Belgium is a perfect destination for people who are interested in learning more about the rich history, amazing culture, and beautiful landscapes of the country. To be able to do so, you should familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and the process of applying. This article will guide you on the way to obtaining a Belgium Tourist/Visitor Visa in full depth.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Belgium as a Tourist/Visitor?
Belgium is among the Schengen area states, mainly in Europe with several countries that permit freedom between all borders. Whatever the purpose of your stay in Belgium (independently of your nationality) can be a tourist role or simply as a visitor you will need a visa to enter the country.
Visa-Free Travel to Belgium
If you’re a citizen of one of the 62 visa-exempt countries, you can travel to Belgium without a visa for tourism purposes. You can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This allows for easy travel across Belgium and other Schengen countries, giving you the freedom to explore the rich culture and beautiful landscapes without the hassle of a visa application.
Tourist/Visitor Visa Requirement
In particular, in this example, beyond it, should you not have registered your visit in the list of visa-exempted countries, nothing would be possible for you to travel to Belgium; nevertheless, shall you be going to tourism or visiting places in Belgium, the rest of the reasons may well. Such Schengen visas cost you 180 days and are for a maximum of 90 days when they’re altogether added up.
Here is a list of countries whose citizens require a tourist/visitor visa for Belgium:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burma/Myanmar
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Dem.Rep. Of Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Northern Marianas
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Authority
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Russia
- Sao Tome And Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Türkiye
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Requirements for Applying for a Belgium tourist/visitor Visa.
To submit a filled-up Belgium visa application for tourist/visitor purposes, you are supposed to prepare different documents. Here is a comprehensive list of the requirements:
Visa Application Form
First, do the most vital task of filling out the visa application form by being careful not to leave room for inaccuracy. Go print it at the end of the document and make sure you sign it.
Recent Photos
Please add a copy of your latest passport-size photo (not older than three months) following the European Schengen visa photo criteria.
Valid Passport
A passport that has no more than ten years validity and the validity of which is three months longer than your departure from the Schengen Area is required for you. Also, it should have either two blank pages for visa application or two sheets of plain paper.
Roundtrip Reservation or Itinerary
Present a letter certificate showing your travel dates/ flight numbers, stating that you began your travel inside and then continued outside the Schengen Area. If you’re not sure of the means to acquire a flight reservation as a visa application requirement, you can ask about it.
Travel Health Insurance
Show that you have purchased a medical insurance policy with at least €30,000 worth of facilities for your Belgium trip. You can easily buy an insurance travel policy on our website – Europ Assistance since most Belgian embassies and consulates admit it. The policy is valid across all countries.
Proof of Accommodation
Demonstrate where you will be staying during your time in the Schengen Area. This can be in the form of:
- Hotel/hostel booking with complete details, including the name, address, phone number, and email, for your entire stay in Belgium.
- Rental agreement if you have rented accommodation in Belgium.
- A letter from your tour organizer if you are traveling with a tour agency.
Proof of Financial Means
Show evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be established through:
Bank account statements.
A sponsorship letter if another person will be financially sponsoring your trip, often known as an Affidavit of Support. In this case, provide a formal obligation not older than six months, the guarantor’s recent salary sheets or tax sheet, a photocopy of the guarantor’s identity card or residence permit for Belgium, and an original certificate of the guarantor’s family composition issued by their Belgian municipality.
Proof of your relationship with a host residing in Belgium.
Evidence of your employment status, including an employment contract, leave permission from your employer, and income tax return if you are employed. For self-employed individuals, provide a copy of your business license, the company’s bank statement for the last six months, and your income tax return. Students should submit proof of enrollment and a No Objection Letter from their university.
Travel Itinerary
Compose a detailed travel itinerary that outlines your trip to Europe, your purpose of travel, the specific places you plan to visit in Europe, your timeframe, and all relevant personal details.
Requirements for Minors
If you are traveling with minors, additional documents are necessary:
- Birth certificate or proof of adoption or custody decree if the parents are divorced or a death certificate of a spouse.
- A letter of consent from both parents, including passport copies of both parents or legal guardians.
