How long do I need on my passport to travel to Belgium?

For most non-EU visitors (including US, UK, Canada), your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area, and have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival, with two blank pages; for Irish citizens, it just needs to be valid for your stay. You can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism.

How long do I need on my passport to travel to Belgium from the UK?

Check your passport is valid for the dates you're travelling

You'll need to renew your passport if either: there's less than 3 months left on your passport at any time while you're travelling - check your passport to find out when it expires.

Does Belgium require 6 months of passport validity?

Traveling Through Europe: Belgium is a party to the Schengen Agreement. If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

Can I go to Europe with less than 6 months on my passport?

You can likely travel to Europe if your passport expires in 6 months, but it must have been issued less than 10 years ago and be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, so having exactly 6 months might be cutting it close, requiring a check of your passport's issue date and exact departure date to meet the "three-month rule" for most EU/Schengen countries. Always verify your specific destination's latest entry requirements on GOV.UK or the country's official travel site before you go, as some countries have different rules. 

What if I travel in 2 weeks and still have no passport?

I have already applied and do not have my passport

I'm traveling to a foreign country in 14 days or less. I'm traveling to a foreign country in more than 14 days. Call 1-877-487-2778. You must have an appointment to go to a passport agency or center.

Do I Need To Carry My Passport In Belgium? - Western Europe Explorer

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.

What is the new passport rule?

What are the new rules? Under the new travel rules, British dual citizens will have to show a British or Irish passport in order to enter the UK. If they want to use the passport of the country where they hold dual citizenship, they'll have to present it alongside a certificate of entitlement.

What are the requirements to enter 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.

Which countries do not require 6 months of passport validity in 2025?

Countries like Japan, Iceland, and Italy do not need 6-month passport validity for you to travel there. Understanding airline policies is important as they may have stricter rules than the destination country. Renewing your passport before it reaches six months to expiration can save you from unexpected travel issues.

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).

How long before your passport expires can you travel to Belgium?

Schengen entry and exit requirements

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the EU. Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay plus an additional 3 months.

Can I travel if my British passport expires in 3 months?

To travel to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must be: Issued less than 10 years before your departure date. Valid for at least three months after your planned return date.

When should you renew your passport?

If you are age 16 or older, your passport is valid for 10 years. Your child's passport (age 0-15) is valid for 5 years. Some countries require that your passport have at least six months of validity beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Belgium in 2025?

Understanding ETIAS for Belgium

It will launch in the last quarter of 2026, and once operational, travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will be required to hold an approved ETIAS before arriving in Belgium for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes.

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.

Can I still use my passport if it expires in 6 months?

To determine if your passport meets the 6-month rule, add six months to your arrival or exit date. If your passport expires before this date, you will need to renew it before traveling.

How do I check if my passport is valid for travel?

To check passport validity, find the issue date and expiry date on your passport's photo page; then, check the specific rules for your destination country (especially for Europe, where it must often be less than 10 years old at entry & valid for 3 months past return), using official government sites like GOV.UK or your country's foreign office website for accurate, up-to-date entry requirements, as rules vary widely and can change. 

How long are UK passport renewals taking right now?

For a standard UK passport renewal, the official guideline is up to 3 weeks, but it's wise to allow at least 6-8 weeks, as processing starts when documents are received, and it can take longer if there are issues or during busy periods, with options for faster services (like Fast Track or Premium) available at extra cost.

What is the fastest way to renew a passport?

The fastest way to renew a UK passport is the 1-day Online Premium service for adults, getting your passport in hours after an appointment, while the 1-week Fast Track service is the quickest for adults and children (including first-child applications), delivering your passport within a week of your appointment. Both require booking an urgent appointment at a passport office and paying a premium fee, but the Premium option offers same-day collection after your visit.

Can I leave the country if my passport expires in 2 months?

The U.S. Department of State recommends checking your passport expiration date at least 9 months before planning international trips. Some countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left before it expires.