Europe – Belgium Visa – Tourist Visa

1. Do I need a visa to visit Belgium as a tourist?


Yes, visitors from most countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) will need a visa to enter Belgium as a tourist. Some exempt countries can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. It is recommended to check with your local Belgian embassy or consulate before beginning your travel plans.

2. How do I apply for a tourist visa to Belgium?

You can apply for a tourist visa at your nearest Belgian embassy or consulate. You will typically need to provide the following documents:

– A completed visa application form
– Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
– Two recent passport-sized photos
– Proof of sufficient funds for your trip
– Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation bookings
– Travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation
– Proof of round-trip flight tickets
– In some cases, you may also be required to show a proof of no criminal record

3. How long does it take to process a Belgium tourist visa?

The processing time for a tourist visa to Belgium can vary depending on the individual case and the workload of the embassy or consulate. It is recommended to apply at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date.

4. How much does a Belgium tourist visa cost?

The cost of a tourist visa for Belgium varies depending on the length of stay and country-specific fees. As an example, as of 2021, the fee for short-stay Schengen visas (up to 90 days) is €80, while long-stay visas (over 90 days) cost €180.

5. Can I extend my stay in Belgium as a tourist?

If you wish to prolong your stay in Belgium beyond the authorized period on your visa, you must submit an extension request at least one week before your authorized stay expires. However, extending your stay is not guaranteed, and it is up to the discretion of Belgian authorities.

6. Can I work while on a tourist visa in Belgium?

No, a tourist visa does not allow visitors to work in Belgium. If you wish to work in Belgium, you will need to obtain the appropriate work permit and visa.

7. Do children need a separate visa to visit Belgium as tourists?

Yes, children also require a separate visa to enter Belgium as tourists. They must apply for the same type of visa as their parent or guardian and provide all necessary documents.

8. Can I travel to other countries with a Belgian tourist visa?

Yes, a Schengen tourist visa issued by the Belgian authorities allows individuals to travel within the Schengen area, which includes 26 European countries.

9. What happens if my Belgian tourist visa is denied?

If your Belgian tourist visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. You may be able to apply again with more supporting documents or appeal the decision depending on the circumstances of your case.

10. Do I need health insurance for my trip to Belgium?

Yes, it is recommended that all travelers have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation in case of emergencies during their trip to Belgium. This is also one of the required documents for obtaining a tourist visa.

2. How long does it take to get a tourist visa for Belgium?

Typically, it takes around 15 days to process a tourist visa for Belgium. However, it may vary depending on the individual’s country of residence, the time of year, and the volume of applications being processed.

3. Do I need an invitation letter to apply for a tourist visa for Belgium?

An invitation letter is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining a tourist visa for Belgium. However, it can serve as supporting evidence for your purpose of visit and help in strengthening your application. It is recommended to provide an invitation letter if you have friends or relatives residing in Belgium who will be hosting you during your trip.

4. What documents do I need to submit when applying for a tourist visa for Belgium?

The specific requirements may differ depending on your country of residence, but in general, you will need:

– A completed and signed Schengen visa application form
– A valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the planned stay in Belgium
– Two recent passport-sized photos
– Proof of financial means (such as bank statements or proof of sponsorship)
– Travel itinerary and accommodation bookings
– Travel medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000
– Round-trip flight reservation
– Depending on your individual circumstances, additional documents may be requested by the embassy/consulate.

5. Can I extend my tourist visa while in Belgium?

No, it is not possible to extend a tourist visa while in Belgium. If you wish to stay longer than the validity period stated on your visa, you must leave the Schengen area and apply for a new visa from outside Europe. It is important to plan your trip and apply for a visa with enough time to cover your desired length of stay in Belgium.

6. Can I work on a tourist visa while in Belgium?

No, a tourist visa does not allow you to work in Belgium. If you want to engage in any paid activities during your stay, you will need to apply for a work visa or residence permit in advance. Working without the necessary permits is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans.

7. What is the medical insurance requirement for a tourist visa to Belgium?

To obtain a tourist visa for Belgium, you must have travel medical insurance that covers you for at least €30,000 in case of emergency hospitalization, transportation back to your home country, and repatriation of remains in case of death. The insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of your trip to Belgium.

