Travelling on a Belgium passport
The Belgian passport sits at number four on the Henley Passport Index, which puts you in genuinely rarefied company. Out of roughly 199 ranked passports, yours grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 168 destinations before you've filled in a single form. In practice, that means most of the planet's airports will wave you through on the strength of the document alone. What it doesn't mean is that everywhere is frictionless. Seventeen countries still want a full visa application before you leave home, and a few of those will surprise you.
What this passport unlocks
The 143 visa-free countries cover most of the trips Belgians actually take — Japan, South Korea, Albania, and Gibraltar among them. Japan in particular is worth highlighting: no advance paperwork, no fee, just show up. Beyond that, 25 destinations offer visas on arrival, and 17 more accept an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), which you sort online days before departure rather than at a consulate weeks ahead. Another 25 countries have e-visa systems — still pre-trip admin, but nothing requiring an in-person appointment or surrendering your passport. The honest gaps? Algeria requires a full visa. So does Chad, Afghanistan, and the Central African Republic. Not exactly the bucket-list crowd, but worth knowing if your work takes you to North or Central Africa.
Visa categories at a glance
Visa-free entry (143)
- Gibraltar
- Japan
- South Korea
- Albania
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Austria
- The Bahamas
- ...and 131 more
Visa on arrival (25)
- Bangladesh
- Ethiopia
- Laos
- Madagascar
- Bahrain
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Comoro Islands
- Egypt
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iran
- Jordan
- ...and 13 more
eTA / online authorisation (17)
- Australia
- Canada
- Guam
- New Zealand
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- American Samoa
- Sri Lanka
- United States
- US Virgin Islands
- Kenya
- Seychelles
- ...and 5 more
e-Visa available (25)
- Myanmar
- Azerbaijan
- Benin
- India
- Pakistan
- Russian Federation
- Uganda
- Papua New Guinea
- Guinea
- Cameroon
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- ...and 13 more
Practical travel tips for Belgium passport holders
The eTA and e-visa distinction matters more than people realise. An eTA (think Canada, Australia) is usually fast, cheap, and links digitally to your passport — airlines check it at check-in, so apply before you get to the airport or you won't board. An e-visa is a document you actually print and carry. Visa-on-arrival is different again: budget for cash fees in local currency or USD, bring two passport photos as backup (not every border post has a functioning camera), and confirm current requirements with the destination embassy before travel, since these change. Check your passport has six months validity. Then check again.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries can I travel to with my Belgian passport without arranging a visa in advance?
With your Belgian passport ranked 4th globally, you can access 168 countries and territories without pre-arranging a visa, including 143 visa-free destinations and 25 countries offering visa-on-arrival. This makes Belgium one of the most travel-friendly passports in the world.
What's the difference between visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and eTA?
Visa-free means you can enter and stay without any visa document; visa-on-arrival (VOA) means you obtain your visa upon arrival at the destination; eTA (electronic travel authorization) requires you to apply online before departure and is pre-approved before you travel. on top of that, some countries offer e-visas which are also applied for online but typically processed before your trip.
What should I do if I'm denied entry or boarding with my Belgian passport?
Request a written explanation from the immigration or airline official for the denial, contact your nearest Belgian embassy or consulate immediately for assistance, and document all details of the incident. They can help investigate the reason and advise on next steps, such as appealing the decision or obtaining the necessary documentation for future travel.
How long must my Belgian passport be valid for international travel?
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure, though some destinations may have different requirements. It's best to check specific entry requirements for your destination country before traveling, as validity rules can vary.
How might visa policies for Belgian passport holders change in the future?
Visa policies typically evolve based on political stability, diplomatic relations, and reciprocity agreements between countries, so shifts in EU relations or bilateral agreements could affect access. Monitoring official government travel advisories and maintaining a valid passport ensures you're prepared for any policy changes that may occur.