

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