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Belgium Visa Types

Belgium, situated in the heart of Europe, is among the 500000 tourists and business visitors travelling to Belgium every year for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business purposes, as well as transit. Anyway, if you are planning to visit the magnificent medieval streets of Bruges, Brussels for a business meeting, your relatives, or even just passing through one of Belgium’s airports, then it is very important that you pick the right one among the few Belgium visa types for a successful application.

Because Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, citizens of some other countries (including UK nationals) and Belgium visa for UK residents are required to obtain a Schengen visa when travelling to the Schengen Area. Many are delayed or rejected because they apply under the wrong types of Belgium visa or do not submit a complete set of documents

Here in this comprehensive guide, we outline the four main Belgium visa categories—Tourist, Business, Family Visit, and Transit—with eligibility criteria, required documents, and application tips for UK