Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. If your passport needs a visa for Europe, you apply for a Schengen short-stay visa from the UK before you travel. One visa covers travel across the whole Schengen Area.
Up to 6 months before travel, and at least 15 days before
Decision
Usually within 15 calendar days, sometimes up to 45
In person
Biometrics at a visa application centre in the UK
Apply through Belgium if it is your main destination, or your first point of entry when you spend equal time in several Schengen countries.
About Belgium
Belgium is compact and easy to cover by train. Medieval squares, canals, chocolate, waffles and beer are the draw, with Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp all within an hour or so of each other.
CapitalBrussels
LanguageDutch, French and German
CurrencyEuro (€)
Best time to visitMay to September
Most visited places in Belgium
BrusselsThe Grand-Place, the Atomium, Manneken Pis and the EU quarter.
BrugesCanals, cobbled lanes and the Belfry in a preserved medieval centre.
GhentGravensteen castle, the Graslei waterfront and the Ghent Altarpiece.
AntwerpA diamond and fashion city with a striking central station and Rubens’ house.
LeuvenA lively university town with an ornate Gothic town hall.
The ArdennesForested hills, river valleys and small towns such as Dinant and Durbuy.
Documents you will usually need
Passport with enough validity and blank pages
Proof of your UK status, such as a BRP, BRC, eVisa share code, PR or ILR
Completed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photographs
Travel itinerary and flight reservation
Hotel booking or other proof of accommodation
Travel medical insurance (at least €30,000 cover for Schengen)
Bank statements showing regular income and enough funds
Employment, business or student documents
Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip
Requirements change and differ by nationality. We confirm the current checklist for your case before you pay any fee.
How we help
Tell us your plans
Send your destination, travel dates and current UK status. We confirm which visa you need and quote our service fee.
We book your appointment
We look for the earliest suitable slot at the visa application centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
We prepare your file
Application form, cover letter, itinerary, reservations and insurance, checked against the current checklist for your destination.
You attend and travel
Attend your appointment with the file we prepared. The embassy makes the decision and returns your passport.
Visa approval is never guaranteed. The decision belongs to the embassy, consulate or immigration authority. Avoid buying non-refundable flights or hotels before your visa is granted.