Swimming pools in Brussels: rules on burkinis, swimming hijabs and covering swimwear
Are burkinis allowed in public swimming pools in Brussels? Can you wear a swimming hijab? Are full-coverage swimsuits covering the arms and legs accepted everywhere?
Among the swimming pools currently open and verified by Swim.brussels, 14 do not allow burkinis and 2 allow full-coverage swimsuits under certain conditions.
Swimming hijabs are not allowed in any of the swimming pools for which we have verified information.
Two establishments nevertheless apply specific rules to covering swimwear: a full-coverage swimsuit may be accepted if it meets precise requirements regarding material and fit.
This does not mean that every garment sold as a “burkini” is automatically accepted. Compliance depends on the specific model and on the rules of each swimming pool.
Swim.brussels regularly receives questions about these types of swimwear. We therefore checked the regulations and contacted the establishments directly to clarify the rules applied at each swimming pool.
Burkini, full-coverage swimsuit and swimming hijab: what is the difference?
A burkini is a covering swimsuit. It generally consists of swim leggings or trousers, a top covering the body and arms, and a head covering. Some models also include a tunic, skirt or other looser sections.
There is no single standard burkini design. Two garments sold under the same name may therefore be treated differently by a swimming pool.
A full-coverage swimsuit can cover the arms and legs while remaining fully fitted to the body, without loose or floating sections.
A swimming hijab is a head covering designed specifically for use in the water. It covers the hair and, depending on the model, may also cover the neck.
This distinction is important: some swimming-pool regulations define authorised swimwear according to its material, cut and close-fitting design rather than by the commercial name of the garment.
Burkinis and swimming hijabs: rules by swimming pool
The information below was verified using swimming-pool regulations and/or direct confirmations obtained from the establishments in September and October 2026.
| >Swimming pool | Burkini / covering swimwear | Swimming hijab |
|---|---|---|
| Centre – City of Brussels | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Laeken | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Neder-Over-Heembeek | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| CERIA | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Louis Namèche – Molenbeek | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Sportcity | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Calypso 2000 | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Triton | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| VUB / Nereus | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Saint-Josse | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Longchamp | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Poséidon | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Espadon – Etterbeek | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Victor Boin – Saint-Gilles | ❌ Not allowed before closure | ❌ Not allowed before closure |
| Neptunium – Schaerbeek | ⚠️ Full-coverage swimsuit allowed under conditions | ❌ Not allowed |
| Ixelles swimming pool | ⚠️ Full-coverage swimsuit allowed under conditions | ❌ Not allowed |
The information below was verified using swimming-pool regulations and/or direct confirmations obtained from the establishments in September and October 2026.
Victor Boin: the swimming pool is currently closed for renovation. Burkinis and swimming hijabs were not allowed before the closure. Swim.brussels will check these rules again when the pool reopens.
Poséidon: the swimming pool is also closed for renovation, but the ban on burkinis and swimming hijabs has been confirmed for the reopening.
For the last two establishments in the table, the rules are based on the characteristics of the swimwear rather than its name. A garment sold as a “burkini” may therefore comply if it fully meets the conditions imposed by the swimming pool. Conversely, the name alone does not determine whether a particular model will be accepted.
Why do the rules differ from one swimming pool to another?
There is no single dress code that applies to all public swimming pools in Brussels.
Each operator determines which types of swimwear are allowed in its establishment.
The rules may take into account:
- hygiene;
- safety;
- whether the garment is used exclusively for swimming;
- the material of the garment;
- whether it is close-fitting or loose;
- the possible presence of a skirt, tunic or other loose sections;
- the ability of lifeguards to intervene safely in an emergency.
Some swimming pools use a precise list of authorised swimwear. Others focus more on the characteristics the garment must meet.
What about women-only swimming sessions?
A women-only session does not automatically mean that a burkini or swimming hijab becomes allowed.
Unless the establishment explicitly states otherwise, the swimming-pool dress code continues to apply during women-only sessions.
A garment that is prohibited during mixed sessions therefore does not become allowed simply because the session is reserved for women.
Special case: Neptunium in Schaerbeek
Neptunium allows certain full-coverage swimsuits, provided they meet the criteria applied by the swimming pool.
To comply, the garment must:
- be made from material specifically intended for swimming;
- fit closely to the entire body;
- be allowed to cover the wrists and/or ankles;
- have no loose or flared sections, including tunics, skirts, skirt panels or shorts.
The regulations allow swimsuits specifically designed for swimming that cover the body partially or fully, while prohibiting loose-fitting garments.
The swimming pool prefers not to use the term “burkini”, as it can refer to a wide variety of garments. In practice, a garment marketed under this name may be accepted if it strictly meets all the criteria above.
The swimming hijab is not allowed. The swimming pool states that this restriction is based on the same safety reasoning applied in Ixelles.
A swim cap is compulsory for all swimmers.
Special case: Ixelles swimming pool
A full-coverage swimsuit may also be accepted if it meets the conditions set by the establishment.
The garment must in particular:
- fit closely to the body;
- be made from material suitable for swimming;
- have no loose or floating sections;
- have no skirt panel;
- leave the feet uncovered;
- leave the neck uncovered;
- have no hood or balaclava-style head covering.
The arms and legs may be covered.
A garment marketed as a “burkini” may therefore only be accepted if it meets all of these criteria.
The swimming hijab is not accepted. Only a standard swim cap that leaves the neck uncovered is permitted.
How can you avoid being refused entry?
Before travelling to the swimming pool, check the rules of the establishment you intend to visit.
- If the burkini is listed as not allowed, the fact that it was specifically designed for swimming does not necessarily mean that it will be accepted.
- If a full-coverage swimsuit is allowed under certain conditions, check the cut of your garment carefully. Two garments marketed under the same name may not meet the same requirements.
If you are unsure about a particular model, it is advisable to contact the swimming pool for confirmation before your visit.
Verified and updated information
The information in this article is based on the regulations of the establishments and on responses communicated directly to Swim.brussels during the general update of Brussels swimming-pool information carried out in October 2026.
For topics such as burkinis, full-coverage swimsuits and swimming hijabs, we do not generalise the rules of one swimming pool to another. Each status is based on information verified for the establishment concerned.
This page will be updated if swimming-pool regulations or applied conditions change.
