Belgium Arrival Card: Do You Need to Complete One?

Before setting off for Belgium, it’s worth getting familiar with the country’s entry requirements, whether you’re planning to admire Brussels’ historic Grand Place or sample its world-famous chocolates.

As of October 2026, Belgium has introduced new digital border procedures for international travellers.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational, while Belgium also offers an online arrival declaration service called My Address in Belgium (MAB).

These are separate procedures, so knowing which one applies to you can help make your arrival smoother.

Do You Need to Complete a Belgium Arrival Card?

Belgium does not have a traditional tourist arrival card that every visitor must complete before departure.

However, certain travellers may need to declare their presence in Belgium after arrival.

Since 10 April 2026, Belgium has allowed eligible short-stay visitors to declare their arrival online through the My Address in Belgium (MAB) service.

The general requirement is to report your presence within three days of arrival, although exemptions apply to some travellers, including people staying in hotels or similar accommodation.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a separate process that records eligible non-EU travellers' entry and exit information electronically at the external Schengen border. It does not require a separate application before travelling.

Belgium Arrival Card Requirements at a Glance

What Is My Address in Belgium (MAB)?

My Address in Belgium or known as MAB, is an electronic service that allows eligible visitors to declare their presence and provide their residential address in Belgium.

This system is introduced on April 2026 as part of the changes to Belgium's arrival procedures where it offers an online alternative to reporting to the local municipal administration.

Foreign national who are entering Belgium for a short stay up to 90 days within any 180 day period may be required to declare their presence within three days of arrival.

However, exemptions apply in certain circumstances where travellers who are staying in hotels are exempt from making separate arrival declaration because their accommodation provider handles the relevane registration requirements.

And also, if you are staying at a friend's home or renting a private apartment that does not fall under an exemption, you should always check whether you need to submit the declaration.

How to complete the Belgium arrival declaration online

Step 1: Log in to the official website

• Access it via the Belgian Immigration Office's online platform at the My Address in Belgium (MAB) - DOFI IBZ website.

Step 2 Check user group conditions

• The My Address in Belgium (MAB) system requires non-EU foreign nationals who have registered via the EES system and are on a short-term stay to report their address. Those staying in hotels, hospitals, or prisons are exempt from this requirement.

Step 3: Fill in your accommodation details

• Fill in your address and accommodation details in Belgium completely.

Step 4: Submit your information within the deadline

• You must complete the information submission within 3 days of your arrival in Belgium. *This is very important as it replaces the need to report in person at the municipal office.

Step 5: Receive electronic confirmation

• Once you have filled in your information and saved it to the system, you will receive a confirmation of your address notification via email.

What Is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System is an EU border management system that electronically records the entry and exit of eligible non-EU nationals travelling to participating European countries for short stays.

It became fully operational on 10 April 2026, replacing the previous passport-stamping process for travellers covered by the system.

Who needs to register under EES?

EES generally applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, whether they need a short-stay visa or can enter visa-free.

Certain categories, including holders of qualifying residence permits or long-stay visas, are exempt.

What information does EES collect?

At the external Schengen border, eligible travellers may be asked to provide:

• Passport or travel document details
• A facial image
• Fingerprints, where required
• Entry and exit information

Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection, although a facial image may still be required.

Do you need to apply for EES before travelling?

No. You do not need to submit a separate EES application before your trip. Registration takes place as part of border control procedures.

If you are travelling to Belgium from Singapore with a Singapore passport, for example, you should be prepared for the relevant EES checks when entering the Schengen Area. Allow extra time at immigration, particularly if this is your first trip under the system.

Belgium Arrival Card vs EES vs ETIAS

ETIAS is scheduled to begin operations in the last quarter of 2026, but the European Union has not confirmed the exact launch date in the official information currently available.

Check the official ETIAS website before departure to see whether applications have opened.

Belgium Entry Requirements for Singapore Travellers

Singapore passport holders can generally visit Belgium for tourism or other permitted short stays without a Schengen visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided they meet the applicable entry conditions.

Before leaving Singapore, prepare the following documents and information.

1. Valid passport

Check that your passport meets the Schengen entry requirements. Generally, it should have been issued within the previous 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

2. Return or onward travel ticket

Immigration officers may ask for evidence that you intend to leave the Schengen Area within your permitted stay.

3. Accommodation details

Keep your hotel booking confirmation or the address where you will stay in Belgium. You may need these details for immigration checks or an applicable MAB declaration.

4. Proof of sufficient funds

You may be asked to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.

5. Travel itinerary

Prepare a basic itinerary covering your destinations, planned length of stay and purpose of travel. Supporting documents may be requested by border officials.

6. ETIAS, if applicable

ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt nationals. Singapore passport holders should check the official launch status and requirements before travelling in late 2026 or later.

What Happens When You Arrive in Belgium?

If you're flying into Brussels Airport from Singapore or another non-Schengen destination, you will generally go through immigration before collecting your luggage.

Here's what to expect:

1. Proceed to passport control. Follow the signs for non-EU travellers.
2. Complete EES registration if required. You may need to have your passport scanned and provide a facial image and fingerprints.
3. Answer immigration questions. Officers may ask about your travel purpose, accommodation and length of stay.
4. Collect your luggage. Follow the airport signs to baggage reclaim.
5. Pass through customs. Use the appropriate channel and declare goods or currency when required.
6. Check whether an MAB declaration applies. If you're staying in accommodation that does not qualify for an exemption, arrange to complete the declaration within the required timeframe.

If Belgium is not your first Schengen destination, your EES registration and initial immigration checks may take place in the Schengen country where you first enter the area.

For example, if you fly from Singapore to Paris and then continue to Brussels, you will generally complete your Schengen external-border immigration checks in Paris rather than undergo another routine external-border check on arrival in Brussels.

Final Tips for Travelling to Belgium

Before your trip, make sure your passport is valid, check whether you need a visa or travel authorisation, and keep your accommodation and return-flight details handy.

Most importantly, don't confuse Belgium's MAB arrival declaration with the EU's EES border registration or ETIAS travel authorisation. They are separate systems, and the requirements depend on your nationality, accommodation and travel plans.

For the latest information, consult the official Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs website and the official EU ETIAS website before departure.