Belgium ETIAS - European visa waiver for Belgium

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver program initiated by the European Union. It's designed to better secure EU borders by pre-screening travelers from visa-exempt countries who wish to enter the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 27 European nations. ETIAS is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2025.

Do I need an ETIAS for visiting Belgium?

Yes, if you are a national of a visa-exempt country traveling to Belgium or any other Schengen Area country, you will need to have an approved ETIAS authorization.

How do I apply for an ETIAS for Belgium?

You apply for ETIAS online. The application will require your personal information, passport details, and answers to a set of security questions. After completing the form and paying the fee, you'll receive a response within a few days. If approved, the ETIAS is valid for three years or until the end of the passport's validity, whichever comes first.

If I hold a passport from Belgium, will I need an ETIAS?

No, Belgian passport holders are citizens of the European Union and therefore do not require ETIAS when traveling within the Schengen Zone.

Will local border authorities know of my arrival into Belgium?

Yes, when you arrive in Belgium or any other Schengen Area country, the border authorities will be able to electronically confirm your ETIAS authorization.

How will my ETIAS application be processed by Belgium?

Your application will not be processed by Belgium. The ETIAS system is managed centrally by the European Union. Your information will be checked against various databases, including Interpol and Europol, to identify any potential security concerns. There are however, individual National Units, each of which belongs to an individual member state. These National Units collaborate through information sharing and pool information, across the EU bloc, for the purposes of security.

Do I need an ETIAS is transiting through Belgian Airports?

No, if you are from a visa-exempt country and transiting through any airport within the Schengen Area, including Belgium, you will not need an approved ETIAS unless you are leaving the airport transit area. If you are leaving the airport transit area, then you will need to obtain an approved ETIAS.

Do I need an ETIAS when entering Belgium by land, air, and sea?

Yes, travelers from visa-exempt third countries will require an ETIAS to enter Belgium or any other Schengen country, regardless of the mode of transportation.

Is applying for Belgium ETIAS different than other countries?

No, the ETIAS application process is the same for all Schengen countries. You do not apply for a specific country, but for entry into the Schengen Zone.

Can I use the Belgium ETIAS for visiting other countries?

Yes, an approved ETIAS allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which encompasses 27 European countries, including Belgium.

How long can I stay in Belgium with an ETIAS?

With an approved ETIAS, you can stay in the Schengen Area, including Belgium, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Can I stay 90 days in Belgium then visit another Schengen country for another 90 days?

No, the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Zone, not individual countries within it. It's not possible to reset the 90-day count by moving between Schengen countries.

How can I contact the local ETIAS office for Belgium nearest to me?

ETIAS is a system managed by the European Union, so there is no specific ETIAS office in Belgium or any other Schengen country. You can contact the relevant European authorities for any ETIAS-related inquiries.

If my ETIAS is denied for Belgium, how do I appeal?

If your ETIAS is denied, you will receive a reason for the denial. Each member state will have a process for appealing ETIAS decisions, and you should follow the instructions provided in the denial notification.

What is the interview process for Belgium for ETIAS appeals?

There's no specific interview process for Belgium. If your ETIAS is denied, you'll receive information about how to appeal the decision, which will vary depending on the member state that processed your application.

What if I lose my passport while in Belgium on an approved ETIAS?

If you lose your passport in Belgium, immediately report it to the local police and contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Belgium. Remember, your ETIAS is linked to your passport, so you will need to get a new ETIAS authorization when you get a new passport.

If my ETIAS is revoked while in Belgium, can I still get another ETIAS?

Yes, if your ETIAS is revoked, you'll be given a reason for the revocation and instructions on how to reapply. Remember, ETIAS is valid for the entire Schengen Area, so a revocation would affect your ability to travel in all Schengen countries.