Visa requirements

1. Do you need a visa?

Ordinary passports
Please check this link

Holders of diplomatic /service passports
Please check with the Embassy / Consulate of Belgium that is competent for your place of residence. Please check this link

Note an honorary consul cannot issue visas.

Countries where a Schengen Partner represents Belgium
In countries where Belgium has no Embassy or Consulate or in countries where the Belgian Representation does not deliver visas, the competent Belgian Embassy /Consulate will draw the attention of the Schengen Partner that represents Belgium to the applications that will be made there within the framework of the Forum.

Countries where Belgium is not represented by a Schengen Partner
In countries where Belgium is not represented by a Schengen Partner, the applicant has to contact the competent Belgium Embassy/ Consulate to apply.

Holders of diplomatic and service passports
Being exempted from the visa for the Benelux (=Belgium, The Netherlands & Luxemburg) does not automatically imply that there is an exemption for other Schengen countries. This is to be taken into account should your traveling plans include a transit with stopping in a third Schengen country

2. Documents required

• Valid travel document e.g. national passport (validity at least 3 months longer than the delivered visa)
• Official invitation to the Forum
  If your expenses are not covered by a per diem: proof of enough financial means
• For holders of ordinary passports only: a travel insurance + handling fee the amount of which is the equivalent, in local currency, of 60 €

3. When to apply ?

Three weeks prior to the date of intended departure. Please verify the opening hours of the Chancery at the embassy or consulate.

• Some nationalities are subject to a compulsory check by the Schengen partners. Do note that this consultation takes on average 12 calendar days once the file is sent by the Embassy /Consulate
• As far as countries where Belgium is represented by a Schengen partner are concerned, it is obviously wise to check well in advance whether an appointment has to be made

Contact e-mail address in Foreign Affairs, Service visas in Brussels
Mrs. Fanny Van Hoye, e-mail Fanny.VanHoye [at] diplobel [dot] fed [dot] be