Are you planning an international trip and wondering about the travel requirements for Belgian passport holders? Navigating the rules and regulations can sometimes feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. This guide will provide you with all the important information you need to ensure a smooth journey.
From understanding passport validity to knowing what documents are necessary, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the specific travel requirements for Belgian passport holders and make your travel preparations as stress-free as possible.
Table of Contents
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Belgium – Map
Overview of Travel Requirements
Belgium, a member of the Schengen Area, requires its citizens to have a valid passport for international travel. Belgian passports are valid for seven years for adults and five years for minors. It’s essential to ensure your passport has been issued within the last ten years and remains valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport Validity | Issued within the last ten years |
| Expiry Date | Valid for at least three months after departure from Schengen |
| Visa-Free Travel | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area |
Travel Documents
Belgian Passport
The Belgian passport is essential for international travel and is recognized worldwide. It allows travel to all countries, though some may require a visa. The passport remains valid even if you move to another municipality in Belgium or abroad. Always ensure your passport meets the necessary validity requirements before traveling.
Belgian Identity Card
While the Belgian identity card is compulsory and allows travel to around 50 countries, it may not be sufficient for all international destinations. For many countries, especially those outside the European Union, a passport will still be required. The identity card is a useful supplementary document, but it should not replace your passport.
Traveling to Specific Regions
Traveling to the UK
Since the UK is not part of the Schengen Area, Belgian passport holders must meet different requirements. A valid passport is necessary, and it is advisable to check the latest entry requirements with the Belgian Embassy in the UK. Be aware that travel regulations may change, so stay informed about current guidelines.
Traveling within the Schengen Area
Traveling within the Schengen Area is straightforward for Belgian passport holders. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Ensure your passport is stamped on entry and exit, and be prepared to provide evidence of your travel dates if needed. This ease of movement is one of the significant benefits of being a Schengen Area citizen.
Traveling through Calais
Calais serves as a critical transit point for many travelers heading to and from Belgium and France. While traveling through Calais, ensure you meet the entry requirements for both France and Belgium. The French authorities provide travel advice that can help you prepare for your journey and avoid any potential issues at the border.
Health and Safety Information
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Currently, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travelers entering Belgium. However, it is always best to stay informed about any potential changes in health regulations as global situations can evolve.
General Health Tips for Travelers
When traveling, it is important to maintain good health practices. Carry necessary medications, stay hydrated, and be aware of the healthcare facilities available at your destination. This preparation can make a significant difference in ensuring a safe and healthy trip.
World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines
The WHO offers global health information that can be useful for Belgian travelers. Their guidelines encompass a wide range of health topics and can help you stay informed about any health advisories or precautions you should take while traveling.
Customs and Border Control
Customs Rules for Goods
Belgium, like other EU countries, has strict customs rules regarding the goods you can bring in and out. You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into EU countries. Being aware of these regulations can help you avoid fines or confiscation of goods.
Completing a Disclosure Form at Customs
If you are carrying currency worth 10,000 euros or more, you must complete a disclosure form at customs. This requirement helps prevent illegal activities and ensures transparency at the border.
Travel Assistance and Resources
The Role of Travel Providers
Travel providers play a crucial role in ensuring passengers meet the necessary requirements for travel. They can provide valuable information and assistance in preparing the required documents and understanding travel regulations.
Belgian Embassy in the UK
The Belgian Embassy in the UK offers support and information for Belgian citizens traveling to or from the UK. They can assist with passport issues, provide travel advice, and help in emergencies.
Embassy of Belgium
The Embassy of Belgium offers information on visa requirements and other travel-related queries for Belgian citizens. They can help you understand the necessary steps for international travel and provide support when needed.
Belgian Federal Public Health Service
This service provides information on public health in Belgium, which is essential for travelers to be aware of. They offer guidelines and updates on health-related matters that can impact your journey.
Additional Information
EU Customs Rules
The EU has specific customs rules that apply to all member states, including Belgium. Understanding these rules can help you navigate customs more efficiently and avoid any issues.
International Aviation Safety Standards
Aviation safety standards are crucial for travelers. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provides information on these standards, ensuring you are informed about the safety measures in place.
Maritime Travel and Safety Information
For those traveling by sea, the U.S. Coast Guard and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency provide valuable information on maritime travel and safety. This information can help you prepare for a safe journey.
Broadcast Warnings for Mariners
Broadcast warnings for mariners are essential for safety at sea. These warnings, provided by various international organizations, keep travelers informed about potential hazards and ensure a safer maritime experience.
