Guide for Belgium Visa Requirements

Author: Zeke

Published: December 6, 2023

If you are heading to Belgium then you’ll have to secure a Schengen Visa specifically for Belgium. This temporary visa grants you the opportunity to experience the charm of Belgium and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The required documents may differ based on your nationality, and regardless of your mode of arrival—be it by land, sea, or air—you must furnish specific documents to the border police. This guide contains comprehensive information on the process of obtaining a Schengen Visa for Belgium.

Belgium Schengen visa for Thai citizens

Documents required for Thai Citizens

The Belgium Schengen visa type will depend on your required length of stay, purpose of travel and whether you have any children accompanying you. The Belgian Embassy in Thailand provides a comprehensive list of stay categories and the visa document requirements vary with each type. For a Belgium tourist visa, here are the main requirements:

Passport: with a validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends.
Completed and signed application form: There is an online process to complete the application and you will need to create an account before completing the form.
Recent colour photo (3.5×4.5cm) with white background. The head should take 70-80% of the photo.
Language: The document to choose the language in which you would like to be informed about the decision in your visa application
A copy of your hotel reservation for the total stay duration in Belgium and other countries in the Schengen area.
Employment letter: stating your income and your vacation days allowed or – Copy of inscription in the commerce register or as a partner in a company or – Certificate from school stating your vacation days allowed (for students)
Proof of sufficient personal financial means: copy of updated bankbook or updated bank statement and copy of payslips for the last three months.
For minors under 18: Copy of Birth certificate and copy of Consent of both parents, issued by the City Hall.
For non-Thai residents living in Thailand: 1) Copy of permit of residence or “non-immigrant” visa, valid at least 3 months after the end of the planned journey or Copy of certificate of Aliens, valid until the end of the planned journey (if applicable) and 2) Copy of Re-entry visa for Thailand, valid at least 3 months after the end of the planned journey.
Flight ticket reservation: This must be a round-ticket flight reservation from a travel agent or airline.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:

Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
Any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.
Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry.

The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

Comprehensive travel itinerary: This includes details about your trip, the purpose of travel, the duration of your stay, and any relevant personal information. This information can be provided as a letter, with supporting documentation such as hotel reservations or a formal invitation letter from a resident of a Schengen country.
Proof of Financial Stability: Latest bank statements or official financial backing.
Document Checklist: We recommend consulting the Belgian embassy’s visa documentation online list to verify the documents required for a Belgian tourist visa.
Visa fee: The visa cost will vary based on the duration of stay. Preparing cash and credit cards before your visit is recommended so you can pay the fees promptly and without issue.
Appointment: You need to make an appointment to apply for your Belgium Schengen visa for Thai citizens at TLSConnect, the Belgian Embassy’s service provider for visa application processing.

Belgium Schengen Visa for Indonesia Citizens

Documents required for Indonesian Citizens

If you’re from Indonesia, you need a Belgian Schengen visa for both short stays (less than 90 days) and long stays (more than 90 days).

If you’re from East Timor, for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days): No visa is needed, due to a Schengen agreement from 2016. You will need a visa for longer stays (more than 90 days). Here are the key documentary requirements for a Belgian visa:

Passport: with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends.
Completed and signed application form: There is an online process to complete the application and you will need to create an account before completing the form.
Recent colour photo (3.5×4.5cm) with white background. The head should take 70-80% of the photo.
Language: The document to choose the language in which you would like to be informed about the decision in your visa application
A copy of your hotel reservation for the total stay duration in Belgium and other countries in the Schengen area.
Employment letter: stating your income and your vacation days allowed or – Copy of inscription in the commerce register or as a partner in a company or – Certificate from school stating your vacation days allowed (in case student)
Proof of sufficient personal financial means: copy of updated bankbook or updated bank statement and copy of payslips for the last three months.
For minors under 18: Copy of Birth certificate and copy of Consent of both parents.
Flight ticket reservation: This must be a round-ticket flight reservation from a travel agent or airline.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry.

The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

Comprehensive travel itinerary: This includes details about your trip, the purpose of travel, the duration of your stay, and any relevant personal information. This information can be provided as a letter, with supporting documentation such as hotel reservations or a formal invitation letter from a resident of a Schengen country.
Proof of Financial Stability: Latest bank statements or official financial backing.
Document Checklist: We recommend consulting the Belgian embassy’s visa documentation online list when you log in to make the Belgian visa application to verify the documents required for a Belgian tourist visa and check the list of what to bring with you before attending your Belgian visa application appointment.
Visa fee: The visa cost will vary based on the duration of stay. Preparing cash and credit cards before your visit is recommended so you can pay the fees promptly and without issue.
Appointment: You need to make an appointment to apply for your Belgium Schengen visa for Indonesian citizens at VFS Global. The VFS Visa Application Centre for the Netherlands in Indonesia is the official outsourcing partner for consular services for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, representing Belgium and Luxembourg. You can book an appointment for your Belgium Schengen visa in Bali, Jakarta or Surabaya.

Belgium Schengen visa for Vietnam citizens

Documents required for Vietnam Citizens

Citizens of Vietnam are required to secure a visa before travelling to Belgium. Vietnamese nationals need a Belgium Schengen visa, commonly called the Belgium Type C Schengen visa. This visa typically allows a short stay of up to 90 days and has a validity of 90 days from its issuance. The Vietnamese applicant must be present in person when applying for this visa.

