Everything you always wanted to know

To travel to the United States, you must apply for an ESTA. This is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for travelers covered by the Visa Waiver Program, such as Belgian and Dutch travelers. You can complete the ESTA entirely online via the official website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Please note that there is only one official website: ESTA. Registration costs USD 21 (online payment by bank card) and can be done by third parties (travel agency, family, friends). Once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years and allows you to travel to the US multiple times as long as your passport is valid. Apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. In most cases, it will be approved more quickly, but unexpected additional checks may cause delays. This will help you avoid stress just before your departure.

Please note: some commercial websites offer ESTA at a much higher price. For a correct and secure application, always use the official site.

Yes, you can bring medication into the United States, but there are some important rules to follow to avoid problems at customs. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed, as long as they are for personal use. It is important that the medication is in its original packaging with clear labeling of the patient, dosage, and prescribing physician.

For certain prescription medications, such as sleeping pills, ADHD medication, or painkillers that fall under the US Controlled Substances Act, it is strongly recommended that you carry an English-language doctor's prescription or medical certificate with you. Only bring what you need for the duration of your trip, as some medications that are permitted in Belgium or the Netherlands may be strictly regulated or even prohibited in the US. If in doubt, it is wise to check before departure whether your medication falls under the category of “controlled substances.”

Keep all medication in your carry-on luggage. This will prevent problems in case of lost luggage and ensure that you always have your medication at hand during the flight.

Choose a user-friendly eSIM from a specialized provider such as Simweb or HolaFly, and be prepared for the fact that in some remote areas you will have less coverage than on the moon. Offline maps are therefore not a luxury.

The power outlets are slightly different from ours: 110-120V and type A/B plugs. Along with the comprehensive travel documents, we will provide you with these free of charge.

In the United States, Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere: from hotels and restaurants to rental companies, national parks, and most shops. Credit cards are even the most important means of payment there, as they are often used for deposits and identity checks. In many situations, you will find that a credit card works faster and easier than cash.

Small cafés, food trucks, local markets, or parking lots may sometimes only support debit card payments or require a minimum amount. Cash is therefore useful, but certainly not a must. In large cities, airports, and tourist areas, you can almost always pay with your Visa or Mastercard without any problems.

Travel tip: It is best to take two different cards with you (e.g., Visa and Mastercard), preferably linked to different accounts. If one card is unexpectedly declined or blocked, you will immediately have a secure backup.

Yes, traffic rules in the United States differ in many ways from what you are used to in Belgium or the Netherlands. Driving in America often feels smooth and logical, but some rules are really different. One of the most striking is that you are usually allowed to turn right at a red light, unless it is explicitly indicated that you are not allowed to do so. The “No Turn on Red” signs are your guide.

Speed limits are strictly enforced and vary from state to state. The maximum speed is always indicated in miles per hour (mph), so you will need to switch gears in your head. Even on highways, the speed limit can vary from region to region.

School buses have absolute right of way. When a school bus stops and its red lights are flashing, all traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop. This is a rule that is strictly enforced.

In most states, four-way stops are common: whoever arrives first may proceed first. If the difference is not clear, the system works like a courtesy rule: the vehicle on the right goes first.

There are also differences in parking regulations. For example, you are never allowed to park along a curb that is painted red or yellow, and parking opposite a fire hydrant is strictly prohibited, even if there is no sign. Also note that many parking spaces are private property, where illegal parking can quickly lead to towing.

Before you leave, download the guidelines for the state or states you will be driving in, as some rules vary slightly from region to region. A little preparation will prevent arguments, fines, and stress during your road trip.

Throughout the United States, the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol is 21. This applies to bars, restaurants, and stores. You will almost always be asked for ID, even if you clearly appear to be over 21. A Belgian passport is perfectly valid as proof.

In some states, the rules are even stricter: for example, as a parent, you are often not even allowed to let your underage children take a sip in public. Having alcohol open in the car can also result in a fine. Always store bottles or cans in the trunk.

