ETIAS for Belgium
EU Visa Waiver for U.S. Citizens Visiting Belgium
Americans will soon need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to Belgium.
ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be operational from 2026.
This page provides everything you need to know about visiting Belgium from the U.S. Check the ETIAS requirements and find out how to get your travel authorization for Europe online.
About ETIAS Belgium for U.S. Citizens
ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for visiting European countries in the Schengen Area. This includes Belgium.
As visa-exempt non-EU nationals, Americans need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS is not a visa, you can continue to travel to Belgium without a visa using a U.S. passport.
You do not need to apply for ETIAS every time you travel. ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can travel to Belgium or other European countries multiple times in this 3-year validity period.
Conditions to travel from the USA to Belgium without a visa
By applying for ETIAS, U.S. passport holders can travel to Belgium without a visa. To be eligible for visa-free entry, you must be traveling to Belgium for:
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- For tourism, business, or short-term study
ETIAS is valid across the Schengen Area. The same permit can be used to visit Belgium, France, Germany, and more than 20 other European destinations. Your entire stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days per 180-day period.
U.S. citizens who do not meet these conditions need to apply for a visa for Belgium.
Documents to travel to Belgium from the United States
Belgium is a member of the Schengen Area. Schengen entry requirements apply.
To travel to Belgium, U.S. citizens need:
- Passport
- ETIAS for Belgium (from 2026) or a visa
If you are traveling from the U.S. to Belgium with ETIAS, you do not need to carry a printed copy of your travel authorization. ETIAS is linked to your U.S. passport electronically.
You only need a visa if you do not meet the ETIAS condition. You should carry a copy with you when you travel.
U.S. passport requirements to apply for ETIAS for Belgium
To apply for ETIAS and travel to Belgium, your U.S. passport must be:
- Machine-readable
- Valid for at least 3 months after you’ll leave the Schengen Area
The details you provide when applying for ETIAS must match your passport exactly. ETIAS is linked to your passport—if you renew your passport, you must reapply for ETIAS.
How to Apply for ETIAS Belgium from the U.S.
You can apply for your ETIAS for Belgium online from the U.S. Applications start in 2026.
It takes a few minutes to fill out the electronic application form. You need to provide basic personal and passport details plus some information about your stay in Belgium.
There are also some questions relating to safety and security.
What happens to the information I provide on my ETIAS form?
When you request an ETIAS, the information you provide is checked automatically against EU security systems.
Provided there are no alerts, your ETIAS will be approved right away.
In the unlikely event that something is flagged, your application will be reviewed by the ETIAS National Unit responsible.
Your information is kept secure and can only be accessed by approved personnel.
How soon before traveling to Belgium should I apply for ETIAS?
You cannot apply for ETIAS until 2026. The system is not yet operational.
Once the system goes live, you can apply for your ETIAS for Belgium, or any Schengen Country, at any time. Processing is fast but you should allow time for delays—you cannot travel to Belgium until you have received ETIAS approval.
Information About Belgium for American Travelers
Belgium is a sovereign state in Western Europe bordered by France, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and the North Sea. Its official name is the Kingdom of Belgium.
Belgium is divided into 3 regions and 3 communities. Its 2 largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia. However, Brussels and its surrounding area are officially bilingual (French and Dutch).
Belgium is one of the 6 founding countries of the European Union. Belgium hosts the official seats of the European Commission, Council of the European Union, and European Council, as well as a seat of the European Parliament in the country’s capital, Brussels.
Belgium is also a founding member of the Eurozone, NATO, OECD and WTO, and a part of the trilateral Benelux Union.
American tourists in Belgium can visit important cities such as Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. Belgium also offers scenic countryside with quaint villages, ancient castles, and scenic cycling routes.
About Belgium
Capital: Brussels
Language: Dutch, German, French
Area: 30,528 km²
Population: 11,250,585
Timezone: UTC/GTM 1
Currency: euro (€)
Code: +32
Electric sockets: 230 V AC, 50Hz. Type plug E, plug C and plug F (Schuko)
U.S. Embassy in Brussels, Belgium
Address: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Régent, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
Interesting facts and tourist info about Belgium
- Along with Washington D.C., Brussels has the highest number of diplomats and foreign press correspondents in the world
- The first railroad on the European mainland opened in Belgium in 1835. It connected Brussels and Mechelen. Belgium has the densest rail network in the world with 4,078 kilometers of track
- New York City was founded by the Belgian Pierre Minuit (1589-1638). He bought the island of Manhattan in 1626 from its original inhabitants
- Belgium produces over 220,000 tonnes of chocolate each year
- The name for the Euro currency was proposed by Belgium, as was the design for the € symbol
Medical Information for U.S. citizens
Recommended vaccines:
- Routine Vaccines
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Emergencies:
- 112 is the pan-European emergency number and is always free to call
- 100 – Medical emergency and fire brigade
- 101 – Police
- 02 648 40 14 – Community Help Service Helpline 24h crisis and information service in English