Apply for Belgium Visa

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Woow, No Tourist Visa required on your trip to Belgium.

Citizens of United States of America do not require visas for travel to Belgium and as it is one of the visa exempt countries.

Belgium

Belgium will introduce an eVisa system soon, making it more convenient for travelers to obtain visas online without visiting an embassy or consulate. The eVisa will be available for tourism, business, and study purposes, and is expected to be implemented in the near future. Belgium is known for its architecture, landscapes, and food.


Different types of Belgium visas, their requirements, and the application process will be discussed in this article.

An Overview of the Different Types of Visas for Belgium

Belgium offers different types of visas based on the purpose of your visit. Some of the common types of Belgium visas are:

  • Belgium Schengen Visa
    • Belgium Tourist Visa
    • Belgium Business Visa
    • Belgium Marriage Visa
    • Belgium Visa for Visiting Family and Friends
    • Belgium Cohabitation Visa
    • Belgium Visa for Cultural and Sports Event
    • Belgium Medical Visa
  • Belgium Transit Visa
  • Belgium National (Long-term) Visa
    • Belgium Work Permit (Single Permit)
    • Belgium Professional Card (Art 9)
    • Belgium Students Visa Subsidized Institute Art. 58
    • Belgium Student Visa Private Institute Art. 9
    • Belgium Family Reunion with Non-Eu Residents (Art. 10 and Art. 10bis)
    • Belgium Family Reunion with a Belgian Spouse (Art. 40er)
    • Belgium Au Pair Visa
    • Belgium Researcher Visa

Documents Required for Belgian eVisa Online / Visa on arrival / ETA / Invite letters

The requirements for a Belgium visa may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, some common requirements include:

  • A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the date of your departure from the Schengen areaa
  • A completed visa application form.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation details.
  • Proof of travel insurance.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Belgium.

Additional documents based on the purpose of your visit, such as invitation letters, business contracts, or employment letters.

Understanding the Validity of a Belgium Visa

A Belgium visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, including time spent in other Schengen countries. It can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, but you must not exceed 90 days overall. 

 

Long-stay visas must be converted to a residence permit in Belgium to stay longer than 90 days. Breaking the 90/180 Schengen visa rule can result in consequences, such as being refused visas in the future.

A Guide to the Online Belgium Visa Application Form

To apply for a visa to Belgium, you can complete an online visa application form available on the eVisa website. The application form requires you to provide personal details, travel information, and supporting documents such as a passport, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation. 

 

You will also need to upload scanned copies of all the required documents in the correct format and size. It is important to review the application requirements and instructions carefully before submitting the online visa application form to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Belgium Visa

There are two ways to apply for a Belgium visa. The first option is to submit your application in person at the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The second option is to complete an online application form and submit it electronically through the visa application center website. 

 

To apply, you will need to provide personal information, travel details, and supporting documents such as a passport, proof of accommodation and travel insurance, and evidence of financial means. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and instructions to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

Applying for a Belgium Visa Online (Belgium eVisa)

If you are eligible for a Belgium eVisa, you can apply for it online through the official website of the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country. You need to fill out the online application form and upload the required documents.

 

  • Visit the eVisa website and to start your application process.
  • Create an account on the website and provide your personal information and contact details.
  • Fill out the application form, including details about your travel plans, intended dates of travel, and the purpose of your trip.
  • Upload a scanned copy of your passport, passport-size photo, and any other required supporting documents, such as flight tickets or hotel reservations.
  • Pay the visa fee online using a valid credit or debit card.
  • Submit your application and wait for the processing time, which can take up to 15 working days.
  • Check your email regularly for updates on your visa application, including any requests for additional information or documents.
  • Once your visa is approved, print out a copy of the eVisa and keep it with you during your travels to Belgium.

Applying for a Belgium Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

If you are not eligible for a Belgium eVisa, you can apply for a visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country. You need to schedule an appointment, fill out the visa application form, and submit the required documents.

 

  • Determine which embassy or consulate is responsible for processing visa applications in your country of residence.
  • Gather all the required documents, which typically include a passport, passport photos, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, and visa application form.
  • Schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate and pay the visa fee.
  • Attend the appointment in person and submit your application and supporting documents.
  • Wait for the embassy or consulate to process your visa application, which typically takes 15 days, but may take longer in some cases.
  • Collect your visa and passport in person or arrange for them to be returned to you by mail.

