How to Apply: Schengen Visa
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How to Apply: Embassy Registration
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur
Why Register with the Embassy
Required Information to Apply
Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:
- your contact details change,
- your civil status changes,
- you are going back to your home country.
Learn More: Schengen Visa
What you need to know
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The Belgium Schengen Visa is a multiple-entry travel document to visit Belgium and all 27 countries of the Schengen Area.
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You can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days.
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We advise you to apply for this visa 2 months ahead to avoid any delays.
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With the Belgium Schengen Visa you can do tourism, unpaid business activities, short traineeships or short-term studies, sports or cultural activities, and visit friends and family.
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To apply, you will need your valid passport. It needs to have been issued for the past 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months after your planned stay, and contain at least 2 blank pages.
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For this visa you will have to pay a government fee of $88 USD (80 euros) in cash (appointment fee not included).
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Children between the age of 6 and 12 will need to pay a government fee of $44 USD (40 euros) in cash.
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Sometimes these fees can be paid online, depending on the country you are applying from.
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Children under 6 years old don’t need to pay a government fee.
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Children and spouses of EU citizens don’t have to pay a government fee.
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You can check the FAQ section to learn more about visa fees.
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iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.
How to apply for a Belgium Schengen Visa
Last updated: April 2024
Nestled at the crossroads of Western Europe, this captivating country is a treasure trove of enchantment and discovery. Before you can revel in the splendor of this captivating land, you'll need a Belgium Schengen Visa.
Whether you're a wanderlust-driven explorer or a business traveler seeking new opportunities, this complete guide will explain the details of the Belgium Schengen Visa application process.
What is the Belgium Schengen Visa?
The Belgium Schengen Visa opens the doors to the captivating beauty of Belgium, and grants you access to all 27 Schengen states. Say goodbye to the hassle of obtaining individual visas for each destination and embrace the freedom to explore many more European treasures.
What can I do with the Belgian Schengen Visa?
The Belgium Schengen Visa offers the following travel purposes:
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Tourist activities.
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Visit friends and family.
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Business activities.
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Short studies and traineeships.
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Sports and cultural activities.
What can’t I do with the Belgian Schengen Visa?
With this visa, you can’t do paid work or live in Belgium. Family reunification (visiting Belgium to live with family members) is also prohibited. For information about work visas or residency permits, check the Belgian government website.
Who is eligible to apply for the Belgium Schengen Visa?
You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a Belgian Schengen Visa. These include:
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Purpose of visit: You must have a valid reason for visiting Belgium, such as tourism or business.
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Duration of stay: Your intended stay in Belgium should be within the maximum allowed period as stated on your visa (more info below).
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Intention to return: You must prove your intention to leave Belgium and the Schengen area before your visa expires by showing ties to your home country.
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Financial means: You must show that you can cover expenses during your stay in Belgium with bank statements, proof of employment, or a sponsorship letter.
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Travel insurance: It’s mandatory to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the entire Schengen Zone, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Which nationalities must apply for the Belgium Schengen Visa?
Most foreign visitors from outside the Schengen area or the European Union must meet all the requirements to get a Belgian Schengen Visa. There are some exceptions.
Who is visa-exempt for Belgium?
As mentioned, European and Schengen residents don’t need a visa to go to Belgium. Furthermore, citizens from the following countries can enter Belgium and all other Schengen countries without a visa:
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United Kingdom
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Australia
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New Zealand
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United States
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Canada
This is not the entire list of visa-exempt nationalities. Find out if you need the Belgium Schengen Visa using our Visa Checker Tool.
Do children and minors need a Schengen Visa for Belgium?
Yes, children or minors with a passport from visa-required countries must also have a Schengen Visa to visit Belgium and the rest of the Schengen Zone.
Both parents or legal guardians must sign the application form. Additional documents, such as the child's birth certificate, may be necessary to submit during the application process.
How long is the Belgium Schengen Visa valid?
The Belgium Schengen Visa allows you to spend up to 90 days per entry within 180 days. Experience the freedom to travel seamlessly between any Schengen country if your cumulative stay does not exceed the allocated 90 days.
The final decision lies in the hands of the Belgian authorities. They will determine whether you are granted a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa.