Financial Requirements
The amount of money you need to apply for a Belgian Tourist/Visitor Visa varies depending on your accommodation type:
- If you plan to stay in a hotel or similar accommodation, you should have a minimum of EUR 95 per day.
- Suppose you are staying with a friend or family member. In that case, you should provide a letter of guarantee from your host, confirming their financial responsibility for your stay and proving that you have a minimum of EUR 45 per day.
Applying for the Belgian Tourist/Visitor Visa
When it comes to applying for the Belgian Tourist/Visitor Visa, early preparation is key. Follow these steps for a successful application process:
Apply Early:
Submit your visa application at least three weeks before your travel date. Due to potential waiting times for appointments, it’s wise to plan.
Locate the Nearest Embassy/Consulate:
Find the nearest Belgian embassy/consulate and schedule an appointment. If there’s no Belgian embassy/consulate in your country, consider neighboring countries or visa application centers.
Complete the Application Form:
Precisely and sincerely fill out the visa application form. You might have the option to complete it online or by hand but ensure you submit two signed copies.
Pay the Visa Fee:
Follow the instructions provided by the embassy/consulate or visa application center to pay the visa fee. Keep the payment confirmation for your records.
Prepare for the Interview: Research common questions asked during Belgian tourist visa interviews to be well-prepared.
Document Checklist:
Ensure you have all the required documents before applying.
Submit the Application:
On the day of your visa appointment, submit your application as instructed. Arrive on time and bring all necessary documents.
Processing Time and Timing
The processing time for the Belgian Tourist/Visitor Visa depends on various factors, including the embassy’s workload and current circumstances. While the typical waiting time is around two weeks, it can extend to 30 or even 60 calendar days in exceptional cases. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s recommended to apply well in advance.
Visa Fee Details
The visa fee for a Belgian Tourist/Visitor Visa is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and €35 for nationals of countries with visa-facilitation agreements with the EU. Keep in mind that visa fees can change, and if your application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded.
Duration of Stay
With a Belgian Tourist/Visitor Visa, you can stay in Belgium and the entire Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within six months. The exact duration of your stay is indicated on your visa sticker.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Incomplete or Inaccurate Application Forms:
Failing to fill out the application form completely or accurately is one of the most prevalent reasons for rejection. Missing information or discrepancies can lead to automatic denial.
Insufficient Financial Means:
Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay. Lack of adequate bank statements, income proof, or sponsorship letters can result in denial.
Inadequate Documentation:
Submitting false, outdated, or incomplete documents can significantly hinder the application process. This includes not providing necessary items like travel insurance, accommodation proof, or flight itineraries.
Lack of Strong Ties to Home Country:
Visa officers look for evidence that applicants have compelling reasons to return to Nigeria after their visit, such as family ties, property ownership, or stable employment. Insufficient proof of these ties can raise doubts about the applicant’s intentions.
Previous Visa Violations:
A history of overstaying visas or other immigration violations can negatively impact future applications. This includes any deportation history from a Schengen country.
Dubious Travel Itinerary:
A poorly planned or suspicious travel itinerary may lead to concerns about the applicant’s intentions. Clear and logical travel plans supported by documentation are essential.
Failure to Attend Interviews:
Not showing up for scheduled visa interviews can lead to automatic rejection. It is crucial to attend all appointments punctually.
Previous Visa Rejections:
A record of previous visa denials can complicate new applications unless the applicant demonstrates significant improvements in their situation.
Unresolved Immigration Issues:
Any pending immigration issues with other countries can also be a reason for rejection, as they may indicate potential non-compliance with immigration laws.
Inconsistent Information:
Providing conflicting information during the application process and in interviews can lead to doubts about the applicant’s credibility and intentions.
Planning a trip to Belgium? Understanding the visa requirements and application process is essential for a smooth journey. This guide provides all the information you need to apply for a Belgian Tourist/Visitor Visa. With proper preparation, you can enjoy your visit to Belgium’s historic sites, explore Brussels, and experience the country’s culture and cuisine with ease.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Belgium for Tourism/Visit straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Family Reunification Visa or a Residence Permit, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Belgium. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
