Belgian travelers to the United States may soon skip the long queues at major American airports, according to Bill White, the US Ambassador to Belgium. Speaking at the Euronews Travel & Tourism Summit 2026 in Brussels, White revealed that President Donald Trump has approved plans to extend the Global Entry program to Belgian citizens.
Global Entry, operated by US Customs and Border Protection, allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use expedited lanes upon arrival in the US. For a $120 fee, members enjoy shorter waits and access to TSA PreCheck, which remains valid for five years. Currently, the program is limited to US citizens and permanent residents.
“We're working with the Belgian government to get the paperwork in order. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxine Provot, is personally leading this effort,” White said during a one-on-one conversation with summit host Jane Witherspoon. He expressed confidence that the agreement could be finalized “as soon as by the end of 2026.”
A boost for transatlantic travel
The announcement comes as transatlantic tourism reaches record levels. Pedro Vargas David, Chairman of Euronews, opened the summit by noting that 25 million Americans visited Europe last year, a new high. In the opposite direction, White shared that the US welcomed 80 million international tourists.
White, who has championed travel beyond the usual tourist hubs, encouraged visitors to explore less-traveled parts of the United States. “Take a hike in Utah – you'll be happier than when you went to New York,” he said, adding that the state offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. He also stressed that Belgium is “much more than merely waffles and chocolate,” urging travelers to venture beyond Brussels and Bruges.
The ambassador also looked ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, an event he said he is excited to see return to the US, though he admitted he is not looking forward to the city's notorious traffic.
For Europeans, the expansion of Global Entry would mark a significant step in easing travel to the US, complementing the existing visa waiver program. It also reflects the broader trend of Europe's strong position in global tourism, with six of the top ten destinations on the continent.
As the US and Europe continue to deepen their travel ties, initiatives like Global Entry could help sustain the momentum. The summit, which brought together industry leaders and policymakers, highlighted the importance of seamless travel in fostering cultural and economic exchange.
While the timeline remains tentative, the prospect of faster airport processing is welcome news for frequent flyers. For now, Belgians will have to wait a little longer before they can breeze through US customs, but the end of 2026 may not be far off.
