Flanders, Belgium
Organize your preparations systematically.
Follow these steps for a smooth journey.
Check passport validity. It must stay valid for at least three months beyond your intended Schengen Area departure date and have been issued within the last 10 years. Renew if needed.
Research visa requirements for Belgium. For mid-2025 onward, prepare for ETIAS authorization. Apply for a visa with ample time.
Book international flights to Brussels Airport (BRU) for direct Ghent access. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including medical, cancellation, and lost luggage.
Book your Ghent accommodation. Secure your preferred place, especially during high season. Book significant train tickets (international high-speed) or specific tours.
Check mobile roaming options or plan for a local SIM/eSIM. Arrange an International Driving Permit (IDP) if driving in Belgium and your license is not in English or standard EU format.
Consult your doctor for vaccinations and sufficient prescription medications, with a doctor's note. Start learning basic Dutch phrases.
Confirm all flight, accommodation, and tour bookings. Print or save digital copies. Download essential apps and offline maps for Ghent.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of travel plans. Copy (digital and physical) passport, visa, insurance, and other documents. Store them separately.
Charge all your electronics. Purchase a European travel adapter if you do not have one.
Advance reservations for flights, accommodation, popular train routes (especially high-speed international), the Ghent Altarpiece VR experience (due to time slots), and popular restaurants (especially for dinner on weekends or during festivals).
A final run-through before you leave.
Expand your knowledge of Ghent and Belgium.
Verify your passport validity and any visa or entry requirements well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.
These steps help you settle in smoothly upon reaching Ghent.
At your first point of entry into the Schengen Area.
At the airport or train station for initial cash, or confirm credit cards work for purchases.
Or activate your purchased SIM card/eSIM.
From Gent-Sint-Pieters station, take Tram 1 or a suitable bus directly to your accommodation or the nearest stop.
If you have significant luggage, consider a taxi for convenience.
Head there to pick up a free city map and collect your CityCard Gent if purchased online.
Use an ATM at the airport or train station for Euros. Purchase a public transport ticket or pass if not covered by CityCard Gent.
Buy a bottle of water if you do not have your reusable one handy.
Take a public transport ride (e.g., Tram 1) to gain a feel for the city's layout and its main arteries.
Visit the Tourist Information Office (Oude Vismijn) for free maps.
Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Have contact details for your accommodation readily available.
For travelers with specific mobility needs, research specific venues in advance for accessible infrastructure and resources.
Prepare for your departure to ensure a smooth journey home.
These points require attention before departure.
Reconfirm all travel times and routes before heading to your departure point.
Keep all important documents readily accessible throughout your journey home.
