Belgium tightens residence checks on EU job-seekers
EU Visa Working Party meets in Brussels to refine visa-exemption assessment framework
NMBS cancels 160 commuter trains over heat concerns, urges remote working
Latest News
Australia updates Belgium travel advice, flags possible border delays under new EU Entry/Exit System
DFAT’s Smartraveller bulletin dated 25 June 2026 keeps Belgium at the lowest risk tier but warns Australians of likely queues once the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System is introduced and notes that Belgium may conduct temporary border checks with neighbouring states. Corporate travellers are advised to add extra transit time and keep an eye on strike alerts.
Eurostar slows and cancels Brussels–London services amid track-temperature limits
Eurostar has reduced speeds and cancelled four Brussels–London trains because of heat-related speed limits in Belgium. Journey times will lengthen by up to 50 minutes, and free rebooking is offered. The incident underscores the growing weather vulnerability of key European rail corridors.
Belgium Visa Application Centre in Nairobi shuts for one day as protests sweep Kenya; long-stay fees to rise on 1 July
TLScontact closed its Nairobi centre on 25 June due to Kenyan protests, forcing Belgian visa applicants to reschedule and risking project delays. The provider also confirmed that Belgium’s long-stay visa fee will rise to €250 from 1 July 2026, prompting employers to review budgets and filing timelines.
Australia updates Belgium travel advisory: warns of border checks and strike disruptions
Australia’s latest Smartraveller notice for Belgium flags possible border-control delays and warns that strikes often disrupt airports, rail and urban transport. It also reminds travellers of upcoming Schengen EES changes and new e-scooter speed limits—useful intelligence for companies with short-term assignees in Brussels.
Australia issues updated Belgium travel advisory, flags new EU Entry/Exit System and potential border delays
DFAT’s Smartraveller bulletin for Belgium, refreshed on 26 June 2026, adds practical tips about the newly operational EU Entry/Exit System, ongoing strike-related travel disruption and the country’s elevated terror-alert level. The advisory underscores that ETIAS is not yet required and urges travellers to allow extra time at borders and monitor local industrial action.
EU Visa Working Party meets in Brussels to discuss tougher suspension rules for visa-free countries
The EU’s Visa Working Party convened in Brussels on 25 June to debate making it easier to suspend visa-free privileges for non-EU countries that fail to cooperate on returns or create security concerns. Belgian companies reliant on short-term visitors from visa-exempt states are advised to assess exposure and prepare contingency plans.
ASL Airlines Belgium Launches Liege–Karaganda Freighter Service, Strengthening Eurasian Trade Corridor
ASL Airlines Belgium has started a five-times-weekly 747-400F service between Liege and Karaganda, improving transit times between Europe and Central Asia and bolstering Liege Airport’s cargo hub ambitions. The route offers Belgian shippers a Russian-airspace-free alternative and streamlines customs processing.