Belgium pauses biometric data collection under EU Entry/Exit System after airport chaos
Brussels Airport urges EU to soften EES rollout as missed-flight tally mounts
Flemish Minister slams ‘unacceptable’ passport-control delays at Brussels hub
Latest News
EU’s Digital Entry-Exit System to Go Live on 10 April: What Belgian Travellers Need to Know
The EU confirmed that its biometric Entry-Exit System will be fully mandatory from 10 April. Belgian airports and ports will activate the kiosks the same day, ending passport stamping for non-EU nationals. Authorities expect initial queues but promise long-term security and efficiency gains—important news for Belgian companies that move staff in and out of the Schengen zone.
Belgium and Algeria Seal ‘Historic’ Readmission & Visa-Waiver Deals
Belgium and Algeria signed a readmission agreement to speed up the identification and return of Algerian nationals without legal status, alongside a visa-waiver for diplomats. The deal should lift Belgium’s low deportation execution rate and strengthen energy-sector ties, but NGOs demand safeguards.
Holidaymakers Face ‘Easter Border Hell’ over New EU Checks, UK Tabloid Warns
The UK’s Daily Star says new EU biometric checks could cause two-to-four-hour waits at Channel crossings during the Easter rush, citing Belgian test data. Although Belgian authorities dismiss the tabloid tone, they acknowledge Easter week will be a critical stress test for the Entry-Exit System.
Belgium Shortens Validity of eID Cards to 10 Years, Affecting EU Travel
Belgium has reduced the validity of its electronic identity cards to 10 years for all adults. Because Belgians often use the eID to travel within the EU, employees and travellers must ensure timely renewal to avoid being stranded at airport gates or land borders.