Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs quietly refreshed its travel advice for the United Kingdom on Thursday evening, 9 July 2026, just as thousands of Belgians prepare to cross the Channel for the school holidays. While the overall threat level remains unchanged, the notice sharpens language on ongoing rail and aviation strikes in Britain and reminds travellers that post-Brexit entry rules now require EU citizens to carry a passport valid for the entire stay and to have proof of onward travel. The ministry also flags the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA-UK) scheme, which will become mandatory for visa-exempt EU nationals visiting for short stays from October 2026, recommending early registration for frequent business travellers who expect to return later in the year. Corporate mobility teams should note two concrete implications. First, same-day trips by Eurostar may be jeopardised by industrial action on certain UK rail lines between 10 and 12 July; contingency time should be built into itineraries. Second, employees posted to the UK on short-term projects should retain evidence of accommodation and assignment letters, as UK Border Force officers increasingly conduct secondary inspections to verify the purpose of travel. The advisory also reiterates standard security guidance following the UK’s decision in May to maintain its national threat level at ‘Substantial’ (level 3 out of 5). Belgian firms are encouraged to keep traveller tracking systems up to date and to register staff on the FPS Travellers Online platform so that consular officials can issue real-time alerts.
