Belgium visa requirements for Sierra Leoneans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Sierra Leoneans visiting Belgium

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

  • A duly completed Schengen visa application form.
  • An original passport with a validity of at least 6 months after exit from Belgium.
  • Two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Two identical passport-sized photographs that meet the Belgium visa photo specification.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Proof of financial capability for the duration of stay.
  • Proof of accommodation or hotel reservations.
  • A valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of £30,000.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Return flight ticket to Sierra Leone (Short-stay travelers).
  • Repatriation commitment note (Long-stay travelers).

Belgium Visa for Sierra Leoneans

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 15 days 90 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 15 days 24 hours

General Requirements for Belgium Visa

  • A duly completed Schengen visa application form.
  • An original passport with a validity of at least 6 months after exit from Belgium.
  • Two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Two identical passport-sized photographs that meet the Belgium visa photo specification.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Proof of financial capability for the duration of stay.
  • Proof of accommodation or hotel reservations.
  • A valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of £30,000.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Return flight ticket to Sierra Leone (Short-stay travelers).
  • Repatriation commitment note (Long-stay travelers).
Belgium Tourist visa Belgium Business visa Belgium Transit visa

Belgium Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to foreigners who want to enter Belgium for tourist purposes and other short term purposes.
  • Applicants of this visa are issued the Short-stay Schengen visa.
  • You can attend festivals and events while you are in Belgium.
  • With this visa, you cannot be a student in any of the schools in Belgium.
  • If you are visiting friends or relatives in Belgium, you need to obtain a letter of invitation from them.
  • This letter should reflect their home address and telephone number, and the relationship between you and your host.
  • If you are without a host in Belgium, you should submit a cover letter stating the purpose of your visit, places you intend to visit while in Belgium and how long you intend to stay in the country.
  • A letter from your current employer in Sierra Leone is required. This letter will serve as proof that your employer is aware of your leave of absence for the duration of your trip.
  • Holders of the tourist visa are not paid for the services they render while they are in the country.
  • During your time in the country, you are not allowed to seek public funds.
  • If you are not a citizen of Sierra Leone, the original copy of your Sierra Leone stay permit should be provided. Also, the photocopy of this document is required.

Belgium Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to applicants who want to go into Belgium for business or corporate purposes.
  • This visa allows you to attend business meetings with partners and sign and negotiate business contracts.
  • This visa is issued as the Short-stay Schengen visa.
  • An original copy of the letter of invitation written on the company’s letterhead should be provided. 
  • The letter should include the corporate name of the company, address of the company and the purpose and duration of the visit to the country.
  • You will also need to submit a ‘no-objection’ letter. This letter is required to validate your current status and assure the embassy that you have permission to travel. 
  • A 'no objection' letter is typically obtained from your employer or school authorities.
  • If you are employed, you will have to present a certificate from your employer stating or allowing your business travel.
  • Your bank statement from the last 6 months is needed. Self-employed people will submit proof of business registration.

Belgium Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Foreigners intending to make short stops in Belgium can do so with this visa.
  • This visa allows foreigners to alight from an airplane in a Belgian airport and board another flight going to their destination.
  • Flight tickets of your destination country should be presented during the visa application.
  • The visa of your destination country must be provided.
  • If you are under the age of 18, the unabridged original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • Previously convicted foreigners may be refused entry into the country.
  • Receipt of payment of visa application fee is required.
  • You are not allowed to study while you are in the country.
  • Proof that you have the incentive to return to your country after your visa has expired is required.
  • The visa is valid for 5 days.
  • You are required to exit the country before the expiry of your visa.
  • There is no extension to the transit visa. 

Belgium Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

Belgium Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Sierra Leone

Location

Address

Freetown

Belgian Honorary Consulate. c/o International Construction Ltd 68 Wilkinson Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

(+232) 22.23.05.90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belgium a Schengen country?

Yes. Belgium is one of the 26 Schengen countries.

How safe is Belgium to travel to?

Belgium is probably one of the safest countries in Europe. However, petty crimes such as muggings, bag snatching, and pick-pocketing are common in tourist areas, so it is important to be cautious when outside.

Can I work in Belgium with a tourist visa?

Visitors in Belgium are not allowed to take up paid employment without a work permit. If you are a student with a valid residence permit, you may work for up to 20 hours per week during school sessions or full-time when school is on break.

What language is spoken in Belgium?

The official language in Belgium is Dutch and it is spoken by more than half of the population. You may also find French speakers in the country and an even smaller number of the population that speak German.

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