Belgians Could Get Faster US Airport Entry By End Of 2026

Belgian travellers heading to the United States could soon benefit from significantly faster arrival procedures at major American airports. Belgium is moving toward joining the US Global Entry programme, after US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White announced that the necessary work is progressing and could potentially be completed by the end of 2026.

The announcement was made at the Euronews Travel & Tourism Summit 2026 in Brussels on 29 September, placing easier transatlantic travel at the centre of discussions about tourism, business travel and connections between Europe and the United States. If the arrangement is completed, eligible Belgian travellers would gain access to a trusted-traveller system designed to make US arrivals faster and more predictable.

Global Entry Could Transform US Arrivals

Global Entry, operated by US Customs and Border Protection, allows approved, low-risk international travellers to use an expedited arrival process when entering the United States. The programme is designed to reduce the time spent in conventional immigration processing at participating US airports.

For Belgian travellers who regularly visit the United States for holidays, business, family visits or events, participation could make a noticeable difference. Instead of facing the same standard arrival process on every trip, approved members would have access to the programme’s dedicated procedures.

Belgium and US Officials Working on Final Steps

Ambassador White said he had received approval from President Donald Trump to move forward with plans to allow Belgian citizens to apply for Global Entry. He also said that the US and Belgian governments are now working through the necessary paperwork, with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot involved in the process.

However, the announcement does not mean that Belgian citizens can immediately apply. The bilateral arrangements and administrative procedures still need to be completed before eligibility officially takes effect. White indicated that the process could be finalised as soon as the end of 2026. Until then, Belgium does not appear on US Customs and Border Protection’s list of Global Entry partner countries, and no official start date has been confirmed.

What Global Entry Means for Travellers

Global Entry is intended for pre-approved international travellers who meet the programme’s eligibility and screening requirements. Once enrolled, members receive expedited processing when arriving in the United States through participating airports.

The programme can be particularly valuable for frequent travellers because it reduces reliance on traditional immigration queues. US authorities note that processing times for applications can vary significantly, and applicants must complete the required screening and interview process before receiving membership. Global Entry, which carries a US$120 application fee and runs for five years, also does not replace existing entry rules: Belgian visitors, who travel under the Visa Waiver Program, would still need a valid ESTA or visa.

The proposed Belgian participation would therefore represent an expansion of trusted-traveller access rather than an automatic fast-track system for every Belgian passenger.

A Boost for Transatlantic Tourism

The potential change comes as travel between Europe and the United States remains an important part of the global tourism market. Easier arrival procedures can improve the overall travel experience, particularly for repeat visitors who make multiple US trips each year.

The initiative could also benefit business travel, where lengthy airport processing can add considerable time to already short international trips. Faster border procedures may make US travel more convenient for Belgian companies, professionals and event attendees.

Beyond New York and Washington

The announcement also highlighted a broader opportunity for Belgian visitors to explore more of the United States. Ambassador White encouraged travellers to look beyond the country’s most familiar destinations, including New York, Washington and Los Angeles, and discover less-visited regions and outdoor attractions.

This could support the wider US tourism strategy of encouraging international visitors to distribute their trips across more destinations rather than concentrating entirely on major gateway cities. National parks, smaller cities, cultural destinations and regional tourism experiences could all benefit from increased international exposure.

A Convenient Development Ahead of Future Major Events

The potential expansion comes at a time when the United States is preparing for another period of major international travel. The country recently co-hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico, while Los Angeles is scheduled to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Large international events typically create additional demand for flights, hotels, ground transportation and visitor services. Trusted-traveller programmes such as Global Entry could become particularly relevant as international visitor flows continue to grow around major events and business activity.

Belgium Could Join a Wider Trusted-Traveller Network

The US Global Entry programme already covers US citizens, lawful permanent residents and citizens of a range of participating countries, subject to country-specific requirements.

If Belgium is formally added, Belgian travellers would become part of this wider network of approved international visitors. The development would also strengthen the practical side of the US-Belgium travel relationship, complementing existing tourism, business and people-to-people connections.

Key Takeaways

• Belgian citizens could gain access to US Global Entry by the end of 2026, according to US Ambassador Bill White.
• The announcement was made at the Euronews Travel & Tourism Summit 2026 in Brussels.
• Global Entry provides expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk international travellers arriving in the United States.
• US and Belgian officials are still completing the necessary administrative and bilateral arrangements.
• The programme could benefit Belgian leisure travellers, frequent flyers and business travellers in particular.
• Participation would not be automatic; travellers would still need to meet Global Entry eligibility and screening requirements.
• Easier arrival procedures could strengthen US-Belgium tourism and business connections.
• The development comes ahead of major international travel periods, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bottom Line

The possible addition of Belgium to the US Global Entry programme could mark an important improvement for transatlantic travel. While Belgian travellers cannot yet assume immediate access, US officials say the process is advancing and could be completed by the end of 2026. If implemented, the programme would give eligible Belgian visitors a faster arrival option at participating US airports while supporting broader tourism and business links between the two countries.