Do I need a tourist visa to visit Belgium?
A Schengen visa is a tourist visa that allows you to go to Belgium only as a visitor. If you are looking to work or study in Belgium, you will need to apply for a long-stay type of visa known as a Belgium D-visa.
How long can you visit Belgium without a visa?
90 daysUS citizens in possession of a valid US passport do not need a visa for airport transit, tourist or business trips for stays up to 90 days per 180 days. Do note that your passport should have at least another three months validity after the planned date of departure from Europe (Schengen Zone).
Do I need visa from UK to Belgium?
Who needs a visa to travel to Belgium from the UK? Any UK citizen who holds either a full UK passport or a BOTC, BOC, BPP or BS passport can travel to Belgium visa-free. However, many non-EU nationals who reside in the UK are still required to get a Schengen visa to travel to Belgium.
What documents do I need to visit Belgium?
You need a passport or passport card to enter Belgium. While there is no minimum passport validity requirement, your passport or passport card must be valid for the duration of your stay.
How much does Belgium visa cost?
How Much Does a Belgium Visa Cost?CategoryFeeAdults€80Children aged between 6 and 12 years old€40Children younger than 6Free
How do I get a Belgium visa?
You have to apply for a Belgium visa at the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your country....To apply for a Belgium visa, follow the instructions below:Contact the Belgium Embassy.Make an appointment.Fill in your visa application form.Collect all your documents.Attend the visa interview.
Do I need a visa to go to Amsterdam?
You can stay in the Netherlands without a visa for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
How long does it take to get a Belgium visa?
Typically, the processing time for the Belgium Schengen visa is up to 15 days. It can take longer in cases when: The number of applicants is too high – up to 30 days. Additional documents are required – up to 45 days.
Is Belgium a Schengen country?
Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland have all acceded to the Schengen Agreement and are thus ...
Is Belgium visa easy to get?
As for the most difficult, Belgium leads the way with a relatively high 16.9% of applications refused – the highest rate anywhere in the Schengen Area - but this still means that 83.1% of applicants are issued with a Schengen Visa.
How long does Schengen visa take?
It takes 15 days to process a Schengen visa. However, Schengen visa processing time may vary in some specific situations. In individual cases, the visa processing time may be extended to 30 days after the interview, or in some very specific situations to 60 days.
Is Belgium safe to visit?
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM. Overall, Belgium is a safe country to travel to. Crime rates are low and anything happening to you on the streets of Belgium is unlikely. The only issue to keep an eye on, apart from being vigilant for terrorist attacks, is petty theft and pickpocketing.
How long can you visit Belgium?
90-dayVisas. If you are travelling to Belgium and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
How do I get a long term visa for Belgium?
The process for applying for a Belgium long-stay visa is as follows:Find out where to apply. You can apply at one of the following: ... Schedule an appointment. ... Fill the Belgium national visa application form. ... Collect the required documents. ... Submit the documents in your visa interview. ... Pay the Belgium visa fee.
Is Belgium visa easy to get?
As for the most difficult, Belgium leads the way with a relatively high 16.9% of applications refused – the highest rate anywhere in the Schengen Area - but this still means that 83.1% of applicants are issued with a Schengen Visa.
Which is the easiest country to get Schengen visa?
Iceland. Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is also an easy country to obtain a visa to the Schengen Area, with only 1.7% of applications rejected in 2018. However, you should first check where you need to apply, as Iceland is mostly represented by other countries and does not have a large number of consulates of its own ...
When will Belgium be free of visas?
By 2022 , the online visa waiver for Belgium (ETIAS) will be introduced and become a mandatory requirement for all visa-exempt citizens to travel to the country for short stays.
How many nationalities are required to travel to Belgium?
However, over 150 nationalities must apply for a consular visa no matter the length of the trip. Below you can find a complete list of visa requirements to travel to Belgium from your country.
What is an ETIAS in Belgium?
An approved Belgian ETIAS is a multiple entry travel authorization that will grant entry to all of the 26 European states in the Schengen Area during its validity. The holder of an approved ETIAS for Belgium may travel to any Schengen country for a total stay of 90 days per entry, for purposes of tourism, transit, business, or medical treatment.
How long does it take to get a visa before it can be approved?
A consular visa fee must also be paid before the visa can be approved. Applicants are advised to make an embassy appointment at least 2 to 3 weeks before the intended travel to ensure that there is sufficient processing time for a visa approval to be issued.
How to get freedom of movement in Belgium?
If a passport holder belongs to a country in the Schengen Area, they are granted freedom of movement to Belgium by presenting a valid National ID card at border checkpoints.
Where to make an appointment for a Belgian visa?
To do so, the traveler must make an appointment at the nearest Belgian diplomatic government office (either an embassy or consulate) for a visa interview.
Is a short stay required for a visa waiver?
This will be a mandatory requirement for short stays for the purposes listed above for all visa waiver travelers.
What is a visa on arrival in Belgium?
A visa on arrival for citizens of Belgium is a type of travel document that can be obtained upon entry at an immigration checkpoint in select destinations.
Where to apply for a Belgium visa?
Travelers from Belgium who require another type of visa for their destination, such as a work visa or a student visa, or a visa for a longer period of permitted sta, must apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate of the country they wish to visit.
How to get a Belgian visa waiver?
To obtain an online visa waiver or an eVisa for Belgian nationals, it is usually necessary to fill out an electronic application form with personal data, passport details, and travel information.
What is an embassy visa?
An embassy visa for citizens of Belgium is a type of document that Belgians are required to obtain before traveling to the destination country, through a government diplomatic office. There are currently more than 75 countries that oblige Belgian travelers to obtain an embassy visa, regardless of period of stay or purpose of visit, ...
