Belgium visa application, appointment & everything you need to know

A Schengen Belgium visa lets you explore Belgium and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, but knowing how to apply can be tricky. In this Schengen visa guide, we'll walk you through the process, the different types of visas, and everything you need to know to make your application smooth and easy.

What is a Schengen Belgium visa?

A Schengen Belgium visa (Type C) allows non-EU nationals to stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It’s ideal for short-term travel including tourism, business, family visits, study programs, and cultural or medical stays.

If Belgium is your main destination, this is the visa you'll need to apply for—even if you plan to visit multiple countries in the Schengen zone.

Do you need a visa to visit Belgium?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries—such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, the UAE, and most of Latin America—do not need a visa for short stays in Belgium.

If you're not visa-exempt, you’ll need a Schengen visa (Type C) to enter Belgium.

What about Schengen ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new requirement for visa-exempt travelers. However, it has been postponed until late 2025. Until then, travelers from visa-free countries can still enter the Schengen area without ETIAS.

Why visit Belgium?

Belgium is a captivating destination that combines rich history, stunning architecture, and world-famous cuisine. Known for its:

• Rich history & culture: Explore medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent, full of historic buildings and cobblestone streets.

• Stunning architecture: Visit iconic landmarks like the Atomium in Brussels and the Grand Place in Brussels, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Famous cuisine: Savor Belgian waffles, chocolates, and world-renowned craft beers like Trappist beer.

• Vibrant art scene: Discover museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels, featuring works by renowned artists such as Rubens.

What types of Schengen Belgium visas are there?

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you’ll need to apply under the correct visa category. Each type has its own specific requirements and checklist to ensure your application is complete:

• Tourist visa: For leisure travel, sightseeing, or vacations in Belgium.

• Business visa: For meetings, trade fairs, professional events, or corporate visits.

• Family/friend visit visa: For visiting relatives or friends residing in Belgium.

• Culture / Sport / Conference visa: For attending cultural festivals, sports events, or conferences.

• Diplomatic visa: For diplomats on official state visits.

Schengen Belgium visa requirements

What documents are required for Belgium visa? To apply for a Schengen Belgium visa, travelers must submit a complete application with the required supporting documents. While requirements vary slightly depending on the purpose of travel, the following are the standard documents needed for a Belgium Schengen visa (C-visa):

• Completed visa application form: Filled out and signed through the Visa on Web platform.

• Valid passport: Must be issued within the last 10 years, contain at least two blank pages, and remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen zone.

• Two recent passport-size photos: Must meet Schengen photo standards (color, white background, 35x45 mm).

• Travel itinerary: Confirmed round-trip flight reservations, with entry and exit from the Schengen area.

• Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or an official invitation letter from a host in Belgium.

• Travel medical insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen area for the entire stay. Must cover emergency medical care and repatriation.

• Proof of financial means: Recent bank statements (last 3 months), payslips, or a sponsorship letter showing you can financially support yourself (approx. €95 per day for Belgium).

• Visa fee payment: A non-refundable processing fee (typically €80 for adults; reduced or waived for children and certain other categories).

Depending on your purpose of travel, you’ll need to include specific documents:

• Tourism checklist

• Family/friend visit checklist

• Business checklist

• Culture/Sport/Conference checklist

• Diplomatic official visit checklist

Submit your application at least 3 weeks before travel but no earlier than 6 months in advance. Booking an appointment in high season may take time, so plan early!

Apply for your Schengen Belgium visa today

Want a smooth application process without the stress? Global Law can help you:

• Determine which documents you need based on your purpose of travel

• Avoid common mistakes that lead to visa refusals

• Navigate consulate appointments and biometric data collection

• Ensure your itinerary aligns with Schengen entry rules

Belgium Schengen visa appointment

Booking a visa appointment is a required part of the process. Appointments must be made online via your Visa on Web account.

• One appointment is required per applicant.

• You must appear in person unless you're exempt from biometrics.

Due to high demand, appointments can be limited—book early to avoid travel disruptions!

Schengen Belgium visa fees for 2025

When applying for a Schengen Belgium visa, applicants must pay a non-refundable visa processing fee. The fee depends on the applicant’s age and nationality, with reduced rates available under certain visa facilitation agreements.

Standard Schengen Belgium visa fees

The visa fee must be paid in the local currency as per the conversion rate set by the Belgian consulate or visa application center at the time of your appointment.

Discounted Schengen visa fee: €35

Thanks to visa facilitation agreements, applicants from the following countries benefit from a reduced visa fee of €35:

• Albania

• Armenia

• Azerbaijan

• Belarus

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Cabo Verde

• Georgia

• Moldova

• Montenegro

• Serbia

• Russia

• Ukraine

This reduced fee applies only to holders of ordinary passports applying for short-stay visas (Type C) for stays up to 90 days.

Who is exempt from paying the Schengen Belgium visa fee?

Certain applicants may qualify for full exemption from visa fees, including:

• Children under 6 years old

• Students, postgraduate students, and accompanying teachers on educational trips

• Researchers traveling for scientific purposes

• Diplomats and government officials on official business

• Spouses and dependents of EU/EEA nationals, if traveling together and meeting criteria set out in Directive 2004/38/EC

Schengen Belgium visa processing time

Most Belgium Schengen visa applications are processed within 15 calendar days. However, it can take up to 45 days during peak seasons or if additional documentation is needed.

4 tips to avoid delays

1. Apply early (3–6 weeks before your trip)

2. Ensure your documents are complete and accurate

3. Double-check appointment availability before booking flights

4. Let Global Law help your Schengen Belgium visa application!

Can you extend a Schengen Belgium visa?

Extending a Schengen Belgium visa is possible, but only in exceptional cases. This includes situations like unexpected medical emergencies, natural disasters, political unrest, or serious humanitarian reasons. Extensions are not granted for tourism or personal convenience. If you need more time in Belgium, you must apply for the extension before your current visa expires, directly at the Belgian immigration office.

Approval is rare, so it's best to plan your trip within the original visa duration.

FAQs

Is the Schengen visa easy to get?

Approval depends on your documentation, nationality, and travel history. Having complete, clear paperwork increases your chances.

Schengen Belgium Visa from the UK

UK residents planning to visit Belgium must apply for a Schengen Belgium visa since they no longer have automatic visa-free access post-Brexit. The process includes gathering necessary documents like a passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means, followed by booking an appointment at the Belgian Embassy or Visa Application Centre. Biometrics will be taken unless previously submitted. The visa processing takes around 15 days, with fees starting at €90.

Additionally, starting in late 2025, UK travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS for short stays in Belgium and other Schengen countries.

Can I visit multiple countries with one visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa allows you to travel freely across all 27 Schengen countries.

How much money should I show for a tourist visa?

Generally, €100 per day is a good rule. A 10-day trip should be backed by at least €1,000 in available funds.

Do I need a visa if I’m from the U.S.?

No. U.S. citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. However, ETIAS will be required starting late-2025.