Border control at Brussels Airport

Border control for flights outside EU

Are you flying to a non-EU or non-Schengen country such as the USA, Morocco or Egypt? Then you will always have to go through border control. This also applies if you are coming from a non-Schengen country. Make sure you have your passport and travel documents ready.

Tip: Check the validity of your passport and visa a few weeks before you leave. Some countries require your travel documents to be valid for a certain period, e.g. 6 months. If you are travelling to Belgium, your passport should have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the country.

Do you have a connecting flight at Brussels Airport? If so, you will have to go through border control when entering or leaving the EU. This means that you have to go from Gates A to Gates B or T, or vice versa from Gates B to Gates A.

eGates, automated passport control

Want to get through border control faster? You can with our eGates, the automated border control. You scan your Belgian ID-card or your passport yourself to cross the border. To use the eGates, you must meet the following conditions:

• 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.

No passport control within the Schengen zone

Are you flying from Brussels Airport to another Schengen country? Then you do not have to go through border control. Don't forget to bring your valid identity card and check if you need any other travel documents. See the list of Schengen countries.

Tip: Arrive 2 hours in advance for Schengen flights and 3 hours in advance for non-Schengen flights. Check the Travel Advisor for the best arrival time.

New European Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals 

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. 

The exact date on which EES will be introduced is yet to be fixed by the EU. EES is an automated IT system for border control for non-EU nationals.  

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. 

More information on EES