Passport: with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends.
Completed and signed application form: There is an online process to complete the application and you will need to create an account before completing the form.
Recent colour photo (3.5×4.5cm) with white background. The head should take 70-80% of the photo.
Language: The document to choose the language in which you would like to be informed about the decision in your visa application
A copy of your hotel reservation for the total stay duration in Belgium and other countries in the Schengen area.
Employment letter: stating your income and your vacation days allowed or – Copy of inscription in the commerce register or as a partner in a company or – Certificate from school stating your vacation days allowed (in case student)
Proof of sufficient personal financial means: copy of updated bankbook or updated bank statement and copy of payslips for the last three months.
For minors under 18: Copy of Birth certificate and copy of Consent of both parents.
Flight ticket reservation: This must be a round-ticket flight reservation from a travel agent or airline.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry.

The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

Comprehensive travel itinerary: This includes details about your trip, the purpose of travel, the duration of your stay, and any relevant personal information. This information can be provided as a letter, with supporting documentation such as hotel reservations or a formal invitation letter from a resident of a Schengen country.
Proof of Financial Stability: Latest bank statements or official financial backing.
Document Checklist: We recommend consulting the Belgian embassy’s visa documentation online list when you log in to make the Belgian visa application to verify the documents required for a Belgian tourist visa and check the list of what to bring with you before attending your Belgian visa application appointment.
Visa fee: The visa cost will vary based on the duration of stay. Preparing cash and credit cards before your visit is recommended so you can pay the fees promptly and without issue.
Appointment: You need to make an appointment to apply for your Belgium Schengen visa for Vietnam citizens at VFS Global. The VFS Visa Application Centres are located in Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Belgium Schengen Visa for Singapore Citizens

Visa Exemption: According to the regulations, Singapore citizens do not need a Belgian visa to enter the countries of the Schengen Agreement, including Belgium, as tourists or business travellers if their stay is no longer than 90 days within 6 months. Verifying the official Belgium visa application requirements before travelling is recommended.

Belgium Schengen Visa for Malaysia Citizens

Visa Exemption: In compliance with regulations, Malaysian citizens are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Schengen Agreement countries, including Belgium, for tourism or business purposes, as long as their stay does not exceed 90 days within a 6-month period. It is advisable to verify the official visa application requirements for Belgium before embarking on your journey.

What is the cost of a Schengen visa for Belgium?

The cost of obtaining a Schengen Visa can vary based on the applicant’s age, visa type, and nationality. As of the last update, the general visa fee structure for the Schengen visa is as follows:

Adults: EUR80
Children (6-12 years old): EUR40
Children under 6 years: Free of charge

However, there are exceptions and reductions:

Students: Reduced fees or waivers may apply for students or postgraduates and accompanying teachers on educational trips.
Researchers: Individuals travelling for scientific research may benefit from reduced fees.
Diplomatic passport holders: can obtain a visa for free.
Certain categories of applicants from countries with Visa Facilitation Agreements with the Schengen states may be subject to a reduced visa fee of EUR35.
Long-term visas: National visas or Type D visas, intended for longer stays or any other Schengen country, might have a different fee structure.

Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Additionally, visa processing agencies or centres might charge an additional service fee.

What are the financial support criteria for a Belgium Schengen Visa application?

A critical aspect of securing a Schengen Visa for Belgium is demonstrating sufficient financial stability. The authorities want to ensure that you can financially sustain yourself throughout your stay, without burdening the state. Here is a guide on the financial support criteria:

Bank Statements: Typically, you must present a bank statement for the last 3-6 months. This should show that you have sufficient funds to support your trip. There isn’t a fixed amount that applicants need to have, but it should cover your accommodation, meals, internal travel, and emergencies.
Sponsorship Letter: A formal sponsorship letter is usually required if someone else (a friend or family member) is covering your costs. This letter should clearly state the sponsor’s willingness and ability to cover your expenses. It should be accompanied by the sponsor’s own bank statements or income documents.
Income Documents: For employed individuals, recent pay slips, employment contracts, or a letter from the employer stating the position, salary, and duration of employment may be required. Business registration documents and recent tax returns might be necessary for self-employed individuals.
For Minors or Dependents: If the applicant is a minor or dependent travelling alone, parents or guardians may need to prove their own financial stability and provide a notarized letter agreeing to support the applicant financially during the trip.
For Students: If the applicant is a student, proof of enrolment in a school or university and a statement of financial responsibility from the parents, along with their bank statements, may be required.
For Retirees: Pension statements or other proof of income and assets may be needed.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Belgium visa?

Yes, travel and medical insurance are mandatory when visiting any Schengen country.

To apply for a Schengen Visa, it’s important to have travel and medical insurance valid for all 27 countries in the Schengen Area. This insurance should cover accidents and illnesses, with a minimum coverage of EUR30,000, even for countries you don’t plan to visit. This ensures adequate protection throughout your trip for any illnesses and accidents.

The Luma Schengen Pass travel insurance comprehensively covers all the requirements for travel to

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How long does it take to process a visa for Belgium?

The standard processing time for a Belgian Schengen visa is typically up to 15 days. However, this duration can sometimes be extended:

30 days if the Belgian embassy is handling a large volume of applications or if your application is particularly complex.
60 days in rare situations, especially if the Belgian embassy needs to confer with other Schengen member embassies.

Therefore, it’s advisable to submit your application for a Belgian short-stay visa as early as possible, but not more than three months before your planned trip to Belgium.

How do I get a medical certificate for a visa to Belgium?

Anyone planning to stay in Belgium for over 90 days needs to provide a medical certificate confirming they are not afflicted with any diseases that could pose a threat to public health.

This individual should provide a standard medical certificate issued no more than 6 months prior to their application.

FAQ for when applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa

What if my Belgium Visa is denied?

Visa refusals will always be notified in writing, explaining why. You may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received.

Can I visit other European countries with my visa?

Yes. According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area. Please note that you must always apply for your visa at the country’s consulate of your primary destination.

As immigration requirements can change at short notice, we recommend contacting your travel agent or the Belgian Embassy in your home country for the latest information.

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