European citizens must have an ETA to enter the UK from 2 April 2025. Applications for European passport holders and all other eligible travellers are now open.
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom? New travel rules for 2025 mean you now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, in advance. The requirement applies to European citizens, including Belgian nationals.
On this page, you’ll find all the information you need on the ETA for Belgian passport holders, including:
- How to apply online
- Waiting times and ETA validity
- How long you can stay in the UK
- UK entry requirements for Belgian citizens
- FAQs
Checklist for UK travel for Belgian nationals
Belgian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the United Kingdom. However, you must meet other UK entry requirements, including:
- Valid Belgian passport — With at least 6 months’ validity on arrival in the UK
- Approved UK ETA — Electronically linked to your passport
Border officials in the UK may ask about your travel itinerary as you pass through immigration controls, including when you’ll be leaving the country and how you’re funding your trip. This information is not required in the ETA online application process.
Visa and ETA rules for Belgians visiting the UK
Belgian citizens do not need a visa for short trips to the United Kingdom, but must hold an approved ETA.
The ETA is not a visa — it’s a type of digital entry permit that allows you to visit visa-free. Here are the key details on the ETA for Belgian passport holders:
- Valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires
- Allows multiple visits to the UK
- Stay for up to 6 months at a time
- Visit for tourism, business, or to see family and friends
If you’re Belgian but have a residence permit or other type of visa for the UK, you do not require an ETA. For visits of more than 6 months, work, or long-term study, you must get a UK visa.
Thousands of travellers from all over the world have got their ETA successfully with Etauk.com. We’re experts in the application process.
ETA application process for Belgian travellers
The ETA application system is entirely online. You can complete the process from home, with no need to visit an Embassy. Follow these steps:
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Fill out the online ETA application
You’ll be asked to submit some personal details, along with your passport data and travel itinerary. If you have not made fixed plans yet, add your estimated travel details.
Start your ETA application -
Submit your form and pay the processing fee
You’ll be prompted to make the ETA fee payment once you have completed the form. Our site has SSL encryption software to help keep your payment and personal data secure.
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Get confirmation of your approved ETA
You’ll get a decision in 1 to 2 days, or in 1 hour if you select Priority processing. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport — you’re now ready to travel to the UK from Belgium.
Documents required in your ETA application
To submit your ETA application, you must have the following:
- Valid Belgian passport
- Recent portrait-style photo
- Image of your passport’s biodata page
- Active email address
- Debit or credit card
If you need more time to upload your supporting documents (ID photo and passport image), you can still start your application with Etauk.com today. Fill out the form and complete the fee payment, and we’ll add your documents at a later date.
Why Belgian nationals choose Etauk.com
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Simple application
Our form is user-friendly, with guided step-by-step instructions. -
Expert review
We check your form for mistakes before processing. -
Photo support
Our team edits your supporting images to meet official specs. -
Quick processing
We guarantee a fast turnaround time for all applications. -
Customer assistance
We’re available to support your application from start to finish. -
Help in your language
Our team has speakers of 15+ languages, including English and French.
Ready to get started? Begin your application today and make your UK travel plans a reality.
FAQs for Belgian citizens visiting the UK
Can Belgian citizens get a visa on arrival in the UK? Toggle faqs
No, you cannot get a visa on arrival with a Belgian passport. You must apply for a UK ETA before your trip if you’re visiting for a short stay. To work or live in the United Kingdom, you must start a visa application before you travel.
Can Belgian citizens visit the UK without a visa? Toggle faqs
Yes, you can travel to the United Kingdom with an ETA instead of a visa. The ETA is valid for trips of less than 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
How can Belgian citizens stay longer in the UK? Toggle faqs
Belgian citizens can stay in the UK for more than 6 months at a time by applying for a visa. The visa you need depends on your reason for travelling and how long you’ll stay. Visit the UK Visas and Immigration website for more information.
Can I travel to the UK multiple times with my ETA as a Belgian citizen? Toggle faqs
Yes, the ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. As long as your ETA is valid, you can visit the United Kingdom on multiple trips.
What happens to my UK ETA if I change my passport? Toggle faqs
Your Travel Authorisation is automatically linked to your passport. If you change it, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA and add your new passport details.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA? Toggle faqs
In most cases, you cannot work in the UK while visiting with an ETA. The only exceptions are for people undertaking a permitted paid engagement or event, or working under the Creative Worker visa concession. For other types of employment, you need a work visa.