Belgian passport holders, ranked 13th globally in the VisaGuide Passport Index as of July 2023, enjoy the privilege of visa-free entry to 159 countries. Nevertheless, for entry to certain other countries, a prior visa application is mandatory.

Countries and Territories Offering Visa-Free Access to Belgian Passport Holders

Belgian citizens, possessing a valid passport, can travel without a visa to the following 159 countries and territories as of July 2023:

Despite the benefit of visa-free travel, Belgian citizens must ensure their passports are valid, typically at least six months beyond the intended date of departure. Additionally, purchasing travel health insurance might be mandatory, depending on the specific requirements of the destination country.

Passport-Free Travel for Belgian Citizens

Belgian nationals can access several countries with just an identification card, thus eliminating the need for a passport. These countries include ,Albania ,Andorra ,Aruba ,Austria ,Caribbean Netherlands ,Bosnia and Herzegovina ,Bulgaria ,Croatia ,Curaçao ,Cyprus ,Czechia ,Denmark ,Estonia ,Faroe Islands ,Finland ,France ,French Guiana ,French Polynesia, French West Indies ,Georgia ,Germany, Greece ,Greenland, Hungary ,Iceland ,Ireland ,Italy ,Latvia ,Liechtenstein, Lithuania ,Luxembourg, Malta ,Mayotte ,Moldova ,Montenegro ,Netherlands ,New Caledonia ,North Macedonia, Norway ,Poland ,Portugal ,Réunion ,Romania ,San Marino, Serbia ,Slovakia ,Slovenia ,Spain, Saint Martin, Sweden ,Switzerland ,Türkiye ,Vatican City.

Electronic Visa (eVisa) for Belgian Citizens

There are 12 countries that issue eVisas to Belgian passport holders. These include:

The eVisa application process is straightforward and convenient. It typically involves online submission of the application and payment of the visa fee. Upon approval, the visa status is confirmed through an email containing a document, which should be printed and carried during travel. Although the visa is registered online, the authorities at the border might request a physical copy, thus making it essential to have one on hand.

Visa on Arrival for Belgian Citizens

28 countries offer the facility of visa on arrival for Belgian citizens, which includes ,Bahrain ,Bangladesh ,Burkina Faso, Burundi ,Cambodia ,Comoros ,Egypt ,Guinea-Bissau ,Iran, Jordan ,Kuwait ,Laos ,Lebanon ,Madagascar ,Malawi ,Maldives ,Mauritania, Nepal, Papua New Guinea ,Rwanda, Saudi Arabia ,Seychelles, Sierra Leone ,Somalia, Saint Helena ,Tanzania ,Togo ,Zimbabwe.

A visa on arrival is provided post-entry into the issuing country. This service is typically offered in a dedicated section of the airport where applicants can submit their visa application.

Countries Requiring Visa for Belgian Citizens

There are 27 countries where Belgian passport holders need to apply for a visa prior to arrival:

Visa Application Process for Belgian Citizens

The process to apply for e-Visa typically involves:

• Scheduling an appointment at a visa application center in Belgium.
• Preparing the required documentation for Belgian visa application, including passport, application form, health insurance, etc.
• Submitting the application and attending a scheduled visa interview.

Documents Required for Visa Application

Belgian citizens are required to submit specific documents when applying for a visa. While the requirements may vary depending on the destination country, the common requisites include a valid Belgian passport, a completed visa application form, recent passport photos, travel health insurance, proof of paid visa fee, detailed travel itinerary, letter of invitation (if applicable), proof of return flight booking, proof of booked accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds, and civil status documents.

It's important to remember that any prior criminal history might lead to the rejection of a visa application.

Work Visas for Belgian Citizens

If Belgian citizens wish to work in countries where they don't have visa-free access or can't get a work visa on arrival, they will need to apply for a work visa prior to their arrival. The requirements for this type of visa can vary greatly by country, but they generally require proof of employment or a job offer, along with other relevant documentation.

Schengen Area and Belgian Citizens

Being part of the European Union, Belgian citizens have the freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. This consists of 26 European countries that abolished passport and other types of control at their mutual borders. This benefit allows Belgian citizens to travel, live, and work freely in any of these countries without the need for a visa.

Studying Abroad for Belgian Citizens

Belgian students looking to study abroad may need to secure a student visa. The requirements for this vary from country to country, but usually include proof of acceptance to a study program, proof of financial resources, and sometimes proof of language proficiency.

Dual Citizenship and Travel for Belgian Citizens

Belgium recognizes dual citizenship, which can greatly expand a Belgian citizen's travel and living options, depending on the other passport they hold. It's important for dual citizens to be aware of the requirements and implications for each of their nationalities when travelling.

Overstaying Visas

It's crucial for Belgian citizens to be aware of the duration of stay allowed by their visa or visa-free arrangement, as overstaying can lead to serious consequences, including fines, deportation, or bans from future travel to that country. Always ensure to leave the country or extend the visa before it expires.

Belgian Diplomatic Missions Abroad

Belgian citizens can seek assistance from Belgian embassies and consulates abroad. These diplomatic missions can assist with lost passports, provide aid in cases of emergency, and offer general advice to Belgian nationals living or travelling abroad.

Each of these topics could be expanded upon to provide more comprehensive information for Belgian citizens seeking to travel, work, or study abroad.

FAQ

Q: How many countries can Belgian citizens travel to without a visa?

A: As of July 2023, Belgian citizens can travel to 159 countries and territories without a visa.

Q: Can Belgian citizens travel without a passport within the European Union?

A: Yes, Belgian citizens can travel to many countries within the European Union with just an ID card.

Q: Which countries offer an eVisa for Belgian passport holders?

A: There are 12 countries that issue eVisas for Belgian passport holders, including Angola, Azerbaijan, Benin, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Q: Which countries offer Visa on Arrival to Belgian Passport Holders?

A: 28 countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, and Burundi, offer Visa on Arrival to Belgian Passport Holders.

Q: How can Belgian citizens apply for a visa?

A: The process involves making an appointment at the visa center in Belgium, preparing the necessary documents, and submitting the application.

Q: What documents do Belgian citizens need to apply for a visa?

A: This may vary, but most countries require a valid Belgian passport, a filled visa application form, recent passport photos, travel health insurance, proof of paid visa fee, a detailed travel itinerary, a letter of invitation (if applicable), proof of return flight booking, proof of booked accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds, and civil status documents.

Q: Can a visa application be rejected if I have a previous criminal history?

A: Yes, a visa will most likely be rejected if you have a previous criminal history.

Q: What happens if I overstay my visa?

A: Overstaying a visa can lead to penalties, including fines, deportation, or future travel bans to that country. It's always recommended to adhere strictly to visa duration limits.

Q: Does Belgium recognize dual citizenship?

A: Yes, Belgium recognizes dual citizenship. This can significantly expand travel and living options for Belgian citizens, depending on the other passport they hold.