United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Belgium passport holders
Belgian passport holders can travel to the UK visa-free for up to 6 months. Since Brexit, a full passport is required (national ID cards are no longer accepted). An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required from 2 April 2025.
Great news! Belgium passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Belgian citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 6 months. From 2 April 2025, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required. Apply at the official UK government ETA app or website (eta.homeoffice.gov.uk). The fee is £16. The ETA is linked to your passport electronically, is valid for multiple trips over 2 years or until your passport expires, and can typically be approved within hours. Carry your valid Belgian passport: national ID cards are not accepted since Brexit.
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
Current Travel Situation
Belgium to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
Belgium and the UK have deep historical and modern ties. The Eurostar high-speed rail link through the Channel Tunnel connects Brussels-Midi to London St Pancras in around 2 hours, making London one of the most accessible international destinations for Belgians. Since Brexit (31 January 2020), the UK is no longer in the EU or Schengen Area. Belgian citizens retain visa-free access for tourism and short visits, but must use a full passport (Belgian national ID cards are no longer accepted). An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required from 2 April 2025 for visa-free travelers.
How to Get There
Eurostar is the iconic route: Brussels-Midi to London St Pancras in under 2 hours, up to 10 daily departures. Brussels Airport (BRU) has frequent direct flights to London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), and City (LCY) with British Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Ryanair. Charleroi CRL connects to Stansted and other UK airports via Ryanair.
Money & Banking
The UK uses pounds sterling (GBP), not the Euro. Exchange rates fluctuate: check before travel. Cards are universally accepted including contactless. Tipping 10-15% is expected at sit-down restaurants in the UK. London is one of Europe's most expensive cities: budget significantly more than for a Belgian city.
Practical Tips
Apply for your ETA before booking travel: it is quick and usually instant. Present your passport (not ID card) at UK immigration. The Eurostar from Brussels-Midi to London St Pancras takes about 2 hours and is very convenient. UK immigration uses the e-Gates for biometric EU passports at major airports. Note that the UK uses pounds sterling, not euros. Driving in the UK is on the left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No. Belgian citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months (180 days). However, since Brexit, a full Belgian passport is required: the Belgian national ID card is no longer accepted. From 2 April 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing GBP 16 is also required.
What is the UK ETA and how do I get one?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an electronic permission linked to your passport, required for visa-free travelers from 2 April 2025. Apply at eta.homeoffice.gov.uk or via the UK ETA app. The fee is GBP 16. It is usually approved within hours. The ETA is valid for multiple trips over 2 years.
Can I use my Belgian ID card to enter the UK?
No. Since the UK left the EU, Belgian national ID cards are no longer accepted at UK ports of entry. You must carry a valid Belgian passport.
How do I travel from Brussels to London?
The Eurostar from Brussels-Midi to London St Pancras takes approximately 2 hours and runs multiple times daily. Brussels Airport (BRU) also has direct flights to London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and City with British Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Ryanair.
Can Belgian citizens work in the UK after Brexit?
Not without a visa or work permit. EU freedom of movement no longer applies in the UK. Belgians who wish to work in the UK must apply for a Skilled Worker Visa or another appropriate UK visa category.
Is the UK expensive compared to Belgium?
London is significantly more expensive than Brussels. Outside London, UK cities are broadly comparable to or slightly cheaper than Belgian equivalents. The exchange rate (GBP vs EUR) adds an additional cost factor.