An important step has been taken to make travelling to the United States from Brussels Airport more convenient in the future. Belgian Foreign Minister Philippe Goffin and the US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Ronald J. Gidwitz today signed a preclearance agreement between the USA and Belgium in the presence of Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.
Thus, passengers departing from Brussels Airport to the US will be able to clear US customs prior to embarkation in Brussels and save some time upon arrival. Thirty US Customs & Border Protection agents will carry out checks, scan passports and take fingerprints and photos already in Zaventem in order to avoid queues in the US.
The agreement has been under discussion for many years, but the signature has been slowed down by the corona crisis.
Said Ambassador Gidwitz: “This is a historic deal that will enable Brussels Airport to bolster its position as a leading commercial hub in Europe and serve as an important pillar in the post-COVID recovery for the aviation and tourism sectors“.
Pleased to witness the signature of the agreement between Belgium and USA for Preclearance @BrusselsAirport. In the future this will allow passengers to clear US customs prior to departure, making travel to the US faster and even more convenient. #safetravel pic.twitter.com/eWPlEBpYDG
— Arnaud Feist (@arnaudfeist) September 28, 2020
???? Foreign Minister @PhGoffin welcomes Preclearance agreement with the United States.
Passengers departing from @BrusselsAirport to the US will be able to clear US customs prior to embarkation in Brussels and save time upon arrival. pic.twitter.com/V5omjP3gO8
— ?? Belgium MFA ? #UNGA (@BelgiumMFA) September 28, 2020
Today Belgian Foreign Minister @PhGoffin and I signed a “preclearance” agreement that will allow passengers boarding flights from @BrusselsAirport to the United States to clear U.S. customs & immigration prior to embarkation in Brussels, saving time upon arrival. pic.twitter.com/qKao04oVjl
— Ambassador Gidwitz (@USAmbBelgium) September 28, 2020
Congratulations this is Really good news I am happy for both of country that will make easier and save time I wish you all the best and good work in the future ?????????????
Unfortunately it takes more time to get through exit control at Brussels Airport than it does to get through immigration and customs in the US on arrival…