The Western European country of Belgium, officially known as the Kingdom of Belgium, is home to 11,420,163 residents. Its capital, Brussels, is among the largest and the most densely populated Belgian cities.

Different parts of today’s Belgium have been ruled by the Dutch, Spanish, French, Austrian, which have left behind a rich history and architecture. The country is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings.

Some of the favourite tourist attractions in Europe are located in Belgium, like the spectacularly beautiful medieval city of Antwerp, the Archaeological Museum of Arlon, the Flemish béguinages, the fairytale-like the ancient city of Bruges crisscrossed by canals, and much more.

In 1995, the government of Belgium signed the Schengen Agreement, thus joining the European border-free area.  Today, short-stay entry to Belgium also enables one to travel to the rest of the Schengen member states as well, which includes a great share of Europe.

Belgium Entry Requirements

If you reach Belgium through the air, upon arrival at the Belgian airport you will have to present some travel and identification documents to the Belgian border officer. These documents are as follows:

• A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Belgium (and the Schengen Zone), issued within the last 10 years.*
• A visa – if you are subject to the Belgian visa regime.

You may also be asked for other supporting documents such as an invitation letter from a Belgian host, proof of lodging or a round-trip ticket. For more information in this regard, contact the local consular services of Belgium in your home country.

These documents will be checked by the Belgian border official, who may ask you a few questions about your trip to Belgium like:

• What is your purpose of visiting Belgium?
• How long do you intend to stay in Belgium?
• Where are you going to stay in Belgium? Etc.

Upon checking your documents, the Belgian border officer will give the final decision whether you should be permitted to enter Belgium or not. If everything looks okay, you will be allowed to enter Belgium, and thus the Schengen Area.

Please, make sure that the Belgian border officer gives you an entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen area. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Belgium.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Belgium?

Because of the common rules of the Schengen zone in the issuance of visas, you will have to apply for a visa when travelling to Belgium if you are:

• A citizen of a third-world country that have not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the EU
• A citizen of a third-world country that has reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were rejected from entering Belgium or any other Schengen country visa-free.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Belgium?

If you are planning to visit Belgium for a short-term trip, you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa to Belgium. According to the purpose of your visit to Belgium, you can get one of the following Schengen visa types:

• Belgium Airport Transit– if you need to transit through one of the Belgian airports, to reach your travel destination country, outside the Schengen Area. Find out if will need a Belgian Airport Transit visa.
• Belgium Tourist Visa – for visitors who wish to spend their vacations in Belgium, or that want to come over for sightseeing and exploring.
• Belgium Visitor Visa – for foreigners who have family members or friends residing in Belgium, and wish to pay them a visit.
• Belgium Business Visa – established for business people that want/need to participate in activities that are related to business, in Belgium.
• Belgium Visa for Official Visit – for delegations travelling to Belgium on official visits.
• Belgium Visa for Medical reasons – per patients that that need to obtain medical care in one of the hospitals or clinics in Belgium
• Belgium Visa for Study Purposes – for those who wish to study at an educational institution in Belgium, for up to three months.
• Belgium Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews – for people wishing to attend an activity in the cultural or sports field, which takes place in Belgium.

What Documents are Required when Applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa?

According to Belgium visa requirements, the following documents must be submitted to the Belgium embassy/consulate when applying for any short-term Belgium visa:

• Belgium visa application form. Fully completed, printed and signed at the end.
• Two identical photos. The photographs should be no older than three months and taken according to the Belgium visa photograph requirements & specifications.
• Your passport. It should contain at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix the Belgium visa sticker. Check the validity of your passport before you apply, since it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit Belgium (Schengen territory). It must be no older than 10 years, as well.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Language Preference Form. Belgian authorities offer to you the opportunity to choose in which of the three national languages of Belgium you wish your application to be treated (French, German or Dutch). On the other hand, if you choose to complete the application in English, please choose “no preference”.
• A cover letter. In which you explain why you wish to visit Belgium and you give further details on your trip.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Belgium (Schengen area).
• Schengen Travel Insurance. You are required to submit a document, which confirms that you have purchased travel insurance for Belgium and the whole territory of Schengen, with a minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, and repatriation in case of death.