8. Can I use my Schengen visa from another country to enter Belgium?

Yes, if you hold a valid Schengen visa issued by another country within the Schengen area, such as France or Germany, you can use it to enter and travel within Belgium. However, make sure that your main destination (where you will spend the most time) is clearly stated on your visa.

9. Can I apply for a Belgian tourist visa from a different country than my place of residence?

It is generally recommended to apply for a Belgian tourist visa from your country of residence. However, if there are circumstances preventing this, it is possible to apply from another country’s embassy/consulate with appropriate justification and documentation.

10. Is there an age limit for applying for a tourist visa to Belgium?

No, there is no specific age limit for obtaining a tourist visa for Belgium. As long as you meet all the requirements and can provide necessary documentation to support your application, anyone can apply regardless of their age.

3. What documents do I need to apply for a Belgian tourist visa?

In order to apply for a Belgian tourist visa, you will need the following documents:

1) Completed and signed visa application form
2) Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended stay in Belgium
3) Two recent passport-sized photographs
4) Proof of travel arrangements (flight reservation and accommodation booking)
5) Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or a letter from your employer stating your salary and employment status
6) Travel medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Belgium
7) Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and itinerary
8) Proof of ties to your home country, such as a job contract or property ownership
9) If visiting friends or relatives in Belgium, a formal invitation from them along with their contact details and proof of their legal status in Belgium.
10) For minors traveling without parents, a notarized authorization letter from both parents allowing the child to travel.
11) Visa fee.

4. 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, applicants under the age of 18 must have their application signed by a parent or legal guardian.

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


It is possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa to Belgium in certain circumstances. Multiple-entry visas are often issued to travelers who need to enter and exit Belgium multiple times within a certain period of time, such as for business or frequent travel purposes. However, the decision to issue a multiple-entry visa is at the discretion of the Belgian immigration authorities based on your individual circumstances and reasons for travel. It is important to clearly state your need for a multiple-entry visa in your application and provide all necessary supporting documents.

6. What is the validity period of a Belgian tourist visa?


The validity period of a Belgian tourist visa would typically be 90 days, but this may vary depending on the individual circumstances and the decision of the consulate or embassy processing the visa application. After entering Belgium, a tourist visa holder can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

7. How much does it cost to apply for a Belgian tourist visa?

The visa application fee for a Belgian tourist visa is approximately 80 Euros.

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


It is always recommended to purchase travel insurance for any international trip, including a trip to Belgium. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen belongings. It can give you peace of mind and protect you from potential financial losses during your trip.

9. Can I extend my stay in Belgium with a tourist visa?


Yes, you can extend your stay in Belgium with a tourist visa. However, visa extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to approval by the local immigration authorities. To apply for an extension, you will need to submit a request to the Immigration Office at least 15 days before your current visa expires. You will also need to provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your extended stay and a valid reason for prolonging your stay as a tourist (such as travel delays or unexpected circumstances). It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or contact the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate for guidance on how to proceed with your specific situation.

10. Are there any restrictions or requirements for entering and exiting other Schengen countries with a Belgian tourist visa?


There are no specific restrictions or requirements for entering and exiting other Schengen countries with a Belgian tourist visa. However, you may be asked to show your travel itinerary and proof of accommodation in those countries, as well as proof of sufficient funds for your stay. It is also recommended to have an onward ticket and travel insurance.

11. Can I work or study with a Belgian tourist visa?


No, a Belgian tourist visa does not allow you to work or study in Belgium. It is intended for short-term stays for tourism purposes only. If you plan to work or study in Belgium, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit before your trip.

12. Do I need an invitation letter from someone in Belgium to apply for the visa?

No, an invitation letter is not required for a visitor visa to Belgium. However, if you plan on staying with family or friends in Belgium, having a letter of invitation may be helpful in showing your ties to the country and your accommodation arrangements.

13. Is there an interview required as part of the application process?


It depends on the specific program or job you are applying for. Some programs or jobs may require an interview as part of the application process, while others may not. It is best to check with the organization or employer you are applying to for specific details about their application process.

