Belgium Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Belgium

Traveling to Belgium? You may need a visa – find out if you do, which type, and how to apply so you can get the paperwork out of the way and focus on your trip.

What's a Belgium Schengen Visa, and who's it for?

Who's the Belgium Schengen Visa for?

Travelers from over 100 eligible countries can apply for a Belgium Schengen Visa.

Who's not eligible for the Belgium Schengen Visa?

Residents of the European Union and nationals of Schengen countries can travel visa-free within the Schengen Zone​, as well as some other visa-exempt nationals.

What's the purpose of the Belgium Schengen Visa?

• Tourism

• Visiting family and friends

• Attending business meetings, conferences, or other business activities

• Taking a short recreational course

• Playing sports

How long can you stay with a Belgium Schengen Visa?

The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen Area. The visa can be valid for anywhere from 180 days to 5 years, depending on your travel history and personal circumstances determined by the embassy.

Learn more about the Belgium Schengen Visa

What's a Belgium ETIAS, and who's it for?

Who's the Belgium ETIAS for? Travelers from countries that don't need a visa to visit Belgium and other participating countries.

Citizens from over 60 visa-exempt countries must apply for ETIAS authorization, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, and Singapore.

Who's not eligible for the Belgium ETIAS?

• Citizens from countries requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens as they enjoy freedom of movement within the Schengen Area and don't need any visa or authorization.

• Individuals with an outstanding entry ban or alert in the Schengen Information System.

• Travelers who don't meet the security and entry criteria the ETIAS system determines.

What's the purpose of the Belgium ETIAS?

To pre-check travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter participating countries, including Belgium, for security reasons and to make the entry process quicker and easier.

How long can you stay with a Belgian ETIAS?

The ETIAS authorization allows for short-term visits, typically up to 90 days within 180 days. It's valid for multiple entries within 3 years or until the end of the validity of the passport registered during the application, whichever comes first.

We'll update this page as soon as ETIAS is implemented in 2025.

What are the Belgium long-term visa options?

Belgium offers several long-term visa options for various purposes, such as employment, study, business, and residence. Here are some of the most common visas for Belgium:

• Belgium Student Visa: Unlock your academic potential by studying in Belgium with a Student Visa. Secure your visa following admission to a Belgian university.

• Belgium Work Visa: Start your visa application once you have received a job offer from a Belgian employer. For requirements, consult with the embassy or consulate.

• Belgium Dependent Visa: This family reunion visa permits you to live with a family member or partner residing in Belgium.

At iVisa, we currently don't offer the above visas, but you can find out more on the Belgian government website.

Staying healthy in Belgium: Here's what you need to know

Belgium boasts a high standard of healthcare facilities. Here's what travelers should know.

Stay updated on routine vaccines

Keep updated with Belgium's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the Belgian government website.

Medical facilities

Belgium offers high-quality medical services with a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.

Health insurance

We recommend taking out health insurance before you travel anywhere to any destination.

Health care can be expensive for tourists, so comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly advised. Contact your insurance provider before traveling to make sure you have the right level of coverage.

Other things to consider:

• Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption benefits.

• Medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.

• Baggage coverage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Belgium

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to Belgium:

1. Ticks: If you're hiking or spending time in the forest, be aware of ticks. They can transmit Lyme disease. Protective clothing and tick repellents are recommended.

2. Food and water safety: Although generally safe, drink bottled or filtered water if you're unsure of local water quality, and ensure that food is freshly prepared and served hot.

Medication for personal use

Follow these tips to bring into Belgium some over-the-counter medicines:

• Declare all medications: Report all medications for personal use to the customs authorities.

• Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and transparent bags in your hand luggage.

• Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority in English.

• Check for restrictions: Call Belgium's embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.

• Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with the duration of your stay to avoid complications.

Need embassy support?

For other consular needs for Belgium, your first point of contact is the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Need assistance while traveling in Belgium? Your home country's embassy or consulate is your go-to place for support. Check our useful Embassies Finder to locate the nearest one.