Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Belgium?

No, UK citizens do not need a visa for short tourist or business trips to Belgium (Schengen area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but you must have a valid passport, and may need proof of funds/return tickets; for longer stays or other purposes, a visa is required, and be aware of new digital entry systems (EES/ETIAS) starting soon for all non-EU visitors.

What documents do I need to travel to Belgium from the UK?

British citizens don't need a visa to enter Belgium but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport's valid for Belgium using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium/entry-requirements.

Do UK citizens need ETIAS for Belgium?

You'll need an ETIAS if: You are not a citizen of an EU country. You are from a country whose nationals do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area. You do not hold a residence permit or residence card issued by a European country requiring ETIAS.

Do British citizens need to apply for ETIAS?

Yes, UK citizens will need an ETIAS authorization to travel to most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days) once the system launches, currently expected in late 2026, as it's a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA. This applies to the Schengen Area and other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, but not Ireland due to the Common Travel Area.
 

Do Belgians need a visa to go to the UK?

Learn more: United Kingdom eTA for Belgian passport holders

Travelers visiting the UK for under six months require an Elecronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Travelers can submit an ETA application online. Once the application is approved, travelers receive their ETA confirmation electronically.

Do I Need Visa For Belgium With UK Travel Document? - Western Europe Explorer

Do British citizens need a visa to enter the EU?

No, UK citizens do not need a visa for short tourist trips (up to 90 days in 180) to the EU/Schengen Area, but starting in late 2026/early 2027, they will need to apply for a new ETIAS visa-waiver authorization online before traveling, similar to the US ESTA system, and will also face new EES border checks. For longer stays or different purposes (work, study), specific visas are required. 

Will EU citizens require an ETA for UK travel starting April 2025?

Yes, as of April 2, 2025, citizens from the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), plus Switzerland, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits to the UK, applying from March 5, 2025, through the official GOV.UK website or the ETA app. This digital permit allows stays of up to six months and is for non-visa nationals, replacing the need for a visa for most short trips, with Irish citizens generally exempt.

What date in 2025 does ETIAS start?

EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026. You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.

How much is an ETIAS visa for UK citizens?

You can fill in the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 20, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee.

Does an EU citizen need a visa to enter the UK?

Citizens from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein (except Irish citizens) need an electronic travel authorisation ( ETA ) to travel to the UK without a visa. Under the UK 's points-based immigration system, you can continue to visit the UK without applying for a visa.

Do I need an ETIAS to travel to Belgium in 2025?

ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026.

No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

Do I need a visa for Belgium from the UK after Brexit?

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Belgium, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist. to visit family or friends.

What is required to travel to Belgium?

Travelers require a passport valid for at least 3 months after the traveler exits. Travelers need a valid passport to enter Belgium. The traveler's passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the traveler's arrival date and remain valid for at least 3 months after the traveler's departure from Belgium.

What do I need to know before going to Belgium?

11 things to know before a trip to Belgium

• Endives are more popular than Brussels sprouts. ...
• You'll pay for water but you don't need to tip. ...
• Carry coins: it might cost to use the bathroom. ...
• Cash payments are rounded up to the nearest €0.05. ...
• ATMs are hard to find. ...
• Eat frites not French fries. ...
• Cafes are more for beer than coffee.

What is the currency in Belgium?

As in most European countries, the currency of Belgium is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €).

Will British passport holders need ETIAS?

Yes, UK citizens will need an ETIAS authorization to travel to most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days) once the system launches, currently expected in late 2026, as it's a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA. This applies to the Schengen Area and other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, but not Ireland due to the Common Travel Area.
 

How early should I apply for ETIAS?

Most applicants will receive their ETIAS travel authorisation within minutes, but in some cases the process may take up to 30 days. This is why you should apply well in advance of your travel to avoid complications.

Is ETIAS free for over 70s?

The ETIAS authorisation will last for three years (after which it will need to be renewed for future visits), or until the holder's passport expires (whichever is sooner). It will cost €20 for people aged 18 to 70. However, it will be free for under-18s and over-70s.

Are visa slots open for fall 2025?

For Fall 2025, F1 visa slots for Indian students will start to open around June or July, though there might be a few slots available in May. It is advisable to book your F1 visa slots for fall 2025 up to 120 days before your course starts.

Has ETIAS been postponed until 2026?

The European Union has recently revised the introduction of the ETIAS. It will now be launched in Q4 2026, which is a push-back from the previously planned 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024 launches. ETIAS stands for EU Travel Information & Authorisation System.

Will UK citizens need a visa for Europe in 2025?

Once approved, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the electronic chip inside the traveler's passport. The EU visa waiver will be verified when the passport is scanned at the exterior border. ETIAS will be a mandatory entry requirement for UK nationals once it becomes available in mid-2025.

When in 2025 will ETIAS start?

When will ETIAS go into effect? ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. The exact date will be announced at least six (6) months before the system enters into operation. The Entry/Exit System (explained further) will begin on October 12, 2025.