Visiting Belgium on a Schengen Visa
Belgium, officially known as the Kingdom of Belgium, has its capital in Brussels, a thriving city that also serves as the de facto capital of the European Union. Belgium is home to the beautiful tourist cities of Antwerp and Bruges too.
To travel to Belgium for a short trip lasting fewer than 90 days, you will need a Belgian Schengen Visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls between each other. Travel can be for any of the following reasons: Tourism and recreation, business purposes, visiting friends or family, cultural and sporting events, airport and seafaring transit visits, official visits, medical treatment, short-term study, and research purposes.
Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Belgium?
When traveling to Belgium, you will need a Schengen Visa if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country without a visa-free travel agreement with the area, or if you have been refused for visa-free travel. Those wishing to work or study for longer than 90 days will also require a Belgian work or study visa.
How do I apply for a Schengen Visa to Belgium?
Travelers planning to visit Belgium will need to fill in a Schengen Visa application form, have two recently taken passport-style photos, and a passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and are valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. The amount you need to show you have will vary from country to country, but in Belgium, it is €95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to stay in cheaper accommodation. You can do this by showing bank statements, hotel bookings, and that your income or investments are enough to support yourself during your trip. Those planning to work or study will need additional documents.
What are the Belgian Visa requirements for a work, business or student visa?
If applying for a work visa to Belgium, you will need to provide the embassy/consulate with documents that prove you meet Belgian Schengen visa requirements based on your employment status. If employed, you need an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer giving you leave to travel, and an income tax return. If self-employed, you will need a copy of your business license, company bank statements, and income tax returns. You will also need an invitation letter regardless of whether you are applying for a longer time work visa, or are applying for a short-stay Schengen Visa for business or study. Student visas require proof of enrolment at a Belgian institution, a no objection letter from your place of study in your homeland, and an invitation letter.
Where do I go to apply for a Belgian Visa?
You will need to apply to the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or a visa application center acting on the nation’s behalf. The official visa partner of Belgium is VFS Global.
Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?
Those traveling to the Schengen Area, including Belgium, need travel cover. AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs just €22 ($23.82) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000.
Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again, covers you for expenses up to €100,000.
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Frequently asked questions about getting an Belgian Schengen Visa
Can I travel to other countries in the Schengen Area on my Belgian visa?
Yes. A short-stay Schengen Visa will enable you to visit all countries within the Schengen Area. However long-term work or study visas will restrict the activities covered by the visa to the country concerned.
Can I extend my Schengen Visa during my stay in Belgium?
Yes. You can extend your Belgium short-stay visa but only in exceptional cases or emergencies.
What should I do if my Belgium Visa is refused?
If your visa is refused you have the right to appeal to the authorities in the Schengen member state where you applied.
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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances
AXA Schengen Low Cost
AXA Schengen Low Cost is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).
AXA Schengen Europe Travel
AXA Europe Travel is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus, Bulgaria, the Republic of Ireland and Romania). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Low Cost.
AXA Schengen Multi Trip
AXA Multi Trip is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Multi Trip for different countries during 90 days.