Yes, almost all travelers flying to Canada need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This applies to Belgian and Dutch travelers arriving by plane. The application is simple and can be completed online via the official website of the Canadian government. An eTA costs CAD 7. Please note: make sure you submit your application on the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. Fraudulent websites that closely resemble the official website charge up to 15 times the official amount. You fill in some personal details, pay the small administrative fee, and you will usually receive approval within a few minutes. The eTA is valid for several years as long as your passport remains valid.

Yes, you can bring medication into Canada, but there are some important guidelines to follow to avoid problems at the border. Travelers are allowed to bring both prescription and non-prescription medication, as long as it is for personal use. Medication should preferably be in its original packaging, with a clear label, the patient's name, and dosage information.

For prescription medication (such as sleeping pills, ADHD medication, strong painkillers, or other substances that are considered controlled substances in Canada), it is strongly recommended that you bring a doctor's prescription or medical certificate in English. It is also advisable not to bring more than the amount you need for your trip.

Please note: certain substances that are common in Europe may be more strictly regulated in Canada. If in doubt, it is wise to check before departure whether your medication falls under the category of “controlled substances.”

Always keep medication in your carry-on luggage. This will help you avoid problems with lost luggage and is useful during the flight, especially since temperatures in the hold can fluctuate.

Choose a user-friendly eSIM from a specialized provider such as Simweb or HolaFly, and be prepared for the fact that in some remote areas you will have less coverage than on the moon. Offline maps are therefore not a luxury.

The power outlets are slightly different from ours: 110-120V and type A/B plugs. Along with the comprehensive travel documents, we will provide you with these free of charge.

In Canada, Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere: in hotels, restaurants, shops, gas stations, and national parks. You can also use them to pay at self-service terminals, such as parking lots and toll gates. American Express is accepted slightly less often.
Nevertheless, it is useful to always carry a small amount of cash in Canadian dollars for local markets, small cafés, or remote areas, especially in the province of Québec and in rural regions.

Yes, Canada has some notable traffic rules that differ from Belgium or the Netherlands. The speed limit is always in kilometers per hour, but varies greatly by province. In many cities, you are allowed to turn right at a red light, except where clearly indicated that it is prohibited (and in the entire province of Québec, where it is not allowed by default).

Keeping both hands on the wheel is the norm, and mobile phones are only allowed hands-free. Also, watch out for wildlife, such as moose and deer. Especially at sunrise and sunset.

The minimum age for purchasing alcohol varies by province in Canada.

• In Alberta, Manitoba, and Québec, the minimum age is 18.
• In all other provinces and territories, it is 19.

You will almost always be asked to show ID, even if you clearly appear to be older than the legal age. Alcohol can only be purchased in official liquor stores; in some provinces, you can also find it in larger supermarkets, but not everywhere. In national parks, there are sometimes additional restrictions on alcohol consumption during certain periods.

The permitted carry-on baggage depends on the airline you are flying with, but in most cases, a standard size of approximately 55 x 35 x 25 cm applies. The weight usually varies between 7 and 10 kilograms, depending on the airline and the type of ticket.

For trips to the United States and Canada, it is important to check in advance what your airline allows. Some airlines have stricter rules for low-cost tickets, while larger international airlines often offer a little more flexibility. Also, keep in mind that extra items such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack are often allowed in addition to your carry-on baggage.

Yes, you can bring food in your carry-on luggage, but there are clear rules, especially for flights to the United States or Canada. Liquids, gels, and spreads must be 100 ml or less per item and must be placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. This includes sauces, yogurt, drinks, and spreads.

Solid foods such as bread, fruit, cookies, sandwiches, and snacks are usually allowed without any problems, but keep in mind that some products are not allowed to be imported, such as fresh meats, certain cheeses, or fruits and vegetables that are subject to quarantine rules. Small, packaged snacks for children or for traveling are usually not a problem.