ETIAS FOR BELGIUM

Belgium has a lot to offer for a country of its size. Its historical cities, such as Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, are fascinating, the countryside is breathtaking, and no one produces better beer or chocolate than the Belgians.

Belgium is at a crossroads in Western Europe. To the east is Germany, to the southwest is France, to the southeast is Luxembourg, and to the north is Holland. The population is 11.5 million, and the capital is Brussels.

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The south is dominated by French, while the north is dominated by Dutch. Brussels is a bilingual capital that serves as the unofficial capital of the European Union.

Belgium has an interesting history due to its location, and it has changed hands many times over the centuries. It was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II and was part of the Carolingian Empire, the Habsburg Empire, and the Napoleonic Empire.

BELGIUM AS PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Belgium, along with Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, was a founding member of the European Union.

Belgium has played an important role in the EU since its inception. Belgium currently has 21 members in the European Parliament.

Brussels is home to the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Council, as well as the European Parliament. As a result, Brussels is widely regarded as the EU’s de facto capital.

Belgium was also a founding signatory to the Schengen Agreement in 1985, paving the way for the establishment of a borderless European travel zone.

Belgian authorities have been involved in the development of a new visa waiver for the Schengen Area in recent years. ETIAS will be launched in November 2023 with the goal of preventing cross-border crime in Belgium and throughout the region.

TRAVELLING TO BELGIUM

Belgium is becoming a more popular European destination. According to Eurostat, tourism increased by 8.9% in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Belgians are drawn to the country by its charming architecture, picturesque towns, and scenic nature. Belgium’s location in Western Europe, close to other powerful European nations such as France and Germany, makes it a good place to do business.

Brussels, the capital city, is known as a European travel hub, with rail, road, and air connections to major cities throughout the continent and beyond.

The EU’s visa liberalisation policy, which allows citizens from eligible countries to stay in the EU for up to 90 days without a visa, is one reason for Belgium’s popularity among non-Europeans. By applying for ETIAS, these foreign visitors will be able to maintain their visa-free status until November 2023.

The EF English Proficiency Index classifies Belgium as having a ‘very high’ level of English, which means that many overseas tourists will be able to communicate in English.

IS HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDED FOR BELGIUM?

Citizens of other European nations travelling to Belgium can use their European Health Insurance Card to receive healthcare throughout Europe (EHIC).

Whether or not medical insurance is necessary for travellers from outside the EU depends on the type of document they are asking for.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS BELGIUM

Passport holders from countries that do not require a visa to enter Europe will soon be required to register with ETIAS Belgium.

To apply for the permit, only a few data are necessary; health insurance is not one of the ETIAS criteria. Nonetheless, travellers are advised to obtain insurance in order to visit Belgium with more peace of mind.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR BELGIUM

Non-EU visitors who are not qualified for ETIAS must instead get a Schengen visa to enter Belgium.

Applicants must satisfy various requirements and present documentation, including proof of medical insurance. The policy must cover at least €30,000 and be valid across the Schengen Area.

If all needed documents are not given, visa applications will be refused.

CROSSING BELGIUM BORDER CHECKPOINTS

When crossing a Schengen Area border, other EU residents should only bring their identity papers with them. Arriving Europeans from neighbouring countries may frequently drive through the land border without being checked at checkpoints.

People from a number of non-EU countries can now cross an external border into Belgium with only a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days. When ETIAS becomes necessary, such travellers will also be required to have an authorised visa waiver electronically attached to their passport.

Visitors from other third countries are required to provide the following papers at the border:

• Schengen visa
• Passport valid for 3 months beyond the date of exit from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the entire stay in Belgium
• Proof of onwards travel, for example, a return flight ticket

All arrivals may be questioned at the border about their duration of stay and reason for visiting Belgium.

ARRIVING IN BELGIUM BY PLANE, CAR, AND TRAIN

Because of its geographical location, Belgium is exceptionally well connected to the rest of Europe and other areas of the world.

Brussels Airport (IATA: BRU, ICAO: EBBR) is the country’s principal international airport and is well connected to the capital through public transportation and taxi. In 2019, Brussels Airport served approximately 26 million passengers.

Flying is a practical alternative for travelling to Belgium fast due to the broad availability of flights to major cities throughout the world. It takes little under an hour to fly from Paris to Brussels.

Traveling by train is a viable alternative to flying. Brussels is connected by high-speed trains to Luxembourg, Strasbourg (France), and Basel (Switzerland). Eurostar travels from Brussels to London in slightly over two hours.

Because the Schengen zone lacks internal borders, it is feasible to drive over land borders without being checked at checkpoints. Non-EU nationals should bring their passport as well as their ETIAS or visa.

VISITING BELGIUM

Brussels, Belgium’s capital city, is a bustling metropolitan centre that mixes post-modern architecture with historical landmarks.

In and around Brussels, there are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Grand Place, which is bordered by guild buildings and the Gothic town hall. The Royal Palace and St Gudula Cathedral are also noteworthy.

Bruges is undoubtedly Belgium’s most popular tourist attraction. Because of its distinctive canals and charming atmosphere, it is regarded as the “Venice of the North.” In the 14th century, Bruges was one of Europe’s richest towns, and the famous old town was mostly constructed at this time.

Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city, famous for its historically significant diamond area and the massive Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady.

René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, and James Ensor are among the world’s most prominent painters that have come from Belgium. There are hundreds of museums in Brussels, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Furthermore, the recently restored Koninklijk Voor Schone Kunsten Museum in Antwerp is a must-see.

The Ardennes, with its spectacular mix of woods, caverns, and cliffs, is ideal for travellers seeking adventure. The area is ideal for hiking and cycling and is home to lynx, deer, and wild boar. There are also a number of picturesque villages to explore, as well as the castle of Bouillon and the Labyrinth of Barvaux.

The country is well-known for its world-class breweries, as well as chocolate, mussels, and waffles. Belgian food, on the other hand, is significantly more rich and diversified, with parallels to French and German cuisine.

ETIAS FOR BELGIUM- FAQS