Belgium Overhauls Rules for Cross-Border Workers Ahead of August Deadline
Belgian Consulate in Canada Updates Long-Stay (D) Visa Guidance and Fees
Schengen Entry/Exit System: EU spells out who is exempt ahead of Belgium’s busiest travel week
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EU Entry/Exit System passes first 100-day milestone as exemptions clarified
The European Commission announced that the biometric Entry/Exit System, operational since 10 April 2026, has already registered 145 million border crossings. On 27 July it issued a definitive list of travellers exempt from registration, including Belgian residence-permit holders and long-stay visa (D) holders. Business visitors and other short-stay non-EU nationals will be fully tracked, making day-count compliance critical for companies moving staff into Belgium.
Belgium overhauls 45-year-old rules for cross-border workers
Belgium has published new rules for frontier workers that abolish the paper ‘Annex 15’ permit and oblige commuters to obtain a long-stay D visa or residence card. Neighbouring EU residents get 12 months to convert, while UK workers must switch immediately once the rules enter into force in August 2026. Companies along Belgium’s borders must now budget extra time and cost for visa processing and tighten day-count monitoring.
Biometric border checks generating queues at Brussels Airport as summer exodus peaks
A pan-European report warns that the new biometric Entry/Exit checks are already lengthening queues at Brussels Airport during the height of the summer travel season. Airlines and corporate travel managers are urging passengers to allow extra time until more kiosks and staff are in place.
Strike at Antwerp-Bruges halts pilotage, diverts cargo from Europe’s second-largest port
Dispatchers and pilot pilots have downed tools at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, freezing vessel movements and redirecting cargo to neighbouring countries. The disruption highlights Belgium’s wider industrial tensions and poses immediate challenges for supply-chain managers and business travellers with time-critical port visits.
Belgium launches Blue Heart campaign against forced cyber-fraud trafficking
The Belgian Justice Ministry launched the 2026 UN ‘Blue Heart’ anti-trafficking campaign on 27 July, spotlighting victims forced to commit online fraud. Authorities warn that criminals often exploit cross-border job offers that resemble legitimate postings, urging companies and expatriates in Belgium to remain vigilant and report signs of exploitation.
Brussels firefighters suspend strike, easing concerns for events and corporate travel
Firefighters in Brussels have paused their week-long strike after the regional government pledged fresh funding and new hires. The move removes an immediate safety headache for event organisers and business travellers, although unions may resume action if promises are not met.
Belgium keeps threat level unchanged after Berlin Pride attack, issues vigilance reminder
Belgium’s counter-terror agency has decided not to raise the national alert level following the Berlin Pride attack but calls for continued vigilance at airports, rail hubs and mass-gathering venues. Business travellers should expect visible security but no new entry restrictions.