travel from ireland to belgium without passport

Travelling in Europe Without A Passport: Everything You Need to Know

Travelling in Europe without a passport for a short stay (less than 90 days) is possible. It all depends on where the traveler is coming from and where they are going on the continent. To better understand the regulations, we must first distinguish between three entities:  

Europe is a continent made up of about 50 countries, including the 27 member countries of the European Union and the 26 member countries of the Schengen Area. 

The European Union is a supranational political and economic organisation with its own institutions (such as the European Parliament). It is based on a single market that guarantees four freedoms of movement between Member States, including the free movement of people. It is composed of 27 Member States:

- Germany  - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria (currently joining the Schengen Area) - Cyprus (outside Schengen) - Croatia (currently joining the Schengen Area) - Denmark - Spain - Estonia - Finland - France - Greece - Hungary - Ireland (outside Schengen) - Italy - Lithuania - Latvia - Luxembourg - Malta - The Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Czech Republic - Romania (currently joining the Schengen Area) - Slovakia - Slovenia - Sweden.

The Schengen Area is a zone of free movement of people, which means without systematic identity checks at internal borders. It includes 22 of the 27 EU Member States and 4 Associate States: - Germany - Austria - Belgium - Denmark - Spain - Estonia - Finland - France - Greece - Hungary - Iceland (non-EU) - Italy - Latvia - Liechtenstein (non-EU) - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Norway (non-EU) - The Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Czech Republic - Slovakia - Slovenia - Sweden - Switzerland (non-EU)

You Can Travel in Europe Without A Passport If...

- You are a citizen of one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), - Your destination is one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), 

If these two conditions are met, then you can travel in Europe without a passport, even by plane. However, you will need a valid national identity card. 

Are you traveling in the Schengen Area? You can cross the borders between Schengen Area countries without an identity check, but be aware that you may be subject to checks once in the country. So remember to keep your valid passport or ID card with you at all times.

  Don't Forget Your EHIC

At least 2 weeks before departure, don’t forget to apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card covers all European Union citizens for medically necessary health care during a stay in a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Do you need additional insurance to cover repatriation and, depending on your situation, supplement national health care coverage? With Europ Assistance's Schengen travel insurance, you can choose between two policies with 24/7 emergency travel assistance in any Schengen Area country for as long as you wish. 

You Need A Passport for Travel in Europe If... 1/2

- You are not a citizen of one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), - Your destination is one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), 

In this case, traveling in Europe without a passport is not permitted. Upon arrival in a Schengen Area member country by plane or train, you must show your valid passport, issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months after your planned exit date. But that's not all. 

  Would You Like to Travel in the Schengen Area for Less Than 90 days for Tourism, Business or to See Family?

Depending on your nationality , in addition to a valid passport, a Schengen short-stay visa (type C or uniform Schengen visa) may be required. Finally, whether or not you have a visa, the border police may ask for supporting documents upon your arrival in a Schengen member country, including:  - Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay  - Proof of sufficient financial resources (amount differs depending on the Schengen country) - A return ticket or proof of sufficient financial means to book one - Documents justifying the reason for your trip (professional or personal) - Proof of insurance covering all medical, hospital and death expenses that may be incurred during your entire stay in France, including medical repatriation expenses. 

Choose peace of mind for your visa application or when crossing the border with Schengen travel insurance policies from Europ Assistance . Recognised and accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates throughout the world, our policies cover your medical expenses for up to 60,000 euros in case of illness or accident in one of the Member States of the Schengen Area, as well as additional coverage, available here .

  Would You Like to Travel in the Schengen Area for Paid Work and/or A Stay of More Than 90 days?  

Whatever your nationality (outside the European Union and the Schengen Area), you must apply for a work visa or a long-stay visa (type D) directly from the country you wish to visit. Find out everything you need to know about long-stay visas in France here .

You Also Need A Passport for Travel in Europe If... 2/2

- You are a citizen of one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), - Your destination is a country on the European continent that is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area. 

Are you a French citizen? Find out which identity document (passport, national identity card) and, if applicable, which visa you need to travel to your destination in Europe with this official simulator .  Are you a citizen of another country? Check with the embassy or consulate of the European country where you wish to travel.  

  Entering France with a Schengen Visa from Another Country

You can do so if your Schengen visa allows it. To check, read the Schengen visa sticker affixed to your passport. If it says SCHENGEN STATES, this visa authorises you to enter all the countries of the Schengen Area. If the initials of one or more countries are indicated, it means that a territorial restriction applies. In this case, you can travel only to the listed countries. More information is available here .

