Belgium visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Belgium

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

  • Valid South African passport with a validity of 3 months beyond the planned date of departure from the country. The passport should have two blank pages for necessary stamps.
  • Completed visa application form which should carry the necessary signatures and stamp.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a white background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Bank statement which is not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country. This is proof that you can cater for yourself during the period of your stay in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Belgium Visa for South Africans

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.

Just like every other country in the world, South Africans are advised to exercise extreme caution. Theft from vehicles is common, ensure you drive with your windows up and doors locked. Be alert to distraction in crowds, petty thieves bump into or shove their targets.

Types of Belgium Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10 working days 180 days
Business visa 10 working days 180 days
Transit visa 10 working days 5 days
Work visa 10 working days 180 days
Student visa 10 working days More than 180 days
Official visa 10 working days 180 days

General Requirements for Belgium Visa

  • Valid South African passport with a validity of 3 months beyond the planned date of departure from the country. The passport should have two blank pages for necessary stamps.
  • Completed visa application form which should carry the necessary signatures and stamp.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a white background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Bank statement which is not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country. This is proof that you can cater for yourself during the period of your stay in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Belgium Tourist visa Belgium Business visa Belgium Transit visa Belgium Work visa Belgium Student visa Belgium Official visa

Belgium Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Applicants of this visa intend visiting the country for tourism purposes.
  • You can visit friends and relatives in the country with this visa.
  • If you have a host in Belgium, the letter of invitation from your host in the country should be provided.
  • Home address, telephone number and a valid means of identification of your host in the country should be presented.
  • Business activities are not permitted in the country.
  • While you are in the country with this visa, you are not allowed to take up paid or unpaid employment.
  • If you are not a citizen of South Africa, the original copy of your South African stay permit should be provided. Also, the photocopy of this document is required.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years visiting the country with or without your parents, a letter of consent signed by both parents should be provided.
  • Holders of this visa cannot enroll for a course of study in the country.
  • You are expected to obey all the rules of this visa.
  • The visa is valid for 180 days.

Belgium Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Business visa is issued to those visiting the country for business purposes.
  • This visa allows you to attend business meetings with partners and sign and negotiate business contracts.
  • With this visa, you can also attend business summits, conferences and trade fairs.
  • An original copy of 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 purpose and duration of the visit in the country.
  • Certificate of business registration of the company should also be provided.
  • Photocopy of valid means of identification of the person who signs the letter of invitation is required.
  • If the company is sponsoring all aspects of your trip to the country, the letter of invitation should be accompanied by the original bank statement of the company from the past 12 months.
  • A letter from your current employer in South Africa should be provided. The letter should be a confirmation of your business leave by your employer.
  • Non-South Africans should ensure they have the original copy of their South African stay permit before applying for this visa.
  • If you are travelling with a minor, a document of consent signed by both parents of the minor should be provided.
  • You are not allowed to be paid for any service you render in the country.
  • The visa is valid for 180 days.

Belgium Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to make short stays in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa intend transiting through Belgium to their destination country.
  • Visa and flight ticket of your destination country should be presented during the visa application process.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the unabridged original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • A copy of your South African stay permit should be provided if you are a non-South African.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • You are not allowed to work during your time in the country.
  • The visa is valid for 5 days.
  • You are required to exit the country before the expiry of your visa.

Belgium Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is meant for those who are visiting Belgium to work there.
  • You are entitled to receiving salary for the job done during your time in the country.
  • Your employer in Belgium should provide a letter of invitation stating that you have been employed in his/her company.
  • For non-South Africans, a copy of your South African stay permit should be provided.
  • Proof of paid visa application is required.
  • If you are traveling with your spouse, your original marriage certificate should be provided during the visa application process.
  • This visa does not allow you to study in the country.
  • You are required to obey all the rules of this visa during your time in the country.
  • The processing time of this visa is 10 working days.

Belgium Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student visa is meant for those who have been accepted to one of the institutions of learning in the country.
  • Before you can apply for this visa you must have been accepted in one of the schools in the country.
  • Original letter of acceptance from the institution you have been enrolled in is required. The letter must include the name of institution and valid contacts of the institution.
  • If you are a minor traveling alone, a letter of consent signed by both your parents should be provided during visa application process.
  • You can work for about 20 hours per day as long as it does not interfere with your study.
  • If you are not a South African citizen, a copy of your South African stay permit is required.
  • If you are being sponsored by your parents, original letter from parents stating that they will be responsible for your finances during your time in the country.
  • Applicants should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • With this visa, you can stay in Belgium for as long as you are studying.

Belgium Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The official visa allows South African diplomats to visit Belgium to foster bilateral relationships between the two countries.
  • A diplomatic note should be presented. The duration and purpose of the visit as well as your status in the government should be indicated in the note.
  • Letter of invitation from the Belgian government should be provided.
  • Applicants of this visa do not need to apply in person for this visa, the required documents can be couriered to the embassy.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to be paid for services they render while they are in the country.
  • Visa fees are waived for holders of diplomatic passports.
  • You are not allowed to enroll for a course in any of the institutions in the country.
  • If you are traveling with your spouse, the original copy of your marriage certificate should be provided.
  • This visa is valid for 180 days.

Belgium Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

Work visa

99.00 (EUR)

Student visa

99.00 (EUR)

Official visa

60.00 (EUR)

Belgium Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

625 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, 0002, Pretoria, South Africa.

http://www.diplomatie.be/pretoria

pretoria@diplbel.org

+27 12 460 1004

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belgium safe for tourists?

Yes, Belgium is relatively safe for tourists.

How can I get permanent residence in Belgium??

You can get permanent residence in Belgium by applying for a Belgian citizenship after 3 years of staying in Belgium.

Can I work on a student visa in Belgium?
Yes, you can work for up to 20 hours as long as it does not affect your studies.
Is IELTS required for Belgium??
Yes, IELTS is required for Belgium.
How long does it take to get a Belgium visa??

A Belgium visa is usually processed for 10 working days.