This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Belgium in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for Belgian citizens, updated fees in Euros, and visa requirements for non-EU residents. Belgium is one of the UK's closest European neighbours, with 873,000 visits and £505 million spend in 2024. Whether you're a Belgian citizen needing an ETA for a short visit or a non-EU national requiring a visa, this guide provides the latest requirements, application process, and expert tips to help you plan your UK journey.
The ties between Belgium and Britain run extraordinarily deep—both royal families descend from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, with King Leopold I of Belgium being the uncle of both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The medieval wool trade created an economic lifeline between England and Flemish cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Ypres. William the Conqueror himself married Matilda of Bruges, and a quarter of his 1066 invasion force was Flemish. The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was fought on Belgian soil, and during World War I, Flanders Fields saw tens of thousands of British soldiers give their lives while the UK provided refuge to 250,000 Belgian refugees. Today, over 31,000 Belgian-born residents live in the UK, and Belgium remains the UK's 4th largest export partner.
UK Visa from Belgium: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements from Belgium have changed significantly since Brexit. Belgian citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, Belgian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Whether you're searching for a London visa from Belgium, an England visa from Belgium, or simply need to understand UK visa application from Belgium requirements, this guide covers everything you need. Non-EU nationals residing in Belgium, such as Indian or Moroccan passport holders, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
UK Entry Requirements for Belgian Citizens
Belgian citizens need: (1) a valid passport, (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK within 6 months. No visa is required for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. For work, study, or longer stays, Belgians must apply for the appropriate visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics.
The UK entry requirements for Belgian citizens are straightforward for short visits but have changed since Brexit. Belgian nationals can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through passport control like other non-EU visitors. However, with excellent transport links—including Eurostar direct from Brussels to London in just under 2 hours—Belgium enjoys one of the fastest and most convenient routes to the UK.
What Do Belgians Need to Enter the UK?
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity requirement)
- Approved ETA: €19, valid for 2 years, apply via UK ETA app
- Return/Onward Travel: Evidence of return Eurostar, flights, or onward journey
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host's address in UK
- Sufficient Funds: Ability to support yourself without working
- Genuine Visitor: Intent to leave within 6 months, not live in UK
At the UK border, officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. While detailed questioning is rare for Belgian visitors, having your hotel booking and return travel details accessible on your phone can speed up the process. For comprehensive information about what's allowed during your visit, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
Do Belgian Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
Belgian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings). However, from April 2, 2025, all Belgian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Belgians must apply for the appropriate visa.
The UK introduced the ETA system to improve border security and streamline entry processes. Belgian citizens were among the European nationals included in the April 2025 rollout. According to the official UK government ETA guidance, applications opened on 5 March 2025, and the requirement became mandatory from 2 April 2025.
UK ETA Requirements for Belgian Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
ETA vs Visa: What's the Difference?
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Visa Fees from Belgium 2026 (in Euros)
How Much Does a UK Visa from Belgium Cost?
The cost of a UK visa from Belgium in 2026 depends on your nationality and visa type. Belgian citizens pay just €19 for an ETA (not a visa). Non-EU residents pay €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa. Long-term visitor visas cost €569 (2 years), €1,017 (5 years), or €1,269 (10 years). Work visas start at €922, and spouse visas cost €2,323. All UK visa fees from Belgium are paid in Euros and are non-refundable.
The UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and converted to Euros for applicants in Belgium and other Eurozone countries. Understanding the UK visa from Belgium cost structure is essential for budgeting your trip. The fees below are current as of January 2026:
Visit Visa Fees from Belgium
Work, Study & Family Visa Fees from Belgium
UK Tourist Visa from Belgium
Belgian citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in Belgium (Indian, Moroccan, Turkish passport holders) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Both categories allow tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family. Apply via the UK ETA app (Belgians) or TLS Contact (non-EU).
The term "UK tourist visa from Belgium" can mean different things depending on your nationality. Belgian passport holders visiting as tourists only need an ETA, while non-EU nationals residing in Belgium must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
UK Visit Visa from Belgium: Who Needs What?
For details on what you can and cannot do during a UK tourist visit, including business meetings and short courses, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors. If you plan multiple visits, consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
UK Visa from Belgium for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens residing in Belgium pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies regardless of nationality—whether you're an Indian, Moroccan, Turkish, or other non-EU passport holder living in Belgium. The application must be made through TLS Contact in Brussels, and typically takes 3 weeks to process.
Belgium has significant Moroccan, Turkish, and Congolese communities who may need to travel to the UK. Unlike Belgian citizens, they must obtain a visa for any UK trip, regardless of the duration or purpose of their visit. Your Belgian residence permit (verblijfsvergunning / titre de séjour) does not grant visa-free access to the UK.
UK Visa for Belgian Residents (Non-EU Passport Holders)
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your UK stay
- Belgian Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in Belgium
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Employment Proof: Letter from Belgian employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to Belgium: Evidence you will return (employment, property, family)
For information about potential refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons. If your visa is refused, our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal explains your options.
Work Visa UK from Belgium
Belgian citizens need a work visa to work in the UK since Brexit. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), requiring sponsorship from a UK employer and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Belgians can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Alternative routes include the Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-35) and Health and Care Worker visa (€364).
