Euronews Travel & Tourism Summit

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Published: 2026-09-29T10:37:11.586Z • Permanent link

US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White is set to unveil a major development in Global Entry plans, which could soon allow Belgian travellers to breeze through major US airports with ease. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation between the two nations' border control agencies. According to sources close to the matter, White will highlight significant strides made in the implementation of Global Entry, a trusted traveller programme aimed at streamlining customs and immigration processes for pre-approved individuals. By leveraging advanced biometric technology and streamlined procedures, Global Entry promises to reduce wait times and increase efficiency at major US airports. Euronews has learned that the programme has been gaining momentum in recent months, with several major airlines already on board.

The development is seen as a major coup for the US Embassy in Brussels, which has been working closely with Belgian authorities to facilitate the growth of bilateral trade and investment. White is expected to use his remarks to emphasize the importance of cooperation between the two nations' border control agencies, highlighting the benefits of streamlined customs and immigration processes for businesses and individuals alike. According to industry insiders, the move could have far-reaching implications for the global travel industry, with several major airlines already expressing interest in expanding their operations to the US market. As the programme moves forward, it is likely to become an increasingly important factor in shaping the future of global travel.

Global Entry has been a key priority for the US government in recent years, with several high-profile implementations already underway. The programme has been hailed as a major success by critics, who argue that it has helped to reduce wait times and increase efficiency at major US airports. However, some critics have raised concerns about the programme's impact on security, arguing that it could compromise national security if not implemented carefully. Despite these concerns, White is expected to use his remarks to emphasize the programme's security benefits, highlighting the advanced biometric technology and streamlined procedures that are in place to ensure the integrity of the programme.

The development is set to have significant implications for the global travel industry, particularly in the Data Sources domain. Companies such as Expedia and Booking.com are likely to benefit from the increased efficiency and streamlined procedures offered by Global Entry, as travellers become increasingly accustomed to using digital platforms to plan and book their trips. Research communities are also likely to take notice, as the programme's impact on travel behaviour and consumer preferences becomes increasingly clear. According to industry insiders, the move could also have far-reaching implications for the broader travel industry, with several major airlines already expressing interest in expanding their operations to the US market.

The implications for the global travel industry are likely to be felt most acutely in the Data Sources domain, where companies such as Mastercard and Visa are already working to provide travellers with seamless and secure payment options. As the programme moves forward, it is likely to become an increasingly important factor in shaping the future of global travel, with several major airlines already expressing interest in expanding their operations to the US market. Whether the programme ultimately succeeds in reducing wait times and increasing efficiency at major US airports remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the impact will be felt far beyond the borders of the US.

The development is part of a broader trend towards increased cooperation between the US and European Union on border control issues. In recent years, the two regions have been working closely together to address issues such as terrorism and human trafficking, and the implementation of Global Entry is seen as a key part of this effort. According to industry insiders, the programme is part of a larger effort to streamline customs and immigration processes across the Atlantic, with several major airlines already expressing interest in expanding their operations to the US market.