14. Can I apply for a Belgian tourist visa online?

Yes, you can apply for a Belgian tourist visa online through the Belgian e-Visa application system. This system is available for citizens of eligible countries who wish to visit Belgium for tourism purposes for a maximum stay of 90 days. You will need to provide personal information, travel details, and supporting documents online and pay the visa fee. The application will then be processed by the Belgian consulate or embassy in your country. It is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate for specific requirements and processes.

15. How early should I apply for the Belgian tourist visa before my planned trip?

It is recommended to apply for a Belgian tourist visa at least 4-6 weeks before your planned trip. This will allow enough time for the visa application to be processed and for any additional documents to be submitted if needed. It is also important to keep in mind that the processing time may vary depending on your nationality and the volume of applications received by the embassy or consulate.

16. Can my application be rejected and what are the reasons for rejection?


Yes, your application can be rejected for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Incomplete or incorrect information: If you provide incomplete or incorrect information on your application, it may be rejected.

2. Missing documentation: Your application may be rejected if you do not include all the necessary documents or if the documents are not in the required format.

3. Ineligibility: If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the program or job you are applying for, your application may be rejected.

4. Unprofessional application: A poorly written resume or cover letter, or unprofessional behavior during an interview could result in your application being rejected.

5. Lack of experience or qualifications: If you do not have the necessary qualifications or experience for the position, your application may be rejected.

6. Too many qualified applicants: If there are a large number of highly qualified applicants for a limited number of positions, some applications may inevitably get rejected.

7. Negative references: Employers often reach out to references provided by applicants and if they receive negative feedback, it could lead to rejection of the application.

8. Non-compliance with instructions: Failure to follow specific instructions in the job posting or on the application form could result in rejection of your application.

9. Conflict of interest: If there is a conflict of interest between you and the company or organization offering the position, your application may be rejected.

10. Duplication: Applying multiple times for the same position can create a negative impression and ultimately lead to rejection of all applications from an individual.

It is important to carefully review all requirements and guidelines before submitting your application to avoid any potential rejection.

17. Is there a maximum duration allowed on the Belgian tourist visa?


The maximum duration allowed on the Belgian tourist visa is 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can stay in Belgium for a total of 90 days in any 6-month period, regardless of the number of entries or exits during that time. After the 90-day period, you would need to leave Belgium and cannot re-enter until the next 180-day period begins.

18. Are there any additional fees or taxes that need to be paid apart from the application fee?


Yes, there may be additional fees or taxes that need to be paid as part of the application process. These can vary depending on the specific country and the type of visa you are applying for. Some common additional fees may include a biometric processing fee, visa issuance fee, and reciprocity fee. It is important to research and understand all potential fees and taxes before submitting your application to avoid any delays or issues.

19.You’ll also want your passport which must be valid at the time you plan on leaving Belgium, possibly six months after you return home if your adventure will go over 90 days and two blank pages where they can stamp nothingness into.


The exact requirements for a passport depend on your country of citizenship. It’s best to check with the embassy or consulate of Belgium in your country for specific guidelines and recommendations.

In addition, make sure you have all necessary visas for the countries you will visit during your stay in Belgium.

Other important documents to bring may include:

1. Travel insurance information
2. Flight/train tickets and itinerary
3. Hotel reservations or any proof of accommodation
4. Copies of important documents such as passport, ID, and credit cards in case of loss or theft
5. Emergency contact information (family, friends, embassy)
6. Driving license if you plan to rent a car in Belgium
7. Proof of funds such as bank statements or credit cards
8. Any necessary medical documents (prescriptions, medical history, etc.)
9. International driver’s permit if you plan on driving in Belgium
10. Student ID if you are a student traveling to Belgium for a study abroad program.

It’s always a good idea to make copies of all your important documents and keep them in a separate place from the originals while traveling. This can be helpful in case of loss or theft.

20.Will my previous travel history affect my chances of getting a Belgian tourist visa approval?


Your previous travel history may factor into the decision made on your Belgian tourist visa application, but it is not the only determining factor. Other factors that may influence the approval or denial of your application include your financial situation, purpose of visit, and ties to your home country. If you have a strong reason for wanting to visit Belgium and can provide sufficient evidence to support your application, your previous travel history may not have a significant impact on the outcome.