Since Brexit, Belgian citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The freedom of movement that previously allowed Belgians to live and work in the UK ended on 31 December 2020. However, Belgians benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Skilled Worker Visa from Belgium
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for Belgian nationals seeking employment in the UK. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Visa Fee: €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years)
- Minimum Salary: £41,700 per year (general threshold from July 2025)
- IHS: £1,035/year (exempt for Health and Care Worker visa)
- Sponsor Required: Yes, employer must have valid sponsor licence
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
Youth Mobility Scheme from Belgium
Belgian citizens aged 18-35 may be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without needing a job offer or sponsor. Places are limited and allocated by ballot. The visa costs €382 plus IHS (discounted rate of £776/year).
Student Visa from Belgium
Belgian nationals who wish to study in the UK for longer than 6 months need a Student visa. Short courses of up to 6 months can be undertaken on an ETA without needing a visa.
- Visa Fee: €628
- CAS Required: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from licensed institution
- IHS: £776/year (discounted student rate)
- Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Post-Study: Graduate visa allows 2 years work after completing degree (reducing to 18 months from January 2027)
Spouse Visa from Belgium
Belgian nationals can apply for a Spouse visa to join their British or settled partner in the UK. The financial requirement is £29,000 minimum annual income (with planned increases to £38,700).
- Visa Fee: €2,323
- Initial Grant: 33 months
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 minimum (planned increases to £38,700)
- IHS: £1,035/year
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years on spouse route
How to Apply for UK Visa from Belgium
The UK visa application from Belgium process differs depending on whether you're a Belgian citizen or a non-EU national residing in Belgium.
For Belgian Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Simply download the UK ETA app and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: Belgian citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in Belgium
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in Belgium are processed through TLS Contact. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Brussels to provide your biometrics.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (Belgians): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at TLS Contact Brussels
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
UK Visa Application Centre in Belgium (TLS Contact)
TLS Contact operates the UK Visa Application Centre in Belgium for non-EU nationals. Book your appointment through the TLS Contact Belgium website:
UK Visa Processing Time from Belgium
Standard UK visa processing time from Belgium is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
Belgium-UK Tourism: Key Statistics 2024
Belgium is one of the UK's most convenient European neighbours, with excellent transport links including Eurostar, Channel Tunnel, and North Sea ferry routes. According to VisitBritain data for 2024:
- Total Visits: 873,000 Belgian visits to the UK in 2024
- Tourism Spend: £505.2 million total expenditure
- Average Spend: £579 per visitor
- Holiday Visits: 54% of spend from holiday visits
- Business Visitors: 21% business visitors (above 17% market average)
- Regional Spread: 64% of nights spent outside London
- Transport: 63% arrive via Channel Tunnel, 20% air, 17% sea
- Eurostar: Brussels to London St Pancras in under 2 hours
- Belgian citizens need an ETA (€19) — apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- Belgians can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics — no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in Belgium pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- IHS of £1,035/year required for visas over 6 months (students pay £776)
- TLS Contact centre in Brussels for non-EU nationals
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa to visit the UK in 2026?
Belgian citizens do not need a visa for short visits up to 6 months. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. The ETA requirement has been in effect since 2 April 2025, and is strictly enforced from 25 February 2026—without an approved ETA, Belgian citizens cannot board transport to the UK.
What are the UK entry requirements for Belgian citizens?
Belgian citizens need: (1) a valid passport (no minimum validity required, just valid for duration of stay), (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate genuine visitor intentions. At the border, you may be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, funds, and return journey. Having Eurostar tickets, hotel bookings and return travel details accessible on your phone can speed up the process.
How much is a UK visa from Belgium for non-EU citizens?
Non-EU citizens residing in Belgium pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies to all non-EU passport holders including Moroccans, Indians, Turkish, and Congolese nationals living in Belgium. Longer-term visitor visas cost €569 (2 years), €1,017 (5 years), or €1,269 (10 years). Applications must be made through TLS Contact in Brussels.
How long can a Belgian citizen stay in the UK?
Belgian citizens with an ETA can stay up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. There is no annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or lengthy stays may raise questions about genuine visitor status. For work, study, or settlement, Belgians must apply for the appropriate visa with its own validity periods.
Can Belgian citizens work in the UK without a visa?
No, since Brexit, Belgian citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), which requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (from July 2025). Belgians aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. Belgians can attend business meetings on an ETA but cannot undertake paid employment.
Can Belgian citizens use the UK Immigration: ID Check app?
Yes, Belgian citizens (and other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) applying for UK work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit their biometrics from home. This means no visit to a Visa Application Centre is required. Simply scan your passport chip using your smartphone's NFC capability and take a selfie to complete the identity verification process.
How long does UK visa processing take from Belgium?
Standard UK visa processing from Belgium takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor and other non-settlement visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599 extra) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability. ETAs are typically processed within 3 working days, often within minutes.
What is the difference between the UK ETA app and UK Immigration: ID Check app?
The UK ETA app is for applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation—used by Belgian citizens for short visits (tourism, family, business) up to 6 months. The UK Immigration: ID Check app is for submitting biometrics when applying for visas (work, study, family visas). Belgians use the ETA app for visits and the ID Check app when they need an actual visa for longer stays or work purposes.