Processing Time for a Belgium Visa Application

The processing time for a Belgium visa can differ based on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate where you apply. Typically, it takes approximately 15 days to process a Belgium visa. 

 

Nevertheless, in certain circumstances, the processing time may take up to 30 days or even longer. It is always advisable to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow ample time for processing and avoid any unexpected delays.

How to Expedite an Urgent Belgium Visa Application

To expedite an urgent Belgium visa application, you can request an appointment at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. During the appointment, explain the urgency of your situation and provide evidence of the urgency, such as a medical emergency or an urgent business trip. 

 

The embassy or consulate may be able to expedite the processing of your visa application. Alternatively, you can use the services of a visa expediting agency, which can help you with the application process and expedite your application. However, note that expedited processing may incur additional fees.

What to Do If Your Belgium Visa Has Expired

If your Belgium visa has expired, you should take immediate action to rectify the situation. Continuing to stay in Belgium after your visa has expired is illegal and may result in penalties or deportation. You should contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence and explain the situation. 

 

They may advise you to apply for an extension or a new visa. If you have overstayed your visa, you may face consequences, such as a ban on entering the Schengen area. It is crucial to follow the rules and regulations regarding visas to avoid any legal complications.

List of Countries Eligible for the Belgium eVisa

The eligibility criteria for obtaining an eVisa to enter Belgium is subject to change, and the list of countries that qualify for this visa will be updated as soon as the relevant information becomes available. It is important to regularly check the eVisa website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility. It is recommended that applicants review the application process and necessary documentation well in advance of their planned travel dates to avoid any potential delays or complications.

Belgium Visa Policy Map

 
Belgium

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Belgian visa policy map.

Visa Exempt Countries List

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you do not need a visa to enter Belgium. Similarly, if you are from one of the countries exempted from a visa for a stay of fewer than 90 days, you can travel to Belgium without a visa.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Belgium

For individuals looking to apply for a Belgium visa, they will need to apply either through the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium in their country of residence. The embassy typically handles visa applications for individuals residing in the capital city, while consulates usually process visa applications for individuals outside the capital city. The visa application process involves submitting the required documents, paying the visa fee, and attending an interview, if required. It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the country and the type of visa being applied for.

Belgium Visa Cost: What You Need to Pay

The fee for a Belgium visa varies depending on several factors, such as the type of visa, the processing time, and the applicant's country of origin. To find out the exact visa fee, the government has developed a fee tool that can be easily accessed online.

 

The tool allows applicants to select their country of origin, the type of visa they require, and the processing time, and then displays the corresponding visa fee. This enables applicants to plan their budget accordingly and ensures that they have the necessary funds to cover the visa fees.

Belgium eVisa vs Sticker-Visa: Which is Right for You?

Belgium issues two types of visas: e-visa and sticker-visa. The e-visa is an electronic visa that you can apply for online. The e-visa is valid for a short stay of fewer than 90 days. On the other hand, the sticker-visa is a visa affixed to your passport or travel document. The sticker-visa is issued for long stays of more than 90 days.

 

Sure, here are some key differences between Belgium eVisa and sticker visa:

Belgium eVisa:

  • Electronic visa that is applied for and issued online
  • Available for eligible nationalities for short-stays (up to 90 days)
  • No need to submit physical documents or passport to the Embassy or Consulate
  • Processing time is usually shorter than for a sticker visa
  • Visa is linked to the passport electronically
  • Requires payment of a processing fee online

Sticker Visa:

  • Physical visa sticker is placed in the passport
  • Available for both short-stay (up to 90 days) and long-stay (over 90 days) visas
  • Requires submission of physical documents and passport to the Embassy or Consulate
  • Processing time can be longer than for an eVisa
  • Visa sticker includes information about the type of visa and its validity period
  • Generally, more expensive than an eVisa due to the additional cost of printing the visa sticker and processing the physical documents.

Guide to Obtaining a Belgium Work Visa

Obtaining a Belgium work visa requires a job offer, educational qualifications, and supporting documents. The work permit is granted by the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The processing time for a work permit may vary, but it usually takes around six weeks. 

 

It is essential to ensure that your employer provides a job offer letter that meets the necessary requirements. It is also advisable to check the eligibility criteria and necessary documents before applying for a Belgium work visa.

FAQs about Belgian eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies