Do foreign drivers pay too? Dutch, German and French drivers explained

If you drive into Belgium from abroad, the new vignette applies to you as well. From 1 May 2027, any car, van or camper up to 3,500 kg using Belgian motorways and regional roads needs a valid digital vignette, regardless of where the vehicle is registered.

Why foreign drivers are included

Under EU rules, Belgium cannot charge foreign drivers while giving its own residents a full refund. That would be discrimination, and a comparable German scheme was blocked by the EU Court of Justice in 2019. So the vignette applies equally to everyone using the roads.

For Dutch drivers

If you cross the border for work or shopping, you will need a vignette for trips on Belgian motorways and regional roads. For occasional trips, the 1 day option (€9) or the 10 day option (€12) are usually the most practical. Short term vignettes cost the same for every vehicle.

For German drivers

Heading to the coast or transiting Belgium, the same rules apply, and short term vignettes are available for occasional use.

For French drivers

Travelling north through Belgium, you are covered by the same rules.

How to buy as a visitor

The vignette is digital and linked to your licence plate. There is no sticker to collect or display. You buy it online through the official portal before you travel, from 1 March 2027 onwards. Roadside cameras then check your plate automatically.

If you cross the border regularly, compare the cost of repeated short term vignettes against a monthly or yearly one. A frequent commuter may be better off with a longer validity period.

← Back to all updates