Belgium

🇧🇪

Phone Code

+32

Capital

Brussels

Population

11.6 Million

Native Name

België

Region

Europe

Western Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

Belgium is a Western European country and founding EU member, known for medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, headquarters of the European Union and NATO, and world-famous chocolate, beer, and waffles. Brussels, the de facto capital of the EU, features the Grand Place, Atomium, and European Parliament. Visitors are drawn to Bruges' canals, Ghent's medieval architecture, Antwerp's diamond district, WWI battlefields in Flanders, and the Ardennes forests. As a Schengen Area member, Belgium offers streamlined entry for international travelers.

Visa Requirements for Belgium

Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter visa-free with only a valid ID card or passport for unlimited stays. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Belgian embassies or consulates, submitting completed application forms, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of financial means, and purpose-specific documents. Belgium processes Schengen visa applications following unified Schengen procedures. Processing typically takes 10-15 calendar days.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area, not just Belgium.

For tourism, business, conferences, visiting friends/family for US, UK, Australia, Canada, and other eligible nationalities.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries; single, double, or multiple entry.

For short-term stays including tourism, business, cultural events, conferences for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.

National Visa (Type D)

Beyond 90 days; requires specific purpose documentation; leads to residence permit; Belgium-specific, not valid for other Schengen travel.

For long-term stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or residence in Belgium.

EU Blue Card

1-4 years; renewable; allows work in Belgium and travel within Schengen; spouse and family can accompany.

For highly qualified workers with job offers in Belgium meeting salary and qualification thresholds.

Important Travel Information

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area, issued within last 10 years, with blank pages.

The 90/180 rule applies: max 90 days in any 180-day period across entire Schengen Area, not just Belgium.

Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage required for Schengen visa applicants; recommended for all travelers.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Hosted missions

Embassies in Belgium

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Barbados

Belgium

Brussels
Bhutan

Belgium

Brussels
Botswana

Belgium

Brussels
Dominica

Belgium

Brussels
Germany

Belgium

Brussels
Guinea-Bissau

Belgium

Brussels
Guyana

Belgium

Brussels
The Gambia

Belgium

Brussels
United Kingdom

Belgium

Brussels
United States

Belgium

Brussels

Planning your Belgium trip?

Check Schengen requirements