The duration of a multiple-entry visa typically ranges from 180 days to 5 years after issued, allowing for maximum flexibility with a 90-day maximum stay per entry. Factors such as your supporting documents and travel history influence this decision.
Can I extend the Belgian Schengen Visa?
No, it’s generally not possible to extend a Schengen Visa. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as emergencies, an extension is granted. If you need more time in Belgium or the Schengen Zone than your visa allows, you must go home and reapply for a new visa.
Belgium Schengen Visa required documents
You’ll only need your passport and photo for visa applications for Belgium via us.
However, before attending your interview and biometric data appointment, you must gather the following Belgium Schengen Visa requirements:
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Valid passport: Your passport must be valid six months after your planned arrival date and have at least two blank pages.
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Travel itinerary: Provide a return flight ticket confirmation and any confirmed hotel reservation(s) and tours to prove your travel purpose.
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Enough funds: Show that you can pay for your trip to Belgium and other Schengen countries by providing a bank account statement showing your income and financial stability.
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Travel insurance: The travel medical insurance must cover health expenses up to €30,000 in the entire Schengen Zone, in case of an emergency.
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Two passport photos: If you don’t have any, use our affordable digital photo service from the comfort of your own home.
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Visa application form
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Additional documents: Proving your professional and social status, such as a marriage certificate (if applicable).
How to apply for the Belgium Schengen Visa with us
The general steps to apply are:
- Choose the Schengen visa type based on your travel purpose.
- Fill out the Schengen Visa application form accurately.
- Collect all necessary documents, including passport, photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means.
- Book a visa interview appointment at the Belgium embassy/consulate or visa application center.
- Present your application and documents at the appointment.
- Pay the visa application fee as per the current rates.
- Monitor the status of your visa application online or through the embassy/consulate.
You can find more detailed information about the application process on the Belgium Government Website.
We currently don't offer this visa, but you can join our waitlist to be notified when we do:
Belgium Schengen Visa costs and processing time
The Belgian government can take up to 45 days to decide, but it may take longer, depending on the situation. It is recommended to apply for a Schengen Visa at least two months before your trip.
The government visa fee of about US$85 (can differ per nationality) must be paid during your appointment (half-price for children between the age of 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6 years old).
You won’t need to pay the government fee if you are:
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A child or a spouse of an EU citizen.
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A student, pupil, or postgraduate student traveling with teachers for educational or vocational purposes.
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Under 25 years old and a representative of a non-profit organization wishing to participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events hosted by non-profit organizations.
Do I need a Belgium Schengen Visa if I’m transiting through the country?
You may need a Belgium Transit Visa to enter the Schengen Area to reach another destination. It could also depend on your nationality and other factors.
We advise you to contact your local embassy or airline to know if you need a Belgium Airport Transit Visa because this type of information constantly changes.
Differences between the Belgium Schengen Visa and ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new travel authorization that will be implemented from the end of 2023. Here are the differences between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa:
- ETIAS is a new travel authorization system designed to improve European security. The purpose is to check whether visa-free travelers visiting the European Union and the Schengen Area pose any regional safety risks.
The ETIAS system is comparable to the United States ESTA system. If you can enjoy visa-free travel and are not required to have a Schengen Visa, you can apply for your ETIAS online once it’s available.
Check back regularly for updates on the availability and application process of ETIAS!
Need more info about the Belgium Schengen Visa?
If you want more information about the Belgium Schengen Visa or have more questions about the online process, we’re here to help! Contact our dedicated team of customer service agents here.
Questions?
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Remember that the customer service team at iVisa is here 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about our service.
When should I apply for the Belgium Schengen Visa?
A Belgium Schengen Visa is issued in at least 15 working days. Sometimes it can take 45 days. The process can be long, especially if you apply alone. For that reason, we recommend you apply 2 months in advance for this visa to avoid any delays, but if you want to apply with more anticipation, it is permitted to submit your application 6 months in advance.
Remember that with iVisa you can apply easily for a Belgium Schengen Visa with the help of an iVisa Visa Expert. Forget about going through a stressful visa application for yourself and start to enjoy planning your trip!
