ETIAS authorization to travel to Belgium

Belgium, the institutional heart of the European Union, is a unique destination in Europe. Non-Schengen nationals will soon be required to have an ETIAS authorization to enter the country. The system is expected to launch in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The ETIAS launch, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The official date has not yet been confirmed. 2027 is now the most likely year. Visit our page on the ETIAS launch delay for the latest information.

Can you travel to Belgium with an ETIAS authorization?

Yes. For stays of less than 90 days, travelers who are nationals of countries authorized by the ETIAS system will be able to enter Belgium with only an ETIAS travel authorization, without having to apply for a Schengen visa. Belgium has been a founding member of the Schengen Area since 1985.

The ETIAS system will apply to all Schengen countries, which means that a single authorization is sufficient if your trip includes Belgium and other destinations such as France, the Netherlands, or Germany.

Belgium—capital of the European Union: Brussels is home to the European Union’s main institutions: the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and the European Parliament (which also meets in Strasbourg). The eu-LISA agency, which manages the technical aspects of the ETIAS system, is based in Tallinn, Estonia. Belgium is thus at the very heart of the process that led to the creation of the ETIAS system.

How do I obtain an ETIAS authorization for Belgium?

The ETIAS authorization application will be completed entirely online. Filling out the ETIAS form will take only a few minutes if the applicant has a valid biometric passport.

Fill out the online form

Fill out the ETIAS form online on the official European Union website using the information from your passport and answer the security questions.

Pay fees

Pay the ETIAS authorization fee of €20 by credit card. The system is free for those under 18 and those over 70.

Receive confirmation

The response is sent by email. Processing times vary depending on the request—please allow at least 8 days before departure.

Travel with Peace of Mind

The ETIAS system is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print out your authorization before going to the airport.

Do you need an ETIAS authorization to make a stopover in Belgium?

An ETIAS authorization will allow you to make a stopover in Belgium without a Schengen visa. Brussels-Zaventem Airport (BRU) is Belgium’s main international airport, with direct connections to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Charleroi Airport (CRL) primarily serves European destinations.

How much does an ETIAS authorization cost for Belgium?

The European Union has set the fee for the ETIAS authorization at €20. This amount is the same for all Schengen countries. Payment can only be made online by credit card.

Practical Information for Traveling in Belgium

Top Destinations in Belgium

Belgium is a small country but rich in cultural heritage. Brussels, the capital, attracts millions of visitors each year thanks to its European institutions, its Grand-Place (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its museums, and its cuisine. Bruges, nicknamed the Venice of the North, as well as Ghent, Antwerp, and Liège, are also very popular destinations. Belgium is also renowned for its craft beers, chocolates, and waffles.

Access to Belgium from Abroad

Belgium is one of the best-connected countries in Europe. Brussels is connected to Paris (1 hr 22 min), Amsterdam (1 hr 47 min), and London (2 hr 01 min) by direct high-speed services via Eurostar and Thalys/Eurostar. Brussels-Zaventem Airport (BRU) offers direct flights to more than 200 destinations worldwide.

Business Travel in Belgium

Brussels is one of the world’s leading cities for international conferences and institutional events. It hosts thousands of European and international meetings every year. For these trips, visit our page on business travel with an ETIAS authorization.