Travel health insurance policies for foreigners travelling to Belgium that fulfil Belgium Visa requirements can be purchased online from AXA Assistance or Europ Assistance. Both companies are accepted by Belgian Embassies and Consulates worldwide. 

• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will stay in Belgium. I.e. Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in Belgium.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Belgium. According to the Belgian Immigration Office, a traveller has to attest possessing €95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Belgium?

If you are planning to visit Belgium for a short-term trip, you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa to Belgium. According to the purpose of your visit to Belgium, you can get one of the following Schengen visa types:

• Belgium Airport Transit– if you need to transit through one of the Belgian airports, to reach your travel destination country, outside the Schengen Area. Find out if will need a Belgian Airport Transit visa.
• Belgium Tourist Visa – for visitors who wish to spend their vacations in Belgium, or that want to come over for sightseeing and exploring.
• Belgium Visitor Visa – for foreigners who have family members or friends residing in Belgium, and wish to pay them a visit.
• Belgium Business Visa – established for business people that want/need to participate in activities that are related to business, in Belgium.
• Belgium Visa for Official Visit – for delegations travelling to Belgium on official visits.
• Belgium Visa for Medical reasons – per patients that that need to obtain medical care in one of the hospitals or clinics in Belgium
• Belgium Visa for Study Purposes – for those who wish to study at an educational institution in Belgium, for up to three months.
• Belgium Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews – for people wishing to attend an activity in the cultural or sports field, which takes place in Belgium.

What Documents are Required when Applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa?

According to Belgium visa requirements, the following documents must be submitted to the Belgium embassy/consulate when applying for any short-term Belgium visa:

• Belgium visa application form. Fully completed, printed and signed at the end.
• Two identical photos. The photographs should be no older than three months and taken according to the Belgium visa photograph requirements & specifications.
• Your passport. It should contain at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix the Belgium visa sticker. Check the validity of your passport before you apply, since it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit Belgium (Schengen territory). It must be no older than 10 years, as well.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Language Preference Form. Belgian authorities offer to you the opportunity to choose in which of the three national languages of Belgium you wish your application to be treated (French, German or Dutch). On the other hand, if you choose to complete the application in English, please choose “no preference”.
• A cover letter. In which you explain why you wish to visit Belgium and you give further details on your trip.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Belgium (Schengen area).
• Schengen Travel Insurance. You are required to submit a document, which confirms that you have purchased travel insurance for Belgium and the whole territory of Schengen, with a minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, and repatriation in case of death.

Travel health insurance policies for foreigners travelling to Belgium that fulfil Belgium Visa requirements can be purchased online from AXA Assistance or Europ Assistance. Both companies are accepted by Belgian Embassies and Consulates worldwide. 

• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will stay in Belgium. I.e. Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in Belgium.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Belgium. According to the Belgian Immigration Office, a traveller has to attest possessing €95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Belgium?

If you are planning to visit Belgium for a short-term trip, you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa to Belgium. According to the purpose of your visit to Belgium, you can get one of the following Schengen visa types:

• Belgium Airport Transit– if you need to transit through one of the Belgian airports, to reach your travel destination country, outside the Schengen Area. Find out if will need a Belgian Airport Transit visa.
• Belgium Tourist Visa – for visitors who wish to spend their vacations in Belgium, or that want to come over for sightseeing and exploring.
• Belgium Visitor Visa – for foreigners who have family members or friends residing in Belgium, and wish to pay them a visit.
• Belgium Business Visa – established for business people that want/need to participate in activities that are related to business, in Belgium.
• Belgium Visa for Official Visit – for delegations travelling to Belgium on official visits.
• Belgium Visa for Medical reasons – per patients that that need to obtain medical care in one of the hospitals or clinics in Belgium
• Belgium Visa for Study Purposes – for those who wish to study at an educational institution in Belgium, for up to three months.
• Belgium Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews – for people wishing to attend an activity in the cultural or sports field, which takes place in Belgium.