How long does it take to apply for the Belgium Schengen Visa form?
What documents do I need to apply online for the Belgium Schengen Visa Form?
What documents do I need to bring to the Belgium Schengen Visa appointment?
You should bring the following documents:
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Your printed and signed application form. Make sure the signature is handwritten.
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Your application photo. We advise you to bring an extra photo just in case. Make sure they follow the Schengen standards.
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The payment for the visa fee.
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Your collected fingerprints in case you have not registered them in the VIS (Visa Information System) for the previous 59 months. Children younger than 12 don’t need to follow this requirement.
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Your valid passport. It needs to have been issued for the past 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months after your planned stay, and contain at least 2 blank pages.
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Copies of your previous Schengen Visas (if needed).
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Prove that you are capable of financing your trip. For example, bring your bank statements from the last 3 months.
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Your proof of accommodation. For example, a confirmed hotel booking with contact information from the place. If you are traveling with a group, you will need a certificate from the travel agency.
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If you are living in a country different from your country of origin, please bring your proof of residency.
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Bring any document that proves that you are going to return to your country. For example, return travel tickets.
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If you are going to visit your friends or family, bring an invitation letter with a copy of their ID or residence permit. For family members, include your family ties. For example, a birth certificate.
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If you are a student, you need a recent, official, signed, and dated letter from your school, university, or college specifying your enrollment. Your student card will not be enough.
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If you are traveling for business, you need a letter of invitation from the host company in Belgium or from your business partner explaining the nature of the business and a reference letter from your employer.
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A letter explaining how all expenses will be covered. (If needed)
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Your travel itinerary. It is always helpful to detail all the activities you’re going to do during your trip and means of transport.
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If you travel alone as a minor, you will need parental consent.
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Health insurance for travel that could cover hospitalizations, emergencies, urgent treatments and healthcare, death, or repatriation in the Schengen area of at least 30,000 euros.
Can I travel to all the Schengen countries with the Belgium Schengen Visa?
Can I get the Belgium Schengen Visa for free?
No. There is a government fee you will usually need to pay.
You need to pay at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center(VAC) a government fee of $88 USD (80 euros) in cash (appointment fee not included). Children between the age of 6 and 12 will need to pay a government fee of $44 USD (40 euros) in cash. Children under 6 years old won't need to pay a government fee.
You won’t need to pay a government fee if you are:
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A child or a spouse of an EU citizen.
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A student, pupil, or postgraduate student with educational or vocational purposes traveling with teachers.
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Twenty-five or younger and a representative of a non-profit organization wishing to participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events hosted by non-profit organizations.
We charge a small fee but remember that by applying beforehand with iVisa, you can avoid any delays or errors, including saving time at immigration. Our team of experts will also review your application to minimize the likelihood of errors to guarantee you a smooth entry to Belgium.
NOTE: Sometimes you can pay the government fees online, depending on your country of residence.
How long is the Belgium Schengen Visa valid?
The Belgium Schengen Visa is a travel authorization, with a permitted stay of a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days.
NOTE: We offer you an application for a multiple-entry visa, but in the end, it is the Embassy that decides if you will receive a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa.
Are there any COVID-19 requirements to enter Belgium?
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service agents if you have further questions, they’re available for you 24/7.
Learn more about Belgium Tourism
Travelers interested in experiencing the best of urban and rural life, fascinating history, and world renowned cuisine will not be disappointed with a visit to Belgium. Situated in Western Europe, just across the North Sea from the UK, Belgium is host to international political and diplomatic meetings. It has also been a global leader in the diamond trade for centuries. Belgium is part of the European Union and the borderless Schengen Area, so travelers can obtain a Belgium Schengen Visa if applicable and gain access to this beautiful country as well as the rest of the Schengen Area. This article will get into greater detail about the Schengen visa and traveling to Belgium.