If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to travel within the Schengen Area for less than 90 days, you can travel to all Schengen countries. However, you must respect the 90-day period, which includes all countries.    Can I Travel in the Schengen Area with A Receipt?

The document referred to here is a residence permit receipt. According to the law, it is a “document that proves that your application for a residence permit at your prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of residence has been received. It authorises you to stay in France for the specified period.” The interpretation of these words leads us to answer that no, you cannot travel in the Schengen Area with a receipt. 

Would you like to return to France with a receipt after leaving the Schengen Area?  If you have a receipt for your first application for a residence permit, you must apply for a return visa at the French consulate in the country where you are staying.  If you have a residence permit renewal receipt, you can return to France with your receipt, your expired residence permit and a valid passport. In both cases, you will have to prove that you meet the entry requirements (proof of residence, financial resources, etc.).   

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Belgium Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Ireland to Belgium

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to belgium, find stays in belgium, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, czech republic, netherlands, philippines, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, united states, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to Belgium from Ireland?

Most visitors from Ireland, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belgium.

Can I travel to Belgium if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Ireland can enter Belgium without restrictions.

Can I travel to Belgium without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Ireland can enter Belgium without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Belgium?

Visitors from Ireland are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Belgium.

Can I travel to Belgium without quarantine?

Travellers from Ireland are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Belgium?

Mask usage in Belgium is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Belgium?

Restaurants in Belgium are open. Bars in Belgium are .

Situation in Haiti March 29, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Belgium - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to  terrorism.

Country Summary : Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting, music, and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belgium.

If you decide to travel to Belgium:   

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Belgium.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from  the Schengen area . The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not valid for visa-free entry into Belgium.

2 pages minimum

Not required for stays under 90 days

10,000 Euros or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy brussels.

27 Boulevard du Régent (the Consular Section is at 25 Boulevard du Régent) B-1000 Brussels Belgium Telephone:  +(32) (2) 811-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(32) (0) 2-811-4000 Fax: +(32) (2) 811-4546 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe : Belgium is a party to the Schengen Agreement. If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting or visiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .

Visit the  Embassy of Belgium  website for the most current visa information.

The Government of Belgium does not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into Belgium. If traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by immigration officials. Only direct transit through Belgium for a destination in the United States is permitted with an emergency passport. You should check entry requirements of any other country of destination to make sure the emergency passport is accepted for entry.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICITONS:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Belgium.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad, including possible attacks in Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary IEDs, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, concerts, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Parks/festivals
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and airports/scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

• Low-level street crime including robberies, smash and grab car robberies, purse snatchings, stealing electronics, and pickpocketing is common, particularly in major cities, in public areas such as restaurants, the Brussels metro at night, buses/trams, and all train stations. Thieves often operate in teams, by bumping into or shoving the target, especially in crowds. Be alert to distractions.
• Theft from vehicles is common. Always drive with your windows up and the doors locked, as thieves sometimes target cars stopped at traffic lights. Thieves may smash the window and grab valuables. Use parking garages when possible, and if you must use street parking, look for a spot near a street light. Do not leave anything visible on the seats, floor, or dashboard.
• Theft of bags on trains has increased, particularly the Brussels-Amsterdam route. Thieves often target light bags placed overhead. Keep bags with cash, valuables, and travel documents close to you, rather than in the overhead shelf on trains.
• Carry only a minimal amount of cash, credit cards, and necessary personal identification. 
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches.

Demonstrations   occur frequently . They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 

• Police routinely monitor protestors and demonstrations.
• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Monitor the  Embassy website for demonstration alerts.  

International Financial Scams: U.S. citizens have lost tens of thousands of dollars in scams in Belgium. See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information.

• Common internet scams include confidence schemes, in which friends, family, or others receive a message that a U.S. citizen traveler is stranded in Belgium and in need of funds to pay for customs fees.
• U.S. citizens in the United States who have been victimized by Internet crime should report it to the  Internet Crime Complaint Center .
• Check ATMs or other machines for skimmers or removeable readers. When possible utilize bank ATMs. In bars and restaurants, have the card swiped in front of you and do not let it be taken away.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 101 . For all other emergencies, please dial  112 . Contact the U.S. Embassy at  +(32) (2) 811-4000 . Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

The Belgian Commission for Financial Assistance to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence  provides financial compensation, under specific circumstances, for victims of crime and for those who have suffered injuries and consequent losses caused by such incidents. The Commission also provides for dependents or immediate family members of homicide victims. For more information, contact the Commission by phone at  32-2-542-7208; 32-2-542-7218; 32-2-542-7224; 32-2-542-7229, or 32-2-542-7244;  by e-mail at  [email protected]  or  [email protected] ; or visit the  Ministry of Justice website  (French and Dutch only).

