Our guide was written by Brighton Watambwa and last published on Wednesday 27th June 2012.
Coming to Belgium as a foreigner, you must have identity and residence documents. For citizens of the European Union, a passport or Identity Document, such as a passport, is sufficient. Other nationalities, however, may need a visa to visit. There are different visas for different situations and generally the type of visa required is determined by nationality, length and purpose of visit. To apply for a visa, contact the closest Belgian embassy or consulate (http://www.diplomatie.be/en/addresses/abroad/default.asp) in your country of residence. If there isn't one, contact the office designated to your country, usually in a neighbouring country. The application process can take a while and it is recommended to apply at least a month before you plan to travel, with some visas even more. The Belgian visa website, http://www.diplomatie.be/en/travel/visa/default.asp provides comprehensive information on who needs visas, documents required, where to apply, cost, application status, and actions to take in the event the visa is denied.
Citizens of the Schengen common visa agreement do not need visas. These consist of the following countries;
Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
United Kingdom citizens, though part of the EU have to produce passports at entry into the Euro common visa area though they do not need visas.
In addition, citizens of Norway, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Iceland, and Switzerland, though not part of the EU, have freedom of movement within the EU common visa area.
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