
British travelers visiting Belgium will soon need an ETIAS authorization for entry into the country.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), is a new European Union (EU) program launching in 2025. This system aims to enhance security in the Schengen Area, requiring visa-exempt countries to complete an online form, answer security questions, and pay a fee before their trip.
Read on to find out what British citizens need to learn about the upcoming ETIAS.

What is ETIAS?
The ETIAS is an upcoming travel system set up by the EU. It is a special permission for travelers who do not need a visa to visit Europe, including British citizens.
Before people from these visa-free countries can come into the Schengen Area, they will need an ETIAS travel authorization. The whole idea is to make traveling in Europe safer for everyone.
ETIAS is set to launch sometime in 2025.
Do I need an ETIAS to visit Belgium?
Yes, you need an ETIAS to visit Belgium.
If you are from a country that does not require a visa to visit Belgium or any other Schengen Area country, you will still need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter the country’s borders.
How do I apply for an ETIAS to travel to Belgium?
To apply for ETIAS, you will need to fill out an online form with your personal details, passport information, and answers to some security questions.
Once you have completed the form and paid the €7 fee, you will get a response within a few days. If your application is approved, your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
I am a dual citizen of Belgium and the UK. Do I need an ETIAS?
No, you do not need an ETIAS if you are a Belgian and British citizen.
Individuals holding Belgian passports are citizens of the EU and are exempt from needing an ETIAS when traveling within the Schengen Zone.
How will Belgium process my ETIAS upon arrival?
When you visit Belgium or any other country in the Schengen Area, the border officials will check electronically to make sure you have ETIAS authorization.
Belgium itself does not handle your ETIAS application. The EU manages the ETIAS through a central system.
Authorities will review your information using databases like Interpol and Europol to spot any security issues. Each EU member state has its own National Unit, but they work together by sharing information to enhance security across the bloc.
Do I still need an ETIAS when I’m only in Belgium for a layover?
No, you do not need an ETIAS when you’re in Belgium for a layover.
If you are traveling through any airport within the Schengen Area, such as Belgium, you won’t need to obtain an ETIAS. However, if you want to leave the airport, you will need to apply for a valid ETIAS travel authorization.
Do I need an ETIAS for every European country I visit after Belgium?
No, you do not need to apply for an ETIAS for every EU country you visit. The process for applying for ETIAS is the same for all Schengen countries, and you only need to apply once.
What is the duration of stay allowed in Belgium with an ETIAS?
With an approved ETIAS, you can visit the Schengen Area, including Belgium, for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Keep in mind that the 90-day limit applies to all countries in the Schengen Zone, not just one country. Moving between Schengen countries will not reset the 90-day count.
My ETIAS application for Belgium has been denied. How do I appeal?
If your ETIAS application is rejected, you will be given a reason for the denial.
Each country in the EU will have a process for appealing decisions made regarding ETIAS. If your ETIAS application is denied, carefully review the guidelines provided in the denial notice and follow the procedures outlined there.
Aside from an ETIAS travel authorization, what other requirements do I need to enter Belgium?
Aside from an ETIAS, prepare the following requirements to show to authorities upon entry to Belgium:
Valid Passport
To go to Belgium, you need to meet the passport requirements for the Schengen Area.
Here is what your passport must have:
- It should be issued within the last 10 years from the date you plan to arrive.
- The expiration date should be at least three months after your planned departure date.
Make sure to check with your travel provider to ensure your passport and other documents meet these requirements. If needed, renew your passport.
If you don’t have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen, you won’t be allowed entry.
Proof of Relationship with Children Under 18 Years Old
Adults traveling to or from Belgium with kids aged 17 and under might need to show proof that they are related to the children they are traveling with when they go through border control. This includes:
- Parents
- Guardians
- Anyone who has parental authority
Make sure to carry documents with you to prove your relationship, like a birth certificate or a court order, especially if you have a different last name than the children.
I lost my passport while traveling in Belgium. Do I need a new ETIAS?
Yes, you need a new ETIAS if you lose your passport.
If you lose your passport while in Belgium, report it to the local police right away. Additionally, reach out to the British Embassy in Brussels for assistance.
Keep in mind that your ETIAS is linked to your passport, so you will need to apply for a new ETIAS authorization when you get a replacement passport.
Keep yourself updated on the latest ETIAS developments to ensure you have the necessary requirements when applying. If you’re exploring other European destinations, consult our country guides for essential documents needed at the border.