UK Makes Electronic Travel Authorisation Mandatory—Belgian Travellers Now Need Digital Permission Before Boarding
National Strike Notice Prompts Belgian Airports to Prepare for Major Flight Disruptions in March
Ombudsman Finds More Than 6,000 Aviation & Noise-Rule Breaches at Brussels Airport in 2025
Latest News
Schengen Border Overhaul: EES Biometric Checks to Replace Passport Stamps by 10 April—What It Means for Belgian Firms
An in-depth guide dated 25 February outlines how the EU Entry/Exit System will replace passport stamps with fingerprints and facial scans from 10 April. Belgian companies should expect longer queues for arriving visitors and returning staff, and begin contingency planning for the summer peak. The piece also connects EES to the forthcoming ETIAS permit and the EU’s broader visa-digitisation strategy.
Council Circulates Brussels Agenda for 3 March Visa Working Party—Georgia’s Waiver Under Review
A Council document dated 25 February lists agenda items for the 3 March Visa Working Party in Brussels, including a review of the EU’s new Visa Strategy and potential suspension of Georgia’s visa-free regime. Belgian employers relying on Georgian seasonal workers could face longer lead times if the waiver is withdrawn. The notice also underscores the EU’s push for fully digital visa processes by 2028.
European Parliament unveils first-ever EU Visa Policy Strategy in Brussels
The Commission presented its inaugural EU Visa Policy Strategy to the LIBE Committee on 24 February 2026. Key planks include full digitalisation of Schengen visas, tighter security screening via interoperable databases and the use of visa policy as a foreign-policy lever. Belgian companies stand to benefit from faster processing and greater predictability once the new system is rolled out.
Council approves broad EU–Switzerland agreements updating free movement and transport rules
EU ministers approved a wide-ranging package of EU–Swiss agreements on 24 February 2026. The deal abolishes Swiss quota limits for EU nationals, harmonises air-safety and emissions standards and raises lorry weight limits, promising smoother staff mobility and cheaper freight between Belgium and Switzerland. Final entry into force is expected in 2027, giving employers time to streamline assignment processes.
UK introduces stricter documentation rules for dual nationals – Belgian travellers advised to carry UK or Irish passports
From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens must show a UK or Irish passport (or a high-cost certificate of entitlement) when travelling to the UK. The shift, linked to the new ETA system, affects thousands of Belgium-based executives who previously used Belgian passports, prompting companies to update travel policies and budget for urgent document renewals.
EU lawmakers quiz Commission and eu-LISA on Entry/Exit System teething problems
During a 24 February 2026 LIBE Committee hearing, EU officials acknowledged that the new biometric Entry/Exit System is still causing queues at Brussels Airport. Plans include hiring extra staff, launching a pre-enrolment app and publishing airport performance data. Belgian businesses hosting non-EU guests should prepare for continued border friction this spring.
Aviation bodies in Brussels urge EU to keep funding the Digital European Sky
On 24 February 2026 the main European airline, airport and ANSP associations urged EU ministers meeting in Brussels to preserve strong SESAR funding in the next budget cycle. They argue that digital ATM tools are vital to avoid future congestion and to meet climate goals, directly affecting Belgian airports and the companies that depend on them.