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Belgium – Countries list
Afghanistan - visa required
Albania - visa-free/90 days
Algeria - visa required
Andorra - visa-free
Angola - visa-free/30 days
Antigua and Barbuda - visa-free/180 days
Argentina - visa-free/90 days
Armenia - visa-free/180 days
Australia - eVisitors/90 days
Austria - visa-free
Azerbaijan - eVisa/30 days
Bahamas - visa-free/240 days
Bahrain - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Bangladesh - visa on arrival/30 days
Barbados - visa-free/90 days
Belarus - visa-free/30 days
Belize - visa-free
Benin - eVisa
Bhutan - eVisa
Bolivia - visa-free/90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina - visa-free/90 days
Botswana - visa-free/90 days
Brazil - visa-free/90 days
Brunei - visa-free/90 days
Bulgaria - visa-free
Burkina Faso - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Burundi - visa on arrival/30 days
Cambodia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Cameroon - eVisa
Canada - eTA/180 days
Cape Verde - visa-free (EASE)/30 days
Central African Republic - visa required
Chad - visa required
Chile - visa-free/90 days
China - visa-free/15 days
Colombia - visa-free/90 days
Comoros - visa on arrival/45 days
Congo - visa required
Congo (Dem. Rep.) - eVisa/90 days
Costa Rica - visa-free/180 days
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - pre-enrollment/90 days
Croatia - visa-free
Cuba - tourist card/90 days
Cyprus - visa-free
Czech Republic - visa-free
Denmark - visa-free
Djibouti - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Dominica - visa-free/180 days
Dominican Republic - E-Ticket/30 days
Ecuador - visa-free/90 days
Egypt - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
El Salvador - visa-free/180 days
Equatorial Guinea - eVisa
Eritrea - visa required
Estonia - visa-free
Eswatini - visa-free/30 days
Ethiopia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Fiji - visa-free/120 days
Finland - visa-free
France - visa-free
Gabon - eVisa/90 days
Gambia - visa-free/90 days
Georgia - visa-free/360 days
Germany - visa-free
Ghana - visa required
Greece - visa-free
Grenada - visa-free/90 days
Guatemala - visa-free/90 days
Guinea - eVisa/90 days
Guinea-Bissau - visa on arrival/90 days
Guyana - visa-free/90 days
Haiti - visa-free/90 days
Honduras - visa-free/90 days
Hong Kong - visa-free/90 days
Hungary - visa-free
Iceland - visa-free
India - eVisa/30 days
Indonesia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iran - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iraq - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Ireland - visa-free
Israel - visa-free/90 days
Italy - visa-free
Jamaica - visa-free/90 days
Japan - visa-free/90 days
Jordan - visa on arrival / eVisa
Kazakhstan - visa-free/30 days
Kenya - eTA/90 days
Kiribati - visa-free/90 days
Kosovo - visa-free/90 days
Kuwait - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Kyrgyzstan - visa-free/60 days
Laos - visa on arrival / eVisa/15 days
Latvia - visa-free
Lebanon - visa on arrival/30 days
Lesotho - visa-free/14 days
Liberia - visa required
Libya - eVisa
Liechtenstein - visa-free
Lithuania - visa-free
Luxembourg - visa-free
Macao - visa-free/90 days
Madagascar - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Malawi - visa-free/30 days
Malaysia - visa-free/90 days
Maldives - visa on arrival/30 days
Mali - visa required
Malta - visa-free
Marshall Islands - visa-free/90 days
Mauritania - visa on arrival
Mauritius - visa-free/90 days
Mexico - visa-free/180 days
Micronesia - visa-free/90 days
Moldova - visa-free/90 days
Monaco - visa-free
Mongolia - visa-free/30 days
Montenegro - visa-free/90 days
Morocco - visa-free/90 days
Mozambique - visa-free/30 days
Myanmar - eVisa
Namibia - visa-free/90 days
Nauru - visa required
Nepal - visa on arrival / eVisa/150 days
Netherlands - visa-free
New Zealand - eTA/90 days
Nicaragua - visa-free/90 days
Niger - visa required
Nigeria - eVisa/90 days
North Korea - visa required
North Macedonia - visa-free/90 days
Norway - visa-free
Oman - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Pakistan - eVisa
Palau - visa-free/90 days
Palestinian Territories - visa-free
Panama - visa-free/90 days
Papua New Guinea - eVisitors/60 days
Paraguay - visa-free/90 days
Peru - visa-free/90 days
Philippines - visa-free/30 days
Poland - visa-free
Portugal - visa-free
Qatar - free visa on arrival/90 days
Romania - visa-free
Russian Federation - eVisa/15 days
Rwanda - visa-free/30 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis - visa-free/90 days
Saint Lucia - visa-free/90 days
Samoa - visa-free/90 days
San Marino - visa-free
Sao Tome and Principe - visa-free/15 days
Saudi Arabia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Senegal - visa-free/90 days
Serbia - visa-free/90 days
Seychelles - tourist registration/90 days
Sierra Leone - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Singapore - visa-free/90 days
Slovakia - visa-free
Slovenia - visa-free
Solomon Islands - visa-free/90 days
Somalia - visa on arrival/30 days
South Africa - visa-free/90 days
South Korea - visa-free/90 days
South Sudan - eVisa
Spain - visa-free
Sri Lanka - eTA/30 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - visa-free/90 days
Sudan - visa required
Suriname - tourist card/90 days
Sweden - visa-free
Switzerland - visa-free
Syria - eVisa
Taiwan - visa-free/90 days
Tajikistan - visa-free/30 days
Tanzania - visa on arrival / eVisa
Thailand - visa-free/60 days
Timor-Leste - visa-free/90 days
Togo - eVisa/15 days
Tonga - visa-free/90 days
Trinidad and Tobago - visa-free/90 days
Tunisia - visa-free/90 days
Turkmenistan - visa required
Tuvalu - visa-free/90 days
Türkiye - visa-free/90 days
Uganda - eVisa
Ukraine - visa-free/90 days
United Arab Emirates - visa-free/90 days
United Kingdom - visa-free/180 days
United States of America - eTA/90 days
Uruguay - visa-free/90 days
Uzbekistan - visa-free/30 days
Vanuatu - visa-free/150 days
Vatican City - visa-free
Venezuela - visa-free/90 days
Viet Nam - eVisa/90 days
Yemen - visa required
Zambia - visa-free/90 days
Zimbabwe - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days