Standard Visitor visa: Belgian citizen → United Kingdom
Good news — no visa needed, just an ETA
Belgium passport holders don't need a visa to visit the UK. You only need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — a quick online permission, like the US ESTA — before you board, including for transit.
The bottom line
- Apply in the official UK ETA app or on gov.uk — most people get approved within minutes, allow up to 3 working days.
- It lasts 2 years (or until your passport expires) and covers unlimited visits of up to 6 months each.
- It's permission to travel, not a guarantee of entry — the border officer makes the final call when you land.
When to start
Start 4–21 days before your travel date.
Your passport should be valid for your whole stay. Each traveller, including children, needs their own ETA linked to their own passport.
Apply in the official 'UK ETA' app (or on gov.uk). You'll scan your passport, take a photo and pay the fee. Most applications are decided within minutes; allow up to 3 working days.
The ETA is linked electronically to the passport you applied with — bring that passport. Border Force makes the final entry decision on arrival.
What you'll need
- Passport — Valid for the whole of your stay; biometric chip recommended for the app.
- Digital photo — Taken in the ETA app during the application.
Good to know
- You cannot work for a UK employer, get public funds, or live in the UK through frequent visits.
- Long-term (2, 5 or 10 year) visit visas are available for repeat travellers, still max 6 months per visit.
Continue on the official site →