Schengen visa (C-visa) ≤ 90 days

Do you need a C-visa?

Please consult the map to verify whether you need a visa via Schengen Visa Policy.

The following categories do not require a C-visa :

US citizens
Holders of a US Refugee travel document;
Holders of a US Permit to Re-enter, when their nationality exempts them from the visa requirement;
Holders of a diplomatic or service passport of certain countries (see exceptions and special categories here).

ETIAS

ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries.

Please note that ETIAS has been postponed until mid-2025. For any and all information regarding ETIAS, please only consult the official website of ETIAS.

Visa duration limits

You are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. When traveling frequently to the Schengen area, use the Schengen Calculator to prepare your next trip.

Schengen multi-country travel

Before applying, ensure that Belgium is your main destination and that the purpose of your trip has been determined. To do so, consider the following:

If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, apply at the Embassy or Consulate General of that particular country. 
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries for tourism, apply at the Embassy or Consulate General of the country where you will stay the longest.
If you stay an equal amount of days in different countries, apply at the Embassy or Consulate General of the country which is your first point of entry.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries for different reasons, combining professional and private travel, apply with the country where your main event takes place. Tourism is considered a secondary purpose for travel in this case.

Biometric data

When applying, make sure that your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) can be taken in person or has been collected within the last 59 months.

If you are a first time applicant, you must make an appointment.
If you had your biometrics registered by any Schengen country within the last 59 months, you can mail your application to the consulate with jurisdiction over the state of your primary residence.

The following categories of applicants do not require to have their fingerprints taken:

children under the age of twelve (appearance in person not needed);
applicants for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible (appearance in person needed);
heads of State and members of National Governments and their accompanying spouses, as well as the members of their official delegation when invited by Member States' governments or by international organizations for an official purpose (appearance in person not needed).

When to apply

It is recommended to apply at least 15 business days (3 weeks) but no more than 6 months ahead of the planned travel date. The approximate processing time of the application is 3 weeks. Non-residents and applicants traveling on non-ordinary passports will be subject to longer processing times.

During busy times, you might not be able to book an appointment that fits your travel plans. We strongly recommend that you check for an available appointment before purchasing flight tickets. Expedited service is NOT available.

Spouses and dependents of EU/EEA nationals may be entitled to an accelerated visa procedure free of charge if they meet certain criteria at the time of application (European Directive 2004/38/EC). 

Where to apply

If you apply in person, you can make an appointment at the diplomatic post of your choice. The same applies if you are a resident of Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, or another island.
When applying by mail, make sure to send your application to the consular post competent for your place of residence.

How to apply

1. Create an account online on Visa on web.

2. Start a new application.

3. a. Schedule an appointment through your account if you did not submit your fingerprints to any Schengen country in the past 59 months. When applying with family members, you must book one appointment per person.

b. If you mail in your documents, you must have your signature notarized.

4. Gather all required documents, print the checklist and your application.

5. Go to your appointment or mail your application in (see “biometric data”).

The need for more than 1 entry for non-business related travel must be clearly demonstrated with transportation in and out of the Schengen territory. Only 1 entry is required when traveling within the 27 countries. Multiple entries are normally not issued for tourism.

What to submit

Depending on the purpose of your travel, please see the following list of required documents. Note that additional documents may be requested.

Diplomats and their families applying for Schengen visas for private trips follow the same procedure as above (family visits, tourism). The handling fee is due even when traveling on a diplomatic passport.

Visa for Belgium