Belgium is a European country and also part of the Schengen zone. Hence, being a European Union member state and a country in the Schengen area, there are many countries whose nationals are allowed to visit Belgium visa free. However, visa free travel has been risky as it has raised security concerns.
Therefore, starting in 2024, a new system known as the ETIAS will be introduced to strengthen security measures. If you have only slightly heard about the ETIAS and are unsure exactly what it is, this article will help you understand its purpose.
Moreover, if you wish to travel to Belgium, the article will discuss the Belgium ETIAS visa waiver program and whether you need the Belgium ETIAS.
What is an ETIAS?
ETIAS is defined as the European Travel Information and Authorization system. ETIAS visa waiver program is an electronic system that keeps track of all visitors coming from countries whose nationals do not need a visa to come to the Schengen area.
ETIAS will be implemented in 2024. And once this is implemented, all those countries whose citizens did not need to acquire a visa must now have an ETIAS document with them. ETIAS is different from the Schengen visa as the Schengen visa allows visitors to travel to Schengen countries.
What is a Belgium ETIAS?
The Belgium ETIAS visa waiver program will record all visitors coming to Belgium. This is supposed to monitor the security concerns that arise due to the policy of visa free travel to Belgium for some countries. Visa free travel causes some individuals to take advantage of the system and penetrate the security, which can cause security attacks.
Therefore, the Belgium ETIAS aims to provide border security. By 2024, all visitors traveling to Belgium who were previously permitted visa free travel will now need to acquire the Belgium ETIAS.
Who Needs the Belgium ETIAS?
Now, do you need a Belgium ETIAS document to enter Belgium? There are about 60 to 62 countries whose nationals must apply for the ETIAS. Some countries included in this list of 62 are Brazil, Serbia, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Canada, Peru, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, the UK, the USA, etc. These countries are among those whose nationals can travel to Belgium without a visa. However, with the ETIAS program's implementation, they must now apply for ETIAS Belgium.
Moreover, if you are transiting through Belgium, you must apply for the ETIAS.
How Long is the Belgium ETIAS Valid?
The Belgium ETIAS is valid for 3 years; once the 3 years pass, you must apply for another ETIAS. Moreover, during the 3-year validity, you can be in Belgium for either 90 days or 180 days.
Moreover, you are permitted multiple entries within the validity period of the ETIAS. However, if your passport expires between the validity period, then you must renew your passport and then apply for a new ETIAS too!
What are the Requirements for the Belgium ETIAS?
The requirements for the Belgium ETIAS are that you must have a valid passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months starting when you apply for ETIAS.
You have to fill out the application too. The application process is not too long or a hassle. The application form asks for basic personal information, which takes a few minutes to complete.
An identification document is required for the ETIAS application, and you have to provide your medical history and also give an update on your health insurance. All these supporting documents must be provided to receive your ETIAS Belgium easily.
You must provide information regarding your education and work history. A valid email address must be provided so your ETIAS document can be mailed to you.
The ETIAS fee must be provided to acquire ETIAS Belgium.
How to Apply for the Belgium ETIAS?
You can apply for the Belgium ETIAS online, as this system is online. The application process is not hard at all. Third-party agencies like VisaHQ are available through which you can apply for the ETIAS, and they will guide you if you get stuck on any step.
First, you must apply for the ETIAS by filling out the application form and filling in your basic information. Next, you must decide the processing time you want the ETIAS delivered. Different processing times can affect the ETIAS fee. You must attach the documents needed and pay the ETIAS and service fees if you apply through a third-party site.
Your ETIAS document will be emailed to you; therefore, you can take a printout or download it on your phone. You will be asked to show it on border control by the immigration authorities. This article aimed to clarify what the Belgium ETIAS is and whether you need it!