How many countries allow Belgian passport holders?
There are currently around 30 countries worldwide that allow Belgian passport holders to obtain an Electronic Travel Visa Authorization, either an electronic visa waiver or an eVisa, to cross their borders for short stays.
How long does it take to get a visa for an embassy?
It is usually recommended that embassy visa applicants make an appointment several weeks in advance of the expected stay, since some applications may take one or two weeks to be approved, and sometimes even longer.
How long is a Belgian passport valid?
The Belgian passport used to apply for this visa type must usually be valid for a minimum of 3 months, and additional supporting documentation may also be requested depending on destination.
How long can a non-EU citizen stay in Belgium?
Non-EU nationals: Will need a visa to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days.
How long can a Schengen visa be extended?
Schengen visa holders with a visa valid for less than 90 days can only extend their visas in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure or for humanitarian reasons.
Is Belgium a member of the EU?
Belgium is a Schengen country, but beware that EU members such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are not part of the Schengen area, so a passport or ID card is required if travelling to/from these countries.
Do you need a passport to travel from one country to another?
EU nationals: When travelling from one border-free Schengen country to another by car, you are not required to show a passport or national ID card. However, transport providers like airlines, train operators and ferry companies will require you to show your passport or ID card to prove your identity.
Do you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel?
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Do you need a transit visa for Schengen?
Transit. Citizens of some countries need an airport transit visa when transiting through international parts of any airports within the Schengen countries, whereas citizens of certain countries are only required a transit visa for some of the Schengen countries . If you are not from a Schengen visa exempt country, ...
How long is a passport valid for in Belgium?
Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area . The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not valid for visa-free entry into Belgium.
When is Belgium travel restricted?
citizens in Belgium are advised of the following key travel restrictions: First, Belgium is restricting all non-essential travel to and from the country from January 27, 2021 to March 1, 2021.
What is the maximum speed limit in Belgium?
The maximum speed limit on Belgian highways is 120 kilometers (72 miles) per hour but is not always posted.
What is the emergency number in Belgium?
Emergency services are efficient and responsive. For police emergencies, dial 101 by phone within Belgium. For all other emergencies, dial 112.
Can you take prescriptions in Belgium?
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Belgian Federal Public Health Service to ensure the medication is legal in Belgium.
Is Belgium a good country for medical care?
High-quality medical facilities and services are widely available in Belgium. The large university hospitals can handle most medical problems. Equivalents for most, but not all, U.S. medications are available through local pharmacies with a prescription from a Belgian physician. The responsiveness of emergency services is also generally excellent.
Is Belgium accessible to people with disabilities?
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Belgium, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States.
How many days before departure do you have to apply for a visa?
You MUST apply at least 15 days before your intended departure date.
Where to apply for a Schengen visa?
Where to apply: Schengen visas are issued by the Embassy of Belgium in Washington, D.C. and the Consulates General of Belgium in Atlanta , Los Angeles and New York. Honorary Consulates do not issue Schengen visas.
What is the purpose of the Visa Information System?
The main purpose of the VIS is to simplify the visa issuance process, to facilitate checks at external borders and to enhance security for everyone involved , including visa applicants.
How long does a US resident visa last?
The US residence permit or visa should be valid at least three months beyond the intended departure from the territory of the Member States.
Can a spouse get a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is issued free of charge to the foreign spouse and/or children of European Union nationals. The spouse should present a marriage certificate (duly translated into English when necessary) and the E.U. citizen's passport. A birth certificate must be presented for any child under the age of six.
Is the visa fee refundable?
The visa application fee is non-refundable, whether your visa is actually issued or not.
Does submitting documents to a Schengen visa guarantee automatic entry?
The applicant is informed that submitting the aforementioned documents does not guarantee automatic issuance of the visa. Additional documentation may always be requested. The holder of a Schengen visa is still subject to immigration control upon first entry into a Schengen country and is therefore not guaranteed automatic entry.
Visa entry requirements for UK citizens travelling to Belgium after Brexit
Since the 1st January 2021 the transition period between the UK and the EU ended, with the United Kingdom now being classed as a third country.
How long can British citizens stay in Belgium?
Now that the UK is outside the EU, British passport holders can stay in Belgium for a maximum of 90 days per 180-day period.
ETIAS visa waiver
Although British citizens will not need a visa to visit Belgium, as from 2022 you will be required to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).
When does Belgium have a 90 day visa free period?
Any time you spent in Belgium or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
What is Belgium's traffic light system?
Belgium operates a travel colour code traffic light system identify ing very high, high, medium, and low risk regions. Entry requirements vary depending on the colour code assigned to the country or region a person is travelling from; whether an individual is resident in Belgium or another country; and status of vaccination.
Can a child travel to Belgium without a travel certificate?
Children under 18 can travel with a fully vaccinated adult without the requirement for an essential travel certificate. Those over 12 who are not fully vaccinated must follow quarantine requirements. Belgium do not consider children who have received one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to be fully vaccinated.
Does a 90 day visa count as a stay in Belgium?
if you stay in Belgium with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. Any time you spent in Belgium or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Does Belgium have a traffic light?
Belgium operates a traffic light system identifying high, medium and low risk regions. Entry requirements vary depending on the colour code assigned to the country or region a person is travelling from, whether an individual is resident in Belgium or another country and status of vaccination. Please note that Belgium does not currently recognise UK NHS Vaccine certificates.
Do you need a passport stamp to enter Belgium?
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Belgium as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
What is a Visa? A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
