Belgium

Belgium holds a strategic position at the heart of Europe, serving as a central hub for international air traffic. The airport sector is dominated by Brussels Airport (Zaventem) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, both of which cater to high demand for intra-European and transatlantic flights.

Industry regulation is primarily governed by European Union (EU) standards, which are transposed into national law. The regulatory body responsible for oversight in Belgium is the Directorate General for Air Transport (DGTA), under the Federal Public Service (FPS) Mobility and Transport. Consumer protection is monitored by the FPS Economy, which acts in the resolution of disputes and the enforcement of passenger defense guidelines.

In 2026, Belgium adheres to Schengen Area regulations:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Visas: Citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• ETIAS: Not yet in operation (checked in October 2026). Visa-exempt travellers do not need to apply for any authorisation before travelling today: they enter with a valid passport for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When ETIAS starts, the European Union will announce the date several months in advance on its official website. Be wary of websites that charge for it before then.

Belgium strictly enforces Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament. This regulation guarantees passengers the following:

• Financial Compensation: In the event of a cancellation or a delay exceeding 3 hours, passengers are entitled to compensation of €250, €400, or €600, depending on the flight distance, except in "extraordinary circumstances" (such as extreme weather conditions or third-party strikes).
• Right to Assistance: the airline must provide meals, refreshments and two phone calls or emails when the delay exceeds 2 hours (flights up to 1,500 km), 3 hours (up to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (longer flights). If the delay requires an overnight stay, it must also pay for the hotel and transport to and from the airport.
• Denied Boarding: In cases of overbooking, the airline must offer options for re-routing or reimbursement, in addition to immediate compensation, unless the passenger voluntarily agrees to relinquish their seat in exchange for agreed-upon benefits.

There is no federal law requiring airlines to provide free carry-on baggage. Baggage allowance rules (dimensions and weight) are defined by the airline's own commercial policy, provided they are clearly communicated at the time of ticket purchase.

• EU rules: Dangerous items are prohibited, and EU security rules on liquids apply (containers of up to 100 ml in a 1-litre clear bag); airports with new-generation scanners may accept larger volumes: check the rule at your departure airport.

To enter Belgium with pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) from non-EU countries, the requirements are:

• Microchip: Electronic identification compliant with ISO standard 11784 or 11785.
• Rabies Vaccination: The animal must have been vaccinated after the microchip was applied. For high-risk countries, an antibody titration test must be presented, conducted 3 months prior to travel.
• Health Certificate: Must be issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin and accompany the animal.
• Entry: Entry must be made through authorized points of entry (international airports with inspection facilities).

• Unaccompanied Minors: Airlines operating in Belgium provide "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) services. It is recommended that Belgian minors or residents traveling alone carry an exit permit signed by their parents or legal guardians, authenticated by the local municipal office (commune).
• Infants: Children under 2 years old generally travel on a lap with a reduced fare. Child safety seats must comply with European homologation standards if provided by the parents.

Belgium complies with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility:

• Free Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance at the airport (from check-in to boarding) and on board the aircraft.
• Notification: Requests for assistance must be made to the airline or tour operator at least 48 hours before the flight departure time.
• Infrastructure: Belgian airports are mandated to maintain full accessibility, including ramps, adapted restrooms, and visual/auditory signage.

• FPS Mobility and Transport (DGTA): https://mobilit.belgium.be/en/aviation
• Travel to Belgium (FPS Foreign Affairs): https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium
• EU Passenger Rights: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm
• Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA - Pet Entry): https://www.favv-afsca.be/consommateurs/animauxdomestiques/
• ETIAS System (Official EU Portal): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en