Federal Police set up ‘Police Village’ and heightened ID checks around Place Poelaert
Brussels rolls out extensive road closures and public-transport changes for National Day
Brussels announces extensive road closures and parking bans ahead of 21 July National Day
Latest News
Belgian embassies worldwide close today for National Day, pausing visa and consular services
Belgian embassies and consulates worldwide are closed on 21 July 2026 for National Day, halting all routine visa and consular services for 24 hours. The pause delays D-visa processing during the peak summer season and may cascade into later start dates for foreign employees. Global mobility teams should warn assignees of the one-day slip and build public-holiday buffers into future timelines.
International rail passengers face diversions and longer journeys from 21 July as engineering works hit Belgian and German lines
Engineering works on Belgian and German rail networks from 21 July will divert ICE, Nightjet and EuroCity services and require transfers in Breda for Amsterdam-bound passengers. Business travellers and relocating staff should expect longer journeys and review connection times for onward Eurostar or embassy appointments.
Brussels Airport handles 92,000 passengers on 20 July, testing new EES border-control procedures
Brussels Airport processed nearly 92,000 passengers on 20 July 2026, its busiest day this year and a major test of the new EU Entry/Exit System kiosks. Wait times remained manageable thanks to extra staffing and clear signage, but airlines still advise arriving early and allowing longer connections. With summer volumes up 4 % on 2025, mobility managers should brace for further pressure around the 15 August holiday.
Eurocontrol warns of EES-related queues and overnight runway works at Brussels Airport
Eurocontrol’s latest event bulletin notes that EES biometric procedures are adding up to two hours to Brussels Airport border-control queues during morning peaks, while runway and taxiway works overnight on 21-22 July will block A380 operations. Travellers and cargo shippers should plan for longer processing times and possible slot changes.
Belgian embassies and consulates worldwide closed for National Day, pausing visa services
All Belgian diplomatic missions are closed on 21 July for the national holiday, temporarily halting visa, passport and legalisation services. Applicants will experience at least 24-hour processing delays, so employers should review onboarding timelines for new hires and ensure travellers carry alternative proof of status.
Brussels’ Brucity and liaison offices closed 20–21 July, delaying local immigration and residence services
Brussels’ municipal offices—including Brucity’s population, civil-registry and foreigner desks—are closed on 20–21 July 2026 for National Day. The two-day shutdown halts in-person registrations and residence-card services, creating knock-on delays for expatriates and employers during the peak summer relocation season. Global mobility managers should expect document backlogs and advise assignees to reschedule appointments or use online channels.
Brussels Airport Expects Record 92,000 Passengers Today as Summer Peak Begins
Brussels Airport expects nearly 92,000 travellers on Monday, 20 July 2026, making it the busiest day of the year and close to its all-time record. Queue times remained manageable on Monday morning thanks to extra staff and fully deployed EES kiosks, but the airport urges passengers to arrive early. The surge highlights continued recovery in leisure and business travel and will act as a stress-test ahead of the National Day holiday.
EU Migration Network highlights Belgian talent-partnership model at 2025 overview launch
At the EMN’s 2025 report launch on 20 July, Belgium’s pilot talent-partnership scheme was highlighted as an EU best practice. The project promises faster single-permit processing and tax incentives for employers who recruit skilled workers from partner countries, indicating potential procedural changes that HR teams should monitor.
Belgium clarifies permanent-residency pathway for long-term migrants
New official guidance brings national consistency to Belgium’s permanent-residency process, detailing income proof, health-insurance and uninterrupted-stay requirements. Employers and long-term expatriates gain clearer timelines (five-month decision window) and cost expectations, easing the transition from temporary permits to unlimited work and residence rights.