Have you heard about ETIAS but are not sure about what it is? Are you part of the European Union member states or a citizen of the Schengen countries? If so, the ETIAS is important for you to know about. The EU has introduced new travel rules for those individuals allowed to enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen countries.
This article will inform you everything about the Belgium ETIAS, how it can affect your travel, and what this travel authorization system offers. Therefore, continue reading to know more about the entire ETIAS process!
What is the ETIAS?
ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorization System. This system was formed to increase the security of the European Union member states by ensuring the data of travelers coming into the Schengen area is stored. ETIAS will also cause screening to occur of the individuals traveling. This system will keep track of everybody entering and going from the Schengen zone, ensuring that the travelers are not any threat. The ETIAS system will be implemented in 2024 so that European countries do not suffer from threats.
How is the ETIAS Different from the Schengen Visa?
Schengen visa is for those individuals who need a visa to travel to any European Union member state. You must get a Schengen visa if you belong to a country whose citizens are not permitted visa free travel to the Schengen countries. However, the ETIAS is an electronic system for travel authorization. The ETIAS is for individuals who can travel to Europe visa free.
Hence, there is a stark difference between the Schengen visa and the ETIAS.
What is the Belgium ETIAS?
Belgium ETIAS visa waiver is a completely electronic system that will help border control officials control who travels to Belgium and keep track of all records. This system will help in the identification of travelers to Belgium.
Through the ETIAS system, Belgium can check who enters and leaves the country.
Who Needs the Belgium ETIAS?
Those who are allowed visa free travel to Belgium, such as nationals of Australia, North America, or other countries, will need an ETIAS to visit Belgium. There are about 60-62 countries whose citizens must apply for the ETIAS before traveling to Belgium. Hence, if you plan to travel to Belgium in 2024, first check whether or not your country's nationals can travel without a visa. And if they are allowed, then you should get the Belgium ETIAS.
Nationals of non EU countries must acquire the ETIAS if they wish to visit Belgium.
Additionally, if you travel to Belgium for transit purposes, you should have the ETIAS. Regardless of the reason for your travel, it would be best if you had the ETIAS with you.
What is the Validity of the Belgium ETIAS?
The validity of the ETIAS Belgium will be for 3 years. Once the 3 years are over, you must apply for the visa again. However, if your passport expires within this duration, then you have to renew your passport and reapply for ETIAS Belgium. Moreover, with ETIAS Belgium, you can stay in Belgium for either 90 days or 180 days. Moreover, you will be allowed multiple entries too.
What are the Requirements for the Belgium ETIAS?
The requirements for the Belgium ETIAS are simple. You will need to have a valid passport, which should be valid for at least six months once you apply for the ETIAS application. You must provide some identification document that proves your identity.
You must fill out the ETIAS application form, asking for basic personal information.
You must provide your educational information and also work details. Also, you need to show your medical history and mention your medical insurance.
Your email address will be required so that the Belgium ETIAS is sent to you by email, and you can either take out a printout for it or download it on your phone to show to the immigration officials at the entry points.
Lastly, you will have to complete the payment for the ETIAS as well.
How to Apply for the Belgium ETIAS?
The ETIAS system is online. Therefore, the application process is super simple and does not require much work. You can apply online!
Sites like VisaHQ help with the process. VisaHQ is a third-party site that offers passport and visa services. To apply for the visa, you must fill out the form that asks for your personal information and other basic details. Once you have completed the form, you must choose how fast you want the ETIAS. Therefore you apply for the processing time best suited to you.
Once done, you will submit the necessary documents needed along with the application. You will also be required to complete the payment for the ETIAS fee and the service fee if you apply through a third-party site!