Belgium looks set to join the list of countries whose travellers can skip the long queues at American airports. Speaking at the Euronews Travel & Tourism Summit in Brussels, US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White said he had received approval from President Donald Trump to move forward with giving Belgians access to Global Entry, with paperwork now being sorted between the two governments. He expects the arrangement could be finalised as soon as the end of 2026, with Belgium's Foreign Affairs Minister Maxine Prevot personally leading the effort on the Belgian side.
Global Entry, run by US Customs and Border Protection, is a trusted-traveller scheme for pre-approved, low-risk visitors. Members pay a $120 fee and get expedited processing at major US airports, plus access to TSA PreCheck security lanes — and the membership lasts five years before renewal. Until now it has mainly been the preserve of US citizens and permanent residents, alongside nationals of a handful of partner countries, so adding Belgium would be a meaningful win for frequent transatlantic flyers.
The announcement came at a summit that also underlined just how busy the transatlantic routes have become. Euronews chairman Pedro Vargas David noted that a record 25 million Americans travelled to Europe last year, while Ambassador White said the US welcomed 80 million international visitors. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, and the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon in 2028, American authorities are clearly keen to smooth the arrival experience for foreign guests.
The ambassador also had some off-script travel advice: look past New York, Washington and Los Angeles. He's a fan of Utah's outdoors — "take a hike in Utah and you'll be happier than when you went to New York" was his pitch — and he urged visitors to see Belgium as more than waffles and chocolate. His broader point: the best travel happens when people actually meet people.
Why it matters: if you hold a Belgian passport and travel to the US even once or twice a year, Global Entry membership can save hours of queuing at immigration, especially during peak summer and holiday periods. Keep an eye on official announcements towards the end of 2026; once Belgium is confirmed, expect an application process through the CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs website, including an interview and background check. And if you're already planning a US trip, the ambassador's Utah tip is a solid one — Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches offer some of the best hiking in the country, well beyond the usual city circuit.
