Border control
For flights outside the EU
Are you travelling to a destination outside the EU or a non-Schengen country, such as the USA, Morocco or Egypt? You'll always go through border control. This also applies if you are arriving from a non-Schengen country. Have your passport and travel documents ready.
Tip: Check in advance if your passport and visas are still valid. For some countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months; for Belgium, it’s three months after departure.
Connecting flight?
Have a transfer at Brussels Airport? You’ll need to go through border control when entering or leaving the EU. This is necessary, for instance, when traveling between Gates A and Gates B/T, or vice versa.
No border control for Schengen countries
Travelling from Brussels Airport to another Schengen country? Then you don't need to go through border control. Don't forget to bring a valid passport and check if you need any additional documents. See the list of Schengen countries.
Use the eGates to pass through border control more quickly. These automated gates make the process simpler and faster.
Requirements for using eGates:
- You are at least 12 years old.
- You are travelling with an EU passport with a microchip.
- You are travelling with a Belgian identity card.
- You are a departing passenger with a passport from the US, the UK, or Canada.
What is EES?
Are you a non-EU citizen travelling to or from Europe? In the future, the border control process will become a bit different than it is today.
EES is an automated IT system for border control for non-EU nationals. It will be gradually introduced from 12 October 2025 and will be fully implemented by 10 April 2026. Each member state is free to decide how to introduce and test it. Further updates will follow once we have more information. This falls under authority of the Federal Police.
EES does not apply to Belgian and European citizens.
What to expect?
If you are a non-EU national travelling for a short stay to Europe,
- your travel document data,
- other personal data, such as your residence in Europe,
- a facial image
- and fingerprints
will have to be registered electronically when entering the EU. Registration kiosks will be available at the airport after arrival.
After this registration, you can proceed to a manned desk or eGate to pass the border control.
When exiting the EU, registration is only required for those who entered the EU before the introduction of EES. Registration kiosks will be available after security screening.