Belgium, officially known as the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Western Europe with 11,420,163 residents.
Its capital, Brussels, is one of the largest and most densely populated cities in Belgium. Throughout history, different parts of Belgium have been ruled by the Dutch, Spanish, French and Austrians, leaving behind a rich history and architecture.
The country is famous for its canals, cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Some of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions are located in Belgium, such as the beautiful medieval city of Antwerp, the Archaeological Museum of Arlon, the Flemish Béguinages and the old city of Bruges, among others.
In 1995, the Belgian government signed the Schengen Agreement, joining the border-free area of Europe. Today, entry to Belgium for short stays also allows travel to the rest of the Schengen member states, which includes most of Europe.
Documents required to enter Belgium:
- Passport or travel document valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave Belgium.
- Visa, if subject to the Belgian visa regime.
- Other supporting documents such as a letter of invitation from a Belgian host, proof of accommodation or a round-trip ticket.
Who needs a Schengen visa to enter Belgium?
- Citizens of a third country who have not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the EU.
- Citizens of a third country who have reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but have been refused entry to Belgium or any other Schengen country without a visa.
Types of visas to enter Belgium:
- Belgium Airport Transit Visa.
- Tourist/Visitor Visa for Belgium.
- Belgium Business Visa.
- Belgium Official Visitor Visa.
- Belgium Visa for Medical Reasons.
- Belgium Study Visa.
- Visa for Culture, Sports and Film Teams from Belgium.
Documents required to apply for a Belgian Schengen visa:
- Belgian visa application form.
- Two identical photos.
- Passport.
- Language preference form.
- Letter of introduction.
- Roundtrip flight itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of marital status.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Schengen travel insurance.
Where to apply for a Belgian visa?
Depending on how the Belgian authorities have regulated the filing and processing of visas in your country of residence, you will need to apply for a short-stay visa for Belgium at one of the following:
- The Belgian Embassy in your country of residence.
- One of the Belgian consulates.
- A Visa Application Center to which Belgium has outsourced the submission of visas.
- The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country to which Belgium has outsourced the submission of visas.
How long does it take to obtain a Belgian visa?
The processing time for a Belgian Schengen visa can take up to 15 days in a normal situation. However, this period may be extended in exceptional cases.
How much does it cost to apply for a Belgian visa?
- Short stay visa for adults: 80 euros.
- Visa for children (6-12 years old): 40 euros.
- Visa for children (under 6 years old): FREE.
How long can we stay in Belgium without a visa?
Nationals of countries that are not on the list of Schengen visa exempt countries cannot enter or stay in Belgium or any other Schengen country without a visa. On the other hand, nationals of visa-exempt countries may stay in Belgium for up to 90 days, within a period of 180 days.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Belgium?
U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a visa for Belgium when traveling to Belgium for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Can I extend my Schengen visa in Belgium?
Yes, you can extend your Belgian Schengen visa, but only in exceptional cases.
Can my Belgian Schengen visa be revoked?
Yes, the relevant Belgian authorities can revoke your visa.
For more detailed and specific information, it is recommended to visit the official website or contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