Belgium signed the Schengen Agreement in 1995. This means that all citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt can apply for a Belgium Schengen Visa before entering the country. This visa will allow you to enter into Belgium and then travel to any and all Schengen countries, free from border checks. The visa will be valid to travel for 90 days within a 6 month period. In order to apply for the Belgium Schengen Visa, you will need to bring your completed application to your local Belgian embassy or consulate, along with your passport (valid for another 3 months after your exit date from Belgium), two passport photos, travel insurance, cover letter, flight itinerary, and proof of both accommodation and financial means to cover your stay. The officials at the embassy will then process your application and if approved, will send it to you in the mail. At the border entry to Belgium, you will need to show border officials your valid visa and passport, and they may ask you a few simple questions about your stay in the country. After that, you are free to roam the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days!
A natural starting place for many travelers is the capital city, Brussels. Getting around the city is a breeze using the comprehensive system of metro lines, trams, and busses. Biking is also a wonderful way to get around and the see the best of the city. In the Old Town, you’ll want to check out the Grote Markt (“Grand Place”), a monument of Flemish-influenced Baroque architecture. Perhaps the most recognizable Brussels mainstay is the Manneken Pis, which is, to put it bluntly, a statue of a boy peeing. Its origins date back at least as far as the late 14th century, but the current iteration was constructed in 1619. It is generally surrounded by tourists all vying to get a picture with this cheeky landmark. If you’re a fan of grand Gothic churches, you will really love the Saint-Michel Cathedral, which was finalized in the 15th century. Perhaps the grandest building in the city is the Neoclassical Royal Palace, which is a current residence of the royal family. The palace grounds are beautifully manicured and there are many important cultural buildings surrounding. Belgium is a country of comics. You read that right, this is the birthplace of lovable comics Tintin and The Smurfs. You learn more about the history of comic strips and cartoons at the Comic Strip Center, showcasing an ever-changing collection of Belgian and French illustrators. Kids will love visiting the Atomium, a behemoth representation of an iron molecule blown up to 156 million times its size. Visitors can enter some of the spheres and learn about human life. While there, you can also check out Mini Europe, which hosts miniature versions of the most notable features all over Europe. Tower above Big Ben, Mount Vesuvius, and the Berlin Wall. It’s a fully interactive experience!
Anyone going to Belgium will be lucky to try the rich and flavorful cuisine, famous the world over. With so many powerhouse neighbors, Belgian cuisine takes influences from France, Germany, and the Netherlands. First stop, fries. I know, I know: “but aren’t those French?” Supposedly, frites actually originated in Belgium, and they are ubiquitous across the country. Speaking of fries, have you ever seen moules-frites on a menu? It’s a Belgian classic, especially by the seaside. Enjoy a big steaming cauldron of mussels in broth, served with a side of fries. Now for something sweet. Belgian waffles are heavenly, with deeper indents than the American versions to hold more of that sweet, sweet topping. Popular options include Nutella, whipped cream, and fruit. Of course, we can’t mention sweet and Belgian in the same breath without nodding to beautiful Belgian chocolate. There is nothing in particular that sets Belgian chocolate apart, except that it is made in Belgium. However, they take their chocolate seriously. The chocolate composition has been legally controlled to a minimum of 35% pure cocoa since 1894. There are chocolate shops everywhere in the country, selling premium boxes of the good stuff, which makes a fantastic gift. And who could forget Belgian beer? Whether your palate leans more towards dubbels, tripels, stouts, ambers, or wheats, you’ll find a locally brewed beer to suit your tastes. A lot of the breweries will let you take a tour, so you can see how the magic happens.
And while you’re visiting with a Belgium Schengen Visa, you might as well pop over to one of the surrounding Schengen countries, free from border checks. The lovely Dutch coastal province of Zeeland is just beyond Antwerp, the gorgeous cities of Dusseldorf and Cologne are a short train ride from eastern Belgium, and the small country of Luxembourg is easily reachable from the south. Of course, there’s also plenty to see in the northeast of France, including a couple of beautiful national parks. From Belgium, it’s all at your fingertips.
Belgium is an exciting and delicious spot for tourists. Whether you’re in it for the lively cities, peaceful countryside, or incredible food, you will find something to suit your fancy. Have a wonderful time in Belgium and the Schengen Area!
How do processing times work?
Where can I read more?
- Belgium Schengen Visa for Filipino Citizens: Complete Application Guide for 2024
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- Belgium Golden Visa: Requirements & How to Get One
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