The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Belgian citizens is a planned digital visa waiver that will be implemented once the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) has completed the transition period and left the European Union (EU).
Belgian citizens are currently exempt from the requirement to apply for a UK visa and this situation will continue when the country is no longer part of the European bloc.
The eTA system is part of the new UK immigration and visa policies after Brexit and will be an additional entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries like Belgium.
Do Belgian Citizens Need a UK eTA?
Belgium is part of the European Union and all EU citizens can visit the UK without a visa. When the eTA system launches, they will be required to register their details to benefit from this visa exemption.
Belgian citizens will need to obtain electronic travel authorization to enter the UK for tourism and business purposes.
The UK eTA will be valid for short stays. Various types of different visas or permits may be required for Belgians who intend to remain in the country long-term, particularly if they intend to work.
How to Get a UK eTA as a Belgian
Belgian citizens planning to travel to the UK will need to obtain electronic travel authorization online.
Travelers with a passport issued by Belgium must complete the online UK eTA application form. This involves entering the following information:
The online application form means that Belgian visitors do not need to schedule an appointment at a British embassy or consulate to obtain travel authorization; they can instead apply conveniently from home or office.
The UK eTA system is designed to make the application process easier and is simple to use. Completing the form is typically a matter of minutes.
Once a Belgian applicant has submitted the online form, processing may take a few working days. The approved eTA is delivered to the email address provided in the application.
UK eTA Requirements from Belgium
Belgian citizens must meet UK eTA entry requirements to apply for and obtain this travel authorization.
The following items are needed to complete the online eTA application form:
When the Belgian traveler reaches the UK border, they must present the same passport used to apply for the eTA. If the passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise invalidated, it may be necessary to reapply using the new passport details. This is because the passport details on the eTA must match the document used to enter the country.
Visitors from Belgium are required to comply with the eTA terms and conditions. They cannot remain in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for longer than permitted by the electronic travel authorization. It is prohibited to undertake activities not permitted by the eTA, such as employment in one of the UK’s constituent countries.
UK eTA from Belgium: Validity and Stay
The UK eTA will be valid for multiple entries to the country.
It will allow Belgian visitors to travel to one of the 4 constituent countries of the UK: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. According to current plans, they will be able to remain in the UK for up to 3 months (90 days) maximum for each visit.
Other Documentation for Belgian Citizens Traveling to the UK
Belgian citizens must have 2 documents to enter the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for tourism, leisure, or business purposes. These are:
To acquire a UK eTA, travelers from Belgium must complete and submit an online application form, including information about their travel itinerary and the address of their UK-based accommodation while they are in the country. A valid email address and payment method must also be provided.
Currently, citizens of EU countries, including Belgium, have the right to live and work in the UK. However, once the country has left the EU and the transition period has ended, Belgian citizens who intend to move to the UK and/or seek employment in the country may require additional documentation.