1. What is the visa requirement for Belgian citizens traveling to Europe?

As a part of the European Union (EU), Belgian citizens are members of the Schengen Area and do not need a visa to travel within the EU. They can freely enter and stay in any Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

If Belgian citizens plan to stay longer than 90 days or to work or study in other Schengen countries, they may need to apply for a visa from the country they intend to visit. This includes countries that are outside of the EU but part of the Schengen Area, such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Additionally, if traveling to non-Schengen European countries such as Russia or Turkey, Belgian citizens will need to check their specific visa requirements for those countries.

2. How can I apply for a Belgian tourist visa?

To apply for a Belgian tourist visa, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Determine if you need a visa – Citizens of certain countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Belgium for tourism purposes. You can check the list of countries here: https://visa.diplomatie.be/en/travel-to-belgium/short-stay-visas/. If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa.

2. Gather required documents – The following documents are typically required for a Belgian tourist visa application:
– A completed and signed Schengen visa application form
– Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity of at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure
– Two recent passport-sized photos
– Proof of travel medical insurance with coverage in Belgium and the rest of Europe
– Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation from family/friends)
– Roundtrip flight itinerary or proof of transportation arrangements within Europe
– Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of your trip (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.)
– Travel itinerary/plan outlining your activities and destinations in Belgium

3. Make an appointment – Visa applications for Belgium must be submitted in person at a Belgian embassy or consulate. You will need to make an appointment through their designated online system.

4. Submit your application – At your appointment, submit all required documents, pay the non-refundable visa fee (typically around €60), and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

5. Wait for processing – Processing times may vary, but it typically takes up to 15 calendar days to process a Belgian tourist visa application.

6. Collect your passport and visa – If your application is approved, you can collect your passport with the stamped visa from the embassy or consulate where you applied.

7. Check entry requirements upon arrival – Even with a valid visa, entry into Belgium is ultimately up to the discretion of the border control officers. Make sure to bring all relevant documents (including proof of sufficient funds and return/onward travel) in case you are asked to provide them upon arrival.

It is recommended to apply for a Belgian tourist visa well in advance of your intended travel dates, as processing times may vary and appointments may be limited.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Belgium as a non-EU citizen?

Yes, as a non-EU citizen, you will need a visa to visit Belgium for tourism purposes. The type of visa you will need depends on your nationality and the length of your stay in Belgium. You can check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements and guidelines.

4. Can I apply for a multiple-entry visa to Belgium?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa to Belgium. The Embassy or Consulate of Belgium in your home country will determine the type and duration of visa that you are eligible for based on your purpose of travel and supporting documents. You will need to clearly state your travel plans and provide all required documentation to support your application for a multiple-entry visa.

5. Is there an age limit for applying for a Belgian tourist visa?

There is no specific age limit for applying for a Belgian tourist visa. However, minors under the age of 18 must have the consent of their parent or legal guardian when applying for a visa.

6. How long does it take to process a Belgian tourist visa application?

The processing time for a Belgian tourist visa application can vary depending on the individual case and volume of applications at the Belgian embassy or consulate. Typically, it can take around 15 days to process a visa application, but it is recommended to apply at least 4 weeks in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any potential delays.

7. Are there any special requirements for minors traveling to Belgium?

Minors traveling to Belgium may need additional documentation depending on their country of origin. They may need a written letter of consent from their parents or legal guardians, translated into Dutch, French, or German. They may also be required to present a copy of their birth certificate and/or a valid ID. It is best to check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements. Additionally, minors traveling alone or with only one parent may need a travel permit/visa from their home country.

8. Do I need travel insurance for my trip to Belgium?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for visitors to Belgium but it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and other unexpected events that may occur during your trip. Without travel insurance, you could be left with expensive bills if anything were to go wrong while you are in Belgium. It is always better to be prepared and have peace of mind while traveling. Additionally, some countries may require proof of travel insurance upon arrival, so it is important to check the requirements before your trip.

9. How much is the visa fee for visiting Belgium as a tourist?

As of 2021, the Schengen visa fee for visiting Belgium as a tourist is 80 euros (equivalent to approximately $94 USD). However, this fee may vary depending on your nationality, age, and the purpose of your visit. It is also subject to change, so it is best to check the most updated information on the official website of the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country. Additional fees may apply for certain services such as visa application assistance or biometric data collection.

10. Can I extend my stay in Belgium on a tourist visa?

Yes, you may extend your stay in Belgium on a tourist visa. The maximum period of stay for tourists is 90 days within a six-month period. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this limit, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit.

To extend your stay as a tourist, you must apply at the local municipality (commune) where you are residing before your current visa expires. You will need to provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the extended stay and have valid medical insurance coverage.

The decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the immigration authorities and they may require additional documentation or information before making a decision. It is recommended to apply for an extension at least two weeks before your current visa expires to allow for processing time.

If your request for an extension is approved, you will be issued with a new visa valid for a specific period of time. This may be subject to certain conditions, such as not being allowed to work during the extended stay.

It is important to note that overstaying on a tourist visa without obtaining an extension can result in penalties, deportation, and difficulties in obtaining future visas for Belgium or other Schengen countries. Therefore, it is advised to follow proper procedures and apply for an extension if necessary.

11. What documents do I need to provide when applying for a Belgian tourist visa?

When applying for a Belgian tourist visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Completed visa application form: This form can be obtained from the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country.

2. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in Belgium, and it must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.

3. Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must be taken within the last 6 months and meet certain requirements such as size and background color.

4. Travel itinerary: This should include your flight bookings, hotel reservations, and any other travel arrangements you have made for your trip to Belgium.

5. Proof of accommodation: This could be a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a family member or friend if you will be staying with them.

6. Proof of financial means: You will need to show that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Belgium. This could include bank statements, proof of employment, or sponsorship letters.

7. Medical/travel insurance: You will need to provide proof of travel medical insurance that covers medical expenses up to 30,000 euros.

8. Round-trip flight reservation: Submitting a round-trip flight reservation will prove to the embassy that you intend on leaving Belgium after your visit is over.

9. Proof of ties to your home country: This could include employment letters, property ownership documents, or evidence of family members living in your home country.

10. Travel history: If you have travelled before, provide copies of previous visas and entry/exit stamps from those countries.

11. Cover letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your trip can also be included to support your application.

It is important to note that additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances and the embassy’s discretion.

12. Is there an interview process for obtaining a Belgian tourist visa?

Yes, there is an interview process for obtaining a Belgian tourist visa. The interview will be conducted by a consular officer at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The purpose of the interview is to verify the information provided in your visa application and to assess your intentions for visiting Belgium. The officer may ask you questions about your travel plans, the reason for your visit, your financial situation, and other personal details. It is important to answer these questions honestly and accurately. Failure to do so may result in your visa application being denied.

13. Can I submit my application at any Belgian embassy or consulate, regardless of my location?

No, you must submit your application at the Belgian embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Each embassy or consulate is responsible for processing applications from certain geographical regions. You can find out which embassy or consulate has jurisdiction over your area by checking their website or contacting them directly. Submitting your application to the wrong embassy or consulate may lead to delays or a rejection of your application.

14. Do I need proof of accommodation and flight bookings when applying for a Belgian tourist visa?

Yes, you will need to provide proof of accommodation and flight bookings when applying for a Belgian tourist visa. This is to show that you have confirmed plans for your trip and that you have a place to stay during your visit to Belgium. This can be in the form of hotel reservations, rental agreements, or letters of invitation from friends or family members who will be hosting you.

15. Are there any specific requirements for business travelers visiting Belgium?

Yes, business travelers visiting Belgium may need to provide the following documents:

1. A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
2. A visa if coming from a non-EU country
3. Proof of accommodation and return travel arrangements
4. Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
5. Invitation letter from a business partner or organization in Belgium
6. Valid work permit, if applicable
7. Health insurance coverage for the duration of the trip
8. Evidence of any necessary vaccinations

It is recommended to check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements and to apply for any necessary visas well in advance of your trip. You may also need to comply with COVID-19 related restrictions and guidelines, such as providing proof of a negative test result or undergoing quarantine upon arrival in Belgium.

16. Can I work in Belgium with a Schengen Visa?

No, a Schengen Visa is only for short-term visits (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or transit purposes in the Schengen Area. In order to work in Belgium, you would need to apply for the appropriate visa or work permit from the Belgian authorities before entering the country.

17. What should I do if my Belgian tourist visa is denied?

If your Belgian tourist visa is denied, you will be notified of the reason for the denial. You can appeal the decision if you believe that it was made in error. Alternatively, you can reapply for a visa with additional supporting documents or through a different embassy or consulate.

18. Do EU/EEA citizens need a visa to enter Belgium?

No, EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to enter Belgium. They are allowed to enter and stay in Belgium for up to 90 days within a 180 day period without a visa. However, if they plan on staying longer or working in Belgium, they will need to obtain the appropriate residence permit.

19. Can my family members accompany me on my trip to Belgium?

It depends on the purpose of your trip and your family members’ citizenship status. If you are traveling for tourism or business purposes, your family members who hold a passport from a country in the European Union or Schengen area can accompany you without needing to apply for a visa. They will need to present a valid passport and proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificate) at the border.

If your family members hold a passport from a non-EU/Schengen country, they may need to apply for a tourist visa prior to their trip. You can check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in their country of residence for more information.

If you are traveling for other purposes, such as work or study, it is best to consult with the relevant authorities in Belgium (such as your employer or educational institution) for advice on whether your family members can join you on your trip.

Additionally, please note that current travel restrictions due to COVID-19 may impact the ability of family members to accompany you on your trip. It is important to check the most up-to-date information before making any travel arrangements.

20. Is it possible to get a longer term or permanent residence permit in Belgium after receiving the Schengev Visa?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a longer term or permanent residence permit in Belgium after receiving the Schengen Visa. You can apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Office in Belgium if you intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days.

There are various types of residence permits available in Belgium, depending on your purpose of stay and your personal situation. Some of these include study permits, work permits, family reunification permits, and long-term residence permits.

You will need to meet certain requirements and provide supporting documents to be eligible for a residence permit. These may include a valid passport, proof of financial means, medical insurance, and a clean criminal record. The immigration office will also require you to have a clear intention to stay in Belgium for an extended period.

It is important to note that having a Schengen Visa does not guarantee that you will be granted a residence permit. Each application is evaluated individually, and the decision is based on your specific circumstances.

If you are unsure about which residence permit may be suitable for you or how to apply, it is recommended that you seek advice from an immigration lawyer or consult with the local embassy or consulate of Belgium.