Do I need a Visa to Visit Belgium? (Answered)
Have you ever thought whether a visa is required to visit Belgium? Is travelling without a visa possible? Let’s examine the reasons behind the requirement of visas in more detail, as well as what happens when you don’t require one.
Belgium is a picturesque country known for its beautiful landscapes, delectable cuisine, and welcoming people. Belgium is a member of the European Union and NATO. It has two official languages: Dutch and French.
While being a member of the EU, Belgium allows travelers from the majority of EU member countries to enter without a visa. You’ll probably need a visa if you want to travel to Belgium, although, that depends on your nationality. If you are visiting the country for fewer than 90 days, there are ways to avoid this requirement. This article will outline Belgium’s visa requirements as well as a list of countries that can enter without a visa.
Who Doesn’t Need a Visa to Visit Belgium?
Did you know that you may not require a visa to visit Belgium? That’s right! You are permitted to stay in Belgium for up to 90 days without a visa, if you are a national or citizens of certain countries. You must, however, apply for a visa if your intended stay will exceed 90 days.
If you intend to travel to Belgium, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You must first have a valid passport. Secondly, you’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses while you’re there. Thirdly, you might need to provide proof of your ongoing trip. If you satisfy these conditions, you do not need to obtain a visa in order to visit Belgium.
Therefore, the visa waiver program is applicable to the following countries. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
In addition, there are countries that are not a part of the Schengen Area, like the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, have special agreements with the Schengen Area that allow their citizens to stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Belgium?
As earlier stated above, you do not require a visa to visit Belgium if you are a citizen of the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Whereas, Citizens of other countries will need to obtain a Schengen visa before visiting Belgium.
If you are a citizen of one of the countries below and want to go to Belgium for a brief length of time, you must apply for a short-stay visa:
- Afghanistan,
- Algeria,
- Angola,
- Armenia,
- Azerbaijan,
- Bahrain,
- Bangladesh,
- Belarus,
- Belize,
- Benin,
- Bhutan,
- Bolivia,
- Botswana,
- Burkina Faso
Burma/Myanmar, - Burundi,
- Cambodia,
- Cameroon,
- Cape Verde,
- Central African Republic,
- Chad,
- China,
- Comoros,
- Congo,
- Cuba,
- Rep. Of Congo,
- Djibouti,
- Dominican Republic,
- Ecuador,
- Egypt,
- Equatorial Guinea,
- Eritrea,
- Ethiopia,
- Fiji,
- Gabon,
- Gambia,
- Ghana,
- Pakistan,
- Guinea,
- Guinea-Bissau,
- Guyana,
- Haiti,
- India,
- Indonesia,
- Iran,
- Iraq,
- Ivory Coast,
- Jamaica,
- Jordan,
- Kazakhstan,
- Kenya,
- Kiribati,
- Kosovo,
- Kuwait,
- Kyrgyzstan,
- Laos,
- Lebanon,
- Lesotho,
- Liberia,
- Libya,
- Madagascar,
- Malawi,
- Maldives,
- Mali,
- Marshall Islands,
- Mauritania,
- Micronesia,
- Mongolia,
- Morocco,
- Mozambique,
- Namibia,
- Nauru,
- Nepal,
- Niger,
- Nigeria,
- North Korea,
- Northern
- Marianas,
- Oman,
- Palau,
- Papua New,
- Guinea,
- Philippines,
- Qatar,
- Russia,
- Rwanda,
- Samoa,
- Sao Tome and Principe,
- Saudi Arabia,
- Senegal,
- Sierra Leone,
- Solomon Islands,
- Somalia,
- South Africa,
- Sri Lanka,
- Sudan,
- Suriname,
- Swaziland,
- Syria,
- Tajikistan,
- Turkmenistan,
- Tuvalu,
- Uganda,
- Uzbekistan,
- Vanuatu,
- Vietnam,
- Yemen,
- Zambia,
- Zimbabwe.
Short-stay Visas for Belgium
All visitors to Belgium from outside of the Schengen Area must obtain a short-stay visa. The visas can be used for travel, business, or medical purposes, and they are valid for stays up to 90 days. All nationals, with the exception of those from the Schengen Area, are eligible for the visas.
Applicants must complete an application form, a valid passport, a recent passport photo, and proof of travel insurance in order to be considered for a short-stay visa. Additionally, applicants are required to submit evidence of their ties to their home country as well as a statement outlining the reason for their visit from their employer or educational institution.
Normally, it takes two to three weeks to process a short-stay visa application. Multiple entry into Belgium are permitted with visas that are valid for three months after the date of issuance.
