Belgium visa requirements for Botswanas

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Botswanas visiting Belgium

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Belgian Visa.

  • A Botswana passport valid for at least three months from the intended departure date from Belgium with two blank pages for stamps.
  • Completed and signed visa application form.
  • Two colored passport-sized photographs.
  • Medical travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Proof of sufficient funds.
  • Travel documents.
  • Copy of trip itinerary.
  • Flight-return ticket.
  • Visa fees.

Belgium Visa for Botswanas

Facts about Belgium

Belgium is a prime tourist site due to its historical landmark, modern architecture and rural idylls. Also, the country is visited by a lot of business tourists. The country is also famous for its long traditions in arts, fashion, and its cuisine. Tourists in the country can be guaranteed of a very good time as there are a lot of things to see all over the city and activities like hiking, biking and camping to engage in. While in the country, there are various festivals to attend at different periods throughout the year. Mussels, Balletjes, Stoemp, Waffles, and other special Belgian delicacies will leave you asking for more, be sure to try these cuisines out.
 
Tourism in Belgium has been on the up since 2009. The number of visitors who visited Belgium in 2009 was just over 12 million which increased to 16 million in 2017. It has been estimated that these numbers will continue to increase in the years to come. The tourism industry generates about 2.8% of Belgium’s gross domestic product and employs about 3.3% of the working population.
 
Foreigners are not allowed to enter or leave the country with more €10,000 or its equivalent in any currency. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and watches as this may attract petty criminals to you.

Types of Belgium Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10-15 days 90 days
Business visa 10-15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Belgium Visa

  • A Botswana passport valid for at least three months from the intended departure date from Belgium with two blank pages for stamps.
  • Completed and signed visa application form.
  • Two colored passport-sized photographs.
  • Medical travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Proof of sufficient funds.
  • Travel documents.
  • Copy of trip itinerary.
  • Flight-return ticket.
  • Visa fees.
Belgium Tourist visa Belgium Business visa

Belgium Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Belgium issues a tourist visa to foreign nationals who intend to travel for sight-seeing and leisure purposes.
  • It is a short-stay visa valid for 180 days but with a maximum stay of 90 days.
  • Individuals who want to visit friends or families can also apply for this visa but the visa cannot be used to work or study.
  • Belgium visa can be issued for a single-entry which allows one visit or multiple-entry which allows the individual numerous entry within the validity of the visa.
  • This visa can be used for travel to other Schengen states but you will have to specify if you intend to stay only in Belgium or you will visit other Schengen states.
  • A consular interview is sometimes required and during this time, the applicant has to convince the consul that there is the incentive of returning to home country at the expiration of the visa.
  • All applicants are to have a medical insurance that will be valid for the duration of the trip. The insurance should be worth a minimum of EUR 30,000. This will cover any emergency that could occur during the applicant's trip.
  • A recent bank statement preferably not older than six months should be provided. The bank statement should carry the bank's stamp and show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip.
  • According to the Belgian immigration office, an applicant should have at least €95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.
  • Employed applicants are to submit a letter from their employer stating that the employer is aware of the trip and has granted the applicant's leave.
  • If you would be staying with a relative during your trip, you would be required to provide a cover letter stating the duration of your trip, relationship between you and the host and details of the host.
  • The details should include name, address and contact details of the host.
  • However, if you do not have a host and you have a reservation with a tour agency or hotel then proof of the reservation should be submitted.


Belgium Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Belgium business visa is for individuals intending to travel to Belgium for business purposes.
  • Persons who want to attend seminars, conferences, interview and employ staff or engage in business trades can also apply for this visa.
  • For those attending a conference, pre-registration for the conference is required and proof of payment for the conference(if necessary) should be submitted along with the required documents.
  • The Belgium host is required to send an invitation letter to the applicant. The invitation letter should state the type of business to be conducted, the duration of the business and the financer of the trip.
  • In the case that the inviting Belgian company/organization will not be responsible for the bills, the applicant would be required to submit a bank statement showing the presence of enough funds for the trip.
  • If there has been previous business deals between the inviting Belgian company and the applicant, it should be stated in the invitation letter.
  • Employed applicants should present a signed letter from their employer stating that the trip is an approved one. Self-employed persons should submit a copy of their business registration and tax clearance certificate.
  • All applicants are to present a return flight ticket. Since it is not advisable to buy your ticket until you have been issued a visa, a dummy flight ticket would do.
  • The possession of a visa does not guarantee entry into Belgium, on arrival into the country, the immigration officers would scan your documents and decide if you are a threat to the country or not.
  • After you have been cleared, you would be allowed into Belgium and other Schengen states. Ensure that your passport is stamped by the immigration officer to avoid being fined or detained in any of the Schengen states.
  • You would be deported for overstaying your visa regardless of your reasons for overstaying.

Belgium Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Belgium Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Botswana

Location

Address

Gaborone

Plot 8503, Quartz Road Broadhurst P.O. Box 2351 Gaborone Botswana

belconbot@gmail.com

(+267) 395 7789 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get good food in Belgium?

Belgium is famous for its wonderful cuisines as Belgians generally love to eat. Belgium foods are popularly referred to as "French food in German quantities". All restaurants in Belgium, regardless of the price of food, deliver decent, high-quality food.

Can I drink tap water in Belgium?

Yes. Belgium water is clean and safe to drink but most restaurants do not serve it. Mineral water or hot spring water is more commonly served and they cost about 4 euro per 1 litter bottle.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Belgium?

No special vaccinations are needed when travelling to Belgium or exiting Belgium. Visitors only need to be concerned when travelling to Belgium during winter because of the risk of influenza.

What is the time difference between Belgium and Botswana?

Belgium operates in Central European Summer time (GMT+2) and Botswana in Central Africa time(GMT+2). Therefore, there is no time difference between Botswana and Belgium.

Where can I process a study Visa for Belgium university, I live in Botswana??