Canada Visa RequirementsFor Belgium passport holders
Belgian passport holders can visit Canada for up to 6 months without a visa but must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization, CAD 7) before flying. The eTA is not needed for land or sea entry.
Belgium passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for all Belgian passport holders flying to Canada. Apply at eta.gc.ca before booking your flight. The fee is CAD 7 (approximately 5 EUR), payable by credit card. Processing is usually instant but can take a few days. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport, valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, and covers multiple trips. No eTA is needed for entry by land (from the US) or by sea. At the Canadian border, declare all goods including food items.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Belgian passport
The eTA is linked to your specific Belgian passport number. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Email address
Required to receive your eTA approval. Ensure it is accessible before and during travel.
Credit or debit card
Required to pay the CAD 7 eTA application fee online.
Required at Entry
Return or onward ticket
Proof of your departure from Canada. Required at the Canadian border.
eTA approval confirmation Recommended
Save or print your eTA confirmation number. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport so no physical document is stamped, but carry the confirmation.
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
Evidence of adequate funds for your stay. Not always checked but may be requested by border services.
Current Travel Situation
Belgium to Canada: What You Need to Know
Belgium and Canada are longstanding allies and NATO partners. Belgium has a historical connection with Canada rooted in the First and Second World Wars: Canadian forces liberated Belgium in 1944 and Canadian war cemeteries in Belgium are among the most visited memorial sites. Canada is a popular destination for Belgian tourists and a significant destination for Belgian emigrants and students. Montreal's French-speaking culture is a particular draw for Walloon Belgians.
How to Get There
Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct Air Transat and occasional seasonal flights to Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ). Air Canada, Brussels Airlines via partner networks, and Air Transat operate routes. Connecting options via London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), or Paris (CDG) are also available. Flight time to Montreal is approximately 8 hours direct.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards and contactless are universally accepted. Tipping is a firm social expectation in Canada: 15-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis and haircuts. Tipping at coffee shops via tablet payment prompts is increasingly common. Canada is broadly similar in price to Belgium, with some regional variation: major cities (Toronto, Vancouver) are expensive.
Practical Tips
Apply for your eTA as soon as you book your flights: it is cheap and quick. Canada is vast: plan your itinerary carefully around distances. Driving in Canada is on the right. The Rocky Mountain national parks (Banff, Jasper) and Niagara Falls require advance accommodation booking in summer. Montreal and Quebec City are francophone: French speakers from Wallonia will feel at home. Canadian winters are extremely cold: pack accordingly if visiting between November and March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa for Canada?
No, but an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for all Belgian passport holders flying to Canada. It costs CAD 7, is applied online, and is typically approved instantly.
How do I apply for the Canadian eTA?
Apply at eta.gc.ca before booking your flight. You need your Belgian passport, credit card (CAD 7 fee), and email address. The eTA is usually approved within minutes and linked electronically to your passport. It is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry.
Is the eTA needed for land entry to Canada from the USA?
No. The eTA is only required when entering Canada by air. If crossing from the United States by land or sea, Belgian citizens do not need an eTA (though they need their Belgian passport and may face US ESTA requirements separately).
Is Montreal and Quebec City accessible for French-speaking Belgians?
Yes. Montreal and Quebec City are predominantly French-speaking and Belgian French speakers will feel very comfortable. Quebec French has a distinct accent and vocabulary, but communication is easy. These cities are among the most welcoming destinations for Walloon and Brussels Belgians.
How do I fly from Brussels to Canada?
Direct flights from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Montreal (YUL) operate with Air Transat. Connecting flights to Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Calgary (YYC) are available via Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR), or Paris (CDG). Flight time to Montreal is approximately 8 hours direct.
Is Canada expensive for Belgian tourists?
Canada is broadly comparable to Belgium in overall cost of living. Major cities (Toronto, Vancouver) are notably expensive for accommodation. The Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper) are beautiful but require advance booking for popular accommodation. Montreal and Quebec City offer good value compared to other North American destinations.