Guide for Belgium Visa Requirements
If you are heading to Belgium, you'll most likely need a Schengen visa. This temporary visa allows you to explore Belgium and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Required documents may differ based on your nationality, and regardless of whether you're arriving by land, sea, or air, you'll need to present specific documents to the border police.
Before you travel, consider getting LUMA Travel Insurance for Belgium to help cover unexpected medical expenses and travel disruptions during your trip.
Belgium Schengen visa for Thai citizens
Thai citizens are not visa-exempt and need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa. Applications are handled through the Belgian embassy or an authorized visa application center in Thailand, and it's worth confirming current appointment availability well ahead of your travel dates.
As of September 2026, Belgium is represented in Thailand by TLScontact, at the Sathorn City Tower location in Bangkok.
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 on 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-trip 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.
- 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.
- You need to make an appointment to apply for your Belgium Schengen visa for Thai citizens at TLScontact, the Belgian Embassy’s service provider for visa application processing.
- LUMA Travel Insurance is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
Belgium Schengen Visa for Indonesian Citizens
Indonesian citizens similarly need a Schengen visa. Applications go through the Belgian embassy or an authorized visa center in Indonesia, and applying within the 6-month window rather than close to departure gives you a real buffer against processing delays.
As of September 2026, Belgium's applications in Indonesia are processed by the Netherlands, through the Benelux Visa Centre run by VFS Global, in Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya.
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 on 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 of a 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-trip 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.
- 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, where the Netherlands processes Belgian applications on Belgium's behalf.
- 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.
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
Vietnamese citizens also require a Schengen visa, applied for through the Belgian embassy or an authorized visa application center in Vietnam.
As of September 2026, Belgium's applications in Vietnam are submitted via VFS Global in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
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.
- 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.
The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
Belgium Schengen Visa for Singapore Citizens
- Singapore citizens don't need a visa to enter Belgium for tourism or business, provided the stay doesn't exceed 90 days within any 6-month period. It's worth verifying current requirements directly with the Belgian Embassy in Singapore before you travel, since exemptions can shift.
Belgium Schengen Visa for Malaysian Citizens
Malaysian citizens similarly don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days within a 6-month period. Confirming this against the official Belgian visa application requirements before your trip is a reasonable precaution.
What is the cost of a Schengen visa for Belgium
The visa fee can vary somewhat based on age, visa type, and nationality. As of the latest update, the following fee structure has been applicable since 11 June 2024
- Adults: €90
- Children aged 6–12: €45
- Children under 6: Free
However, there are certain 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 EUR 35.
- 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 application is rejected, and visa processing centers may charge an additional service fee on top of the government fee.
What are the Financial Support Criteria for a Belgium Schengen Visa Application
Demonstrating financial stability is a key part of a Belgium visa application, since the embassy wants confidence that you can support yourself without needing state assistance during your stay.
- Bank statements. Typically covering the last 3 to 6 months, showing enough to cover accommodation, meals, internal travel, and a reasonable buffer for emergencies. There's no fixed minimum amount specified.
- Sponsorship letter. Required if someone else is covering your costs, such as a friend or family member. The letter should state their willingness and ability to support you, backed by their own bank statements or income documents.
- Income documents. Employed applicants typically provide recent pay slips, an employment contract, or an employer letter confirming position, salary, and leave dates. Self-employed applicants generally need business registration documents and recent tax returns instead.
- For minors or dependents traveling alone. Parents or guardians may need to demonstrate their own financial stability, along with a notarized letter confirming they'll support the applicant financially during the trip.
- For students. Proof of enrollment plus a financial responsibility statement from parents, typically alongside their bank statements.
- For retirees. Pension statements or other documented proof of income and assets.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Belgium Visa
Yes. As per the official requirements, travel and medical insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa application. Your policy needs to be valid for all 29 countries in the Schengen Area, covering accidents and illness, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, even for countries you don't plan to visit.
Choosing Travel Insurance for Your Belgium Trip
Meeting the €30,000 minimum is the starting point for a Belgium Schengen visa, but it's worth thinking about what you actually want from a policy beyond satisfying that requirement.
LUMA Travel Insurance is built around exactly this kind of trip.
Coverage starts at €30,000, matching the visa minimum directly, and it's designed to work whether you're planning a single Belgium trip or multiple trips across Europe within the year.
A few things worth knowing about LUMA's Schengen coverage:
- Coverage starting at €30,000, meeting the Schengen visa insurance minimum directly.
- Flexible options for both individual trips and travelers making multiple trips within a year.
- A wide eligibility range, covering travelers from young children through older adults.
- An easy online application, with your insurance certificate delivered by email.
- Wide embassy acceptance, intended to make the visa application process smoother rather than adding friction.
How long does it take to process a visa for Belgium
As per the Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 amending the Visa Code, Art. 23, a decision on a complete Schengen visa application is issued within 15 calendar days, extendable to a maximum of 45 calendar days if additional documentation or an interview is required, or during high-demand periods.
You can apply for your Belgian Schengen visa starting 6 months before your planned trip (9 months for seafarers), and no later than 15 calendar days before departure. Applying as early as reasonably possible, rather than close to that 15-day cutoff, gives you the most room if anything needs follow-up.
Declaring Your Address in Belgium
Travelers can declare their arrival in Belgium online through the "My Address in Belgium" (MAB) system, rather than registering in person at a municipal office as was previously required.
Every person entering Belgium for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) needs to declare their presence within three days of arrival.
Checking the Immigration Office's current guidance before you travel is worth doing, since this system is still relatively new.
How do I get a medical certificate for a visa to Belgium
Anyone planning to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days needs to provide a medical certificate confirming they're not affected by any disease that could pose a threat to public health. This certificate needs to be issued no more than 6 months before your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa refusals are always given in writing, with the reason explained. You can submit an appeal to the relevant Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date you receive notification of the refusal.
Yes. According to the Schengen rules, a Schengen visa is generally valid for travel throughout the Schengen Area. One important rule: you must apply for your visa at the consulate of your primary destination, and if Belgium is your primary destination, you should enter Belgium first before transiting to other Schengen countries.
All 29 Schengen Area member states, not just Belgium. Your insurance and visa both need to account for the entire Schengen zone, even countries you don't plan to visit.
Yes, for short stays. As of April 2026, this is done online through the "My Address in Belgium" system within three days of arrival, rather than in person at a municipal office.
You can apply starting 6 months before travel, and no later than 15 calendar days before departure. Applying well before that cutoff, rather than right up against it, gives you a real buffer if your application needs follow-up.
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