If you want to travel to Belgium, you should apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to complete the paperwork before your trip.
What Type of Visa Do I Need to Visit Belgium?
If you wish to travel to Belgium, you can apply for a number of different visas. Depending on why you’re visiting, you may need a specific kind of visa.
You can apply for either a Belgian short-stay visa (valid for up to 90 days) or a Belgian long-stay visa, depending on your needs (longer than 90 days).
Belgium Short-Stay Visas
Belgium visa for tourists and visitors. The Schengen visa is similar to the tourist visa for Belgium. You are permitted a maximum of 90 days of stay as a visitor.
Belgium Transit Visa. Travelers who just need to enter the Schengen region to change their mode of transportation are granted a transit visa.
Belgium Long-Stay Visas (D-Visa)
Do you intend to visit Belgium for a long period of time? If so, a long-stay visa might be needed. Depending on the reason of travel, you will need a long stay visa (D-Visa) to remain in Belgium for a period longer than 90 days:
Belgium Student visa. If you intend to study in Belgium, you can apply for this visa, which is typically valid for six months but may be extended to the end of your course of study.
Belgium Work visa. If you want to work in Belgium, you can apply for a work visa. For this kind of visa, you typically need a sponsoring employer in Belgium, though there are exceptions to this rule.
Belgium Dependent visa. This visa, which is also known as a family reunion visa, is given out if you have family residing in Belgium—typically a partner—and wish to join them. Typically, the dependent visa is granted for the same period of time as your partner’s visa.
What Documents are Required when Applying for a Belgium Visa?
The following documents must be submitted to the Belgian embassy or consulate in order to apply for a short-term Belgium visa:
- Belgium visa application form.
- Two identical photos.
- Your passport ID.
- Copies of your past visas (if applicable).
- Language Preference Form.
- A cover letter.
- Itinerary for a round-trip flight.
- Schengen Travel Insurance.
- Proof of hotel/accommodation.
- Proof of civil status.
- Proof of adequate financial resources for the duration of the stay in Belgium.
How to Apply For a Belgium Visa?
You must carry out the following steps to submit your application for a short-stay visa to Belgium:
- Find out where you can submit your visa application for Belgium.
- Select the relevant Schengen visa category for Belgium. Choose the appropriate visa type to apply for based on your reason for visiting Belgium.
- Gather the documentation required to apply for a visa to Belgium. Make sure you gather the proper documents for the Belgium visa type you’re applying for and that it all satisfies the requirements established by the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your place of residency.
- Schedule a visa appointment at a Belgium visa application centre in your country of residency or the Belgian Embassy/Consulate.
- Attend the interview for a visa at the appropriate Belgian embassy, consulate, or VAC.
Do I need a Visa to Visit Belgium from UK
Certain factors, such as the reason for your trip and how long you want to stay, will determine whether you need a visa to go to Belgium from the UK.
In general, British nationals can enter Belgium without a visa for periods up to 90 days. However, you could require a visa if you intend to remain longer or if you have additional justifications for travelling to Belgium. You can find more information on the Belgian Embassy website.
if you are unsure of your visa requirements, it is usually preferable to verify with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. Also note that, the process of obtaining a visa can be complicated and time-consuming, so it is important to start well in advance if you think you may need one.
Do I need a Visa to Travel to Belgium from US
Similarly, there is no visa required for U.S. citizens traveling to Belgium for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days. However, a valid passport is required. This probably applies whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure, to see loved ones, attend sporting or cultural events, or go on vacation. If you need a visa or work permit for any reason, consult with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries need a visa for Belgium?
According to the Belgium Immigration Ministry, the following countries that are not members of the European union need a visa for Belgium. Check the list above.
Do I need visa for Belgium from UK?
No, you do not need a visa to travel to Belgium from the UK, if you are staying for up to 90 days. But, make sure your visit is within the 90-day limit.
Do I need a tourist visa to visit Belgium?
Yes, you need a tourist visa to visit Belgium, if you are a citizen of non-Schengen countries. You can apply for a visa through a Belgian embassy or consulate in you home Country.
How long can you visit Belgium without a visa?
You don’t need a visa to visit Belgium for up to 90 days if you’re an EU national. But, if you want to stay in Belgium for longer than 90 days and you are not a citizen of the EU, you must apply for a visa.
Conclusion
In summary, some nationals do not require a visa to enter Belgium for stays up to 90 days. To make sure you have all the proper documents, it is best to verify with the Belgian embassy or consulate. A visa is necessary if you want to work or study in Belgium, stay for longer than 90 days, or both. Thanks for reading!
