Visa Requirements for Traveling to Belgium
Are you dreaming of eating hot frites in the Grand Place in Brussels, wandering Ghent’s canals, or exploring the fashion capital of Antwerp? After two years of pandemic restrictions, travel is back on everyone’s minds. However, before you travel to Belgium, ensure you understand the visa requirements applicable to your situation. Whether you’re planning a city break or a longer trip, here’s a concise guide to the visa requirements for Belgium.
Who Needs a Visa for Belgium?
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries that enjoy freedom of movement across their borders. Citizens of the European Union (EU), along with those from Switzerland and the European Economic Area countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, can travel to Belgium without a visa. Consequently, you’ll need a valid identity card or passport with at least three months of validity, which must be issued within the last 10 years.
Some countries not included in the Schengen Area, such as the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, have special agreements with the Schengen Area. These arrangements allow their citizens to stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Short-Stay Visas for Belgium
Visitors from non-Schengen countries will need to apply for a Schengen visa before arriving in Belgium. The great news is that this visa is valid for travel to all Schengen countries, making it easier to explore Europe. When applying, be sure to leave enough time for processing.
For a stay of up to 90 days, you should apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa agencies such as VFS Global and TLS Contact may also be options for requesting visas, depending on your origin.
You’ll need several documents for your visa application, including:
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Flight tickets
- Health insurance details
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay: €45 (US$49) per day for visiting friends or family, or €95 (US$103) per day for hotel stays.
The fee for a short-stay visa is typically €80 (US$87). Additionally, the visa permits a maximum of 90 days of travel within a 180-day period. While it is possible to extend a short-term visa, this is only permissible under exceptional circumstances.
Students and Au Pairs Must Apply for a Long-Term Visa
If you plan to stay in Belgium for longer than 90 days, you’ll need a D Category Schengen visa. Those intending to study or work as au pairs must not enter the country on a short-stay visa. Thus, all applications for long-term visas should be lodged at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country.
For a student visa, you’ll need to provide proof of your financial means and an admission letter from the educational institution. For au pairs, the host family must submit a request for a Belgian work permit, and based on its approval, the au pair can apply for a D category visa.
Working Holidays in Belgium
Belgium has reciprocal working holiday arrangements with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea. Young individuals aged between 18 and 30 years from these countries can spend up to a year in Belgium, with the permission to work during this period to fund their travels.
Applicants must meet specific requirements, including:
- Proof of sufficient funds (minimum €2500/US$2722)
- A valid return ticket or funds to purchase one
- A medical certificate
- A character reference
- Medical insurance covering the length of your trip
While on a working holiday, you may also study, but only for courses lasting no more than three months. Moreover, there is no maximum period for employment, although some employers may limit contracts to three or six months.
