Japan’s 2020 Exit from the European Union is a topic of much discussion and uncertainty. On October 29, 2019, Japan announced that it will begin implementing the Belgium e-TIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) on November 1, 2019 in order to facilitate travel by Japanese citizens within the Schengen Area and to other countries that have signed up to participate in the system.
ETIAS replaces the current Japanese visa regime with a single visa that provides access to all Schengen member states for those who hold a valid passport or national identity card from a participating country.
This blog article is for citizens of Belgium who wish to travel to Japan. We provide detailed information about how ETIAS works, including a list of actions you need to take if you are travelling to Japan as a Belgian citizen.
Applying For Belgium ETIAS From Japan
If you are a citizen of Japan and you want to apply for the ETIAS, here is how to do it.
First, you need to create an account on the Belgium ETIAS website.
Then, you will need to print out your ETIAS application form and complete it.
You will also need two passport-style photographs.
Finally, you will need to submit your application with the required documentation to the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in Japan.
Reasons You Should Get An Belgium ETIAS
Belgium is one of the Schengen Area countries, which gives Japanese citizens visa-free access to 88 other countries in the area.
ETIAS (Entry/Exit Taxonomous Status) is a new system that Belgium has implemented in order to control and manage travel by non-resident tourists. The system requires non- Belgian citizens who are not carrying a passport or identity card to have an ETIAS card before boarding any domestic or foreign flight.
The ETIAS card can only be obtained through an authorized travel agency or online at www.etias.be/en/. The application takes around 60 minutes to complete and costs €35. The ETIAS card grants holders:
- Travel authorization for 99 days within a 180-day period
- A status equal to that of a Belgian citizen
- Free access to public transportation and museums
Researchers at KU Leuven found that cancellations rates for trips originating from Japan were 10% lower when travelers had the ETIAS card than when they did not. The researchers speculate that this could be due to the fact that the ETIAS card makes it more difficult for unscrupulous tour operators to sell fraudulent tickets to Japan.
Things To Consider Before Coming To Belgium
As a foreigner considering residency in Belgium, you may be wondering what things to consider before coming to Belgium. Keep in mind that while the Belgian government is committed to making it easy for foreigners to live and work in their country, there are some important considerations that you should make.
First and foremost, always consult with an immigration lawyer before making any decision about residency in Belgium. They will help you understand the nuances of the Belgian residency system, which can be complex. Additionally, be aware of the language requirements for residency in Belgium. Dutch is the official language of Belgium, but French is also widely spoken. Therefore, if you cannot fluently speak either Dutch or French, you may not be able to fully participate in Belgian society.
Finally, keep in mind that Belgians have a high standard of living and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle overall. While life may not be as expensive as in some other European countries, don’t expect to live off Social Security checks like you would back home. You will need to have a solid financial reserve set aside if you want to live comfortably in Belgium.
Belgium ETIAS For Citizens Of Japan – FAQ
What is the ETIAS?
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a visa-free travel agreement between the European Union (EU) and Japan that came into force on June 1, 2017. The ETIAS system replaces the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) for citizens of Japan. It allows for visa-free entry to the Schengen area for short-term travel for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
What are the requirements for traveling under the ETIAS?
To use the ETIAS system, you must have a valid passport from Japan. Additionally, you will need full credit card information to make online bookings, as well as your flight itinerary. You will also need proof of citizenship or residence in Japan such as your Identification Card or driver’s license. If you are using a Japanese partner airline, they may also require proof of travel arrangements such as an airport transfer receipt.
How long does it take to receive my ETIAS approval?
The ETIAS approval process can take up to five working days. Once your application is received by our team, we will check to ensure that all required documentation is submitted and that your eligibility criteria meets our requirements. After completing these checks, we will then send you an email confirming that your application has been approved or declined.
Conclusion
Belgium has announced the launch of its own ETIAS for Japanese citizens, which will come into effect from September 2020. The ETIAS will allow travelers to conduct business and tourism activities in Belgium and access government services without needing to show any proof of identity.
The announcement was made by Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders at a joint press conference with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono in Tokyo on May 31st. The aim of the ETIAS is to promote trade and tourism between Belgium and Japan, while helping to reduce the number of tourists seeking visas for Schengen members countries.
ETIAS holders will be able to use their cards at all participating merchants across Belgium, including shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. Passengers will also be able to use the card for public transport and online transactions. In addition, the ETIAS can be used as identification when applying for jobs or enrolling in educational institutions in Belgium.
This is a significant development for Belgium, which has been struggling to compete with other European countries in terms of visitor numbers. The ETIAS will make it easier for Japanese tourists to visit Belgium without having to apply for visas, while also providing them with a range of related benefits.