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passpor

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Belgium.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Belgium, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States.

• Belgian law requires that any  new  building with public or community space must be accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Many existing buildings as well as public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.
• General information on the accessibility of tourist accommodations, public transportation, museums, and other tourist facilities can be found on official tourism sites for Belgium’s three major regions:  Brussels ,  Wallonia , and  Flanders .

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

High-quality medical facilities and services are widely available in Belgium. The large university hospitals can handle most medical problems. Equivalents for most, but not all, U.S. medications are available through local pharmacies with a prescription from a Belgian physician. The responsiveness of emergency services is also generally excellent.

For emergency services in Belgium, dial 112.

Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on overseas insurance coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Belgian Federal Public Health Service  to ensure the medication is legal in Belgium.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Belgium’s road network is generally well-built and maintained.
• Adequate lighting exists on major highways, but on rural roads it is often insufficient or nonexistent.
• Roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available in English from Touring Mobilis, telephone 02 286-3040. Belgian police will also provide information on road conditions, telephone 02-642-6666.
• Emergency services are efficient and responsive. For police emergencies, dial 101 by phone within Belgium. For all other emergencies, dial 112.

Traffic Laws:

• Traffic coming from the right generally has priority at uncontrolled intersections, even if coming from a smaller street.
• The  maximum speed limit on Belgian highways  is 120 kilometers (72 miles) per hour but is not always posted.
• The  maximum speed in urban areas  is 50 km (30 miles) per hour, but in central Brussels it is 30 km (19 miles) per hour.
• While Belgian authorities strictly  enforce speed limits , many Belgians still drive significantly faster than the posted limit. Claiming ignorance of the speed limit may not prevent you from getting a significant fine for speeding, and your vehicle may be impounded if you can’t pay the fine on the spot. Automated radars with cameras are common and violators are issued citations through the mail.
• Belgian police also conduct  breath analysis checks for alcohol use , particularly at night and during major holidays. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood (.05 percent Blood Alcohol Content).
• You must use your seat belt  while driving in a vehicle.
• Bicycling  is very common in Belgium, for both recreational and more traditional transportation purposes. Wear helmets at all times and follow vehicle travel rules (stopping at lights, crosswalks, etc.). Follow bike paths when available.

Public Transportation:  Brussels and most major cities of Belgium have extensive and efficient public transportation systems. Trains, buses, and ferries connect Brussels with other major cities in Belgium and with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands. Traveling by train is considered to be safer than driving.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of the  Belgian national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Belgium’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Belgium’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Brussels Airport Delays: Travelers have experienced significant delays at passport control at Brussels airport, during both arrival and departure.  We recommend outbound passengers check with your airline to find out their cutoff time for check-in and seek your airline’s recommendations on how to mitigate potential passport control delays.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Belgium should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Belgium .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, belgium map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

General information on COVID-19 for those travelling to Ireland or Belgium.

• Last updated on June 6, 2023

Current situation in Ireland

Visiting the embassy.

Important information for visiting the Embassy:

To help us keep our team safe and our public counters fully functioning:

• Please check if your request can be completed by post, email or online. 
• Book an appointment to avoid overcrowding and attend alone unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid arriving too early for your appointment. 
• We would kindly ask you  to continue to wear your mask  in the Embassy (except when taking photos for travel documents)
• Do not attend the Embassy if you have tested positive for Covid-19 or should be self-isolating.

Local restrictions

• Information on the current public health measures in place in Ireland
• Information on testing, self-isolating and vaccines in Ireland

International travel

• New rules on validity of EU Digital Covid Certificate  

Travel to Belgium

• From 23/05/2022 all travel restrictions (PLF, vaccination certificates, testing etc.) have been lifted unless you are travelling from a Very High Risk Country or Zone . If your country is not on the list of Very High Risk countries and Zones there are no Covid-related travel restrictions. 

Travel to Ireland

• From 06/03/2022 all Covid-related travel requirements for Ireland have been lifted. It is no longer necessary to complete the Passenger Locator Form, or show proof of vaccination or testing.

Consular services

Information about your registration, how to apply for an identity card or passport, etc.

© 2024 FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation