Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Belgium, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

• Web:

  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

Airports

When travelling to Antwerp from afar, you are most likely to fly to Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Airport (officially Brussels South Charleroi Airport, CRL). Belgium’s biggest and most important airport is situated 45 km from Antwerp city centre, a 40-minute car trip. The express train from Brussels Airport – Zaventem station to Antwerpen Centraal takes only 30 minutes. Antwerp's own airport (ANR) is only 7 km from Antwerp city centre, a mere 15 minutes by car. Luxair, Tui Fly and Sky Alps offer connections to popular vacation spots, including London. The nearest train station is Mortsel. The local bus stop is right outside the terminal. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is the farthest of the three, around 115 kilometres away. The most cost-effective connection is to take the local bus from the airport to Charleroi Gare Centrale (around 20 minutes) and then take the train to Antwerpen Centraal (1 hour 45 minutes).

• Web:

  www.luchthaven-antwerpen.com

• Address:

  Internationale Luchthaven Antwerpen, Luchthavenlei, Antwerp

Public Transport

Antwerp is a pocket-sized metropolis: compact and easy to navigate, even on foot. You can easily explore the city on foot. About 20% of the historic centre is car-free, and during many summer events, pedestrians are given absolute priority. Ideal for crossing the city: take the tram or bus from the Flemish transport company De Lijn. De Lijn's trams run for an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays. As a result, the weekend timetable better matches the schedule of the night buses. Good news for partygoers, who can enjoy the nightlife longer and want to get home safely and quickly. Buy your tram or bus ticket at a pre-sale point (newsagent, supermarket, corner shops, or at the machines at the stops). With pre-sale, a ticket is 20% cheaper. You can also pay the fare with De Lijn mobile app.

• Web:

  www.delijn.be/en/content/reisinfo/ontdek-de-app

Taxi

In Antwerp, all official taxis have a permit from the City of Antwerp. You can recognise them by an illuminated taxi sign on the roof and a red license plate on the front. You pay a uniform tariff set by the city. The tariff is always visible on the taximeter on the dashboard. When you arrive at your destination, the taximeter automatically prints out a ticket with the taxi company’s name and contact information. There are always taxis on Queen Astrid Square (Koningin Astridplein), immediately north of the central station. Alternatively, book your ride through the taxi.eu app or call +32 3 238 38 38.

• Web:

  www.taxi.eu/en/cities/antwerp

• Phone:

  +32 3 238 38 38

Electricity

In Belgium, power plugs type C and E are the official standards. The electrical plugs are compatible with type F plug with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230 Volt and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Telephone

Country code: +32 Area code: (0)3