Thinking about travelling to buy or sell a property in Belgium this year? The new regulations concerning tourist registration in Belgium, set to take effect in 2025, aim to improve border control and facilitate the immigration process. Belgium is a tourist favorite in Europe, and people come every year to visit in their hundreds of thousands, from historical tourists attending Bruges and Antwerp to freelancers going to meetings in Brussels. A quick and reliable entry process is important for all tourists.
Since Belgium, particularly Brussels, has focused on border control for international tourists, they are compelling Belgium to alter its borders with the hope of improved security. In this text, we will discuss everything that concerns the registration of tourists in Belgium, such as Belgium’s registration changes, what happens if these changes are ignored, and important pieces of information you should consider.
Reasons Why Belgium Decided To Make A Registration System For Tourists
Few major factors pushed Belgium to rethink and come up with changes to travel policies scheduled for the year 2025:
- Security measures need to increase
Because of worsening global security fear, Belgium is now adopting the ETIAS Pre-Travel screening System and signing on enlistment in the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The risk or likely dangerous situations that could arise when such identified people are allowed into the country is highly lowered.
- Controlling the Flow of Tourists
Due to international events and tourism festivals, Belgium is trying to better control the congestion at airports and border entries with the help of this system.
- Streamlining Immigration Processes
The new system improves the experience for visitors by reducing waiting times through the digitization and automation of travel authorization processes.
The Focused Changes In The Requirements For Entering Belgium:
Implementation of ETIAS
Changes planned for 2025 include the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System, which requires preauthorization for travelers coming from visa-free countries to access the Schengen Zone region.
Who is Eligible?
Citizens from non-EU member countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan who don’t need a Schengen visa are eligible.
Tourists visiting Belgium for leisure, business, or family reasons do not require a visa if the stay does not exceed 90 days within 180 days.
Exemptions from ETIAS
- Members of the EU and Schengen countries
- Visa holders from Schengen region
- Diplomatic staff and state representatives traveling on official business
How to obtain ETIAS
Completing any paperwork with regards to travel is often considered a mundane task. The reason for this is because the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) application form is 100% digital, meaning that the entire application can be submitted online. This makes it a walk in the park for travelers looking to visit Europe. To get started, there is a portal that needs to be accessed which can be found on the official ETIAS website. From here, applicants must fill out a form with details like their name, passport number, and other relevant information for the trip they want to take.
Moreover, information claiming past criminal activity or travel restrictions which could interfere with eligibility also need to be provided. Security-related questions need to be addressed step by step.
Alongside the forms, there is also a payment that needs to be completed. For most travelers, this costs a reasonable €7. After this payment is completed, travel authorization is usually completed almost instantly. Keeping in mind any potential unexpected setbacks, it is best to apply a minimum of 72 hours before the intended departure to mitigate any accidental delays during the trip. Failing to successfully acquire ETIAS authorization makes the intended trip to the Schengen region impossible if the traveler is visa-free as they will need to take additional steps to prove eligibility.
New Changes to Tax on Tourism
Apart from ETIAS, Belgium is changing its policies for tax on tourism for 2025:
Specific Tax by City: Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges will have newer rates depending on the kind of accommodation.
New Ways to Collect: Taxes will be charged at the time of booking through Airbnb or hotel reservations.
Increased contribution for sustainability: Money from the tourism tax will go towards funding infrastructure and environmental projects.
Consequences of Not Completing Registration
Not registering under the new policies on tax for tourism may lead to:
- Not Allowed to Board: Airlines have been given the authority to deny boarding to passengers who do not have ETIAS.
- Refusal of Entry at frontier control: Passers without the appropriate documents may be refused passage.
- Monetary punishment and sanctions: non compliance may attract a punishable fee of up to 3000 euros.
- Possible restrictions for future travel: Non-compliance may affect future travels in the region known as Schengen Zone.
Travel Recommendations to Note
- Register Online with the ‘Travellers Online’ Service
With the Travellers Online platform, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Ministry offers visitors the chance to register their trips, allowing them to receive important notifications with enough time to make necessary adjustments.
- Check Passport Validity
Check your passport as it should be valid for at least three months past the intended duration of stay in Belgium.
- Review Travel Insurance Plans
Though not mandatory, purchasing a travel insurance plan that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of belongings is highly advisable.
- Follow Changes to Travel Advisories
Make it a habit to regularly peruse Schengen Visa Info and Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Ministry so as not to miss important changes to travel regulations.
- Keep Both Printed and Digital Copies of ETIAS Approval.
Keen ETIAS holders should ensure they keep both a printed and digital copy of their ETIAS approval, as it greatly simplifies immigration procedures.
The changes demonstrate Belgium’s focus on national security as the country stries to attain safer and more efficient travel through the implementation of ETIAS and updated registration regulations. Conversely, these additions bolster security while streamlining border crossings for regular travelers.
From the perspective of the visitor, the requirements imply added preparation but, once met, await a travel experience that seamlessly highlights Belgium’s cultural heritage and vibrant landscapes.
Making plans to travel to Belgium should be accompanied by knowing that the new tourist registration requirements will come into effect in 2025. Thus, visitors are required to study the ETIAS details and updated tax information. Following this information will make the travel hassle-free.
Before making travel arrangements, it is best to browse the ETIAS official page and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium for the most recent updates on entry requirements.
Belgium remains a tourist destination compared to other European countries. Modern measures are in place for orderly travel and improved tourist security.
FAQs:
- What is ETIAS? Do I need one to visit Belgium?
ETIAS is a modern travel authorization document that ETIAS-exempt tourists will need to enter the Schengen zone, including Belgium. It will become necessary in 2025.
- For how long is the ETIAS valid?
ETIAS will remain valid for 3 years or until the passport expires; the two cannot coincide.
- How much does ETIAS cost?
The fee for an application is €7 and should be paid in advance via the Internet.
- What happens if I arrive in Belgium without ETIAS?
Denying boarding, refusing entry, and even being fined are some of the consequences of not having an ETIAS.
- Do children require an ETIAS?
A child requires an ETIAS. However, the application fee for a child is exempted.
For specific information regarding this topic, check the official website of Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or browse the ETIAS portal.