What Documents are Required when Applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa?

According to Belgium visa requirements, the following documents must be submitted to the Belgium embassy/consulate when applying for any short-term Belgium visa:

• Belgium visa application form. Fully completed, printed and signed at the end.
• Two identical photos. The photographs should be no older than three months and taken according to the Belgium visa photograph requirements & specifications.
• Your passport. It should contain at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix the Belgium visa sticker. Check the validity of your passport before you apply, since it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit Belgium (Schengen territory). It must be no older than 10 years, as well.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Language Preference Form. Belgian authorities offer to you the opportunity to choose in which of the three national languages of Belgium you wish your application to be treated (French, German or Dutch). On the other hand, if you choose to complete the application in English, please choose “no preference”.
• A cover letter. In which you explain why you wish to visit Belgium and you give further details on your trip.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Belgium (Schengen area).
• Schengen Travel Insurance. You are required to submit a document, which confirms that you have purchased travel insurance for Belgium and the whole territory of Schengen, with a minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, and repatriation in case of death.

Travel health insurance policies for foreigners travelling to Belgium that fulfil Belgium Visa requirements can be purchased online from AXA Assistance or Europ Assistance. Both companies are accepted by Belgian Embassies and Consulates worldwide. 

• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will stay in Belgium. I.e. Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in Belgium.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Belgium. According to the Belgian Immigration Office, a traveller has to attest possessing €95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Belgium?

If you are planning to visit Belgium for a short-term trip, you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa to Belgium. According to the purpose of your visit to Belgium, you can get one of the following Schengen visa types:

• Belgium Airport Transit– if you need to transit through one of the Belgian airports, to reach your travel destination country, outside the Schengen Area. Find out if will need a Belgian Airport Transit visa.
• Belgium Tourist Visa – for visitors who wish to spend their vacations in Belgium, or that want to come over for sightseeing and exploring.
• Belgium Visitor Visa – for foreigners who have family members or friends residing in Belgium, and wish to pay them a visit.
• Belgium Business Visa – established for business people that want/need to participate in activities that are related to business, in Belgium.
• Belgium Visa for Official Visit – for delegations travelling to Belgium on official visits.
• Belgium Visa for Medical reasons – per patients that that need to obtain medical care in one of the hospitals or clinics in Belgium
• Belgium Visa for Study Purposes – for those who wish to study at an educational institution in Belgium, for up to three months.
• Belgium Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews – for people wishing to attend an activity in the cultural or sports field, which takes place in Belgium.

What Documents are Required when Applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa?

According to Belgium visa requirements, the following documents must be submitted to the Belgium embassy/consulate when applying for any short-term Belgium visa:

• Belgium visa application form. Fully completed, printed and signed at the end.
• Two identical photos. The photographs should be no older than three months and taken according to the Belgium visa photograph requirements & specifications.
• Your passport. It should contain at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix the Belgium visa sticker. Check the validity of your passport before you apply, since it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit Belgium (Schengen territory). It must be no older than 10 years, as well.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Language Preference Form. Belgian authorities offer to you the opportunity to choose in which of the three national languages of Belgium you wish your application to be treated (French, German or Dutch). On the other hand, if you choose to complete the application in English, please choose “no preference”.
• A cover letter. In which you explain why you wish to visit Belgium and you give further details on your trip.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Belgium (Schengen area).
• Schengen Travel Insurance. You are required to submit a document, which confirms that you have purchased travel insurance for Belgium and the whole territory of Schengen, with a minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, and repatriation in case of death.

Travel health insurance policies for foreigners travelling to Belgium that fulfil Belgium Visa requirements can be purchased online from AXA Assistance or Europ Assistance. Both companies are accepted by Belgian Embassies and Consulates worldwide. 

• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will stay in Belgium. I.e. Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in Belgium.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Belgium. According to the Belgian Immigration Office, a traveller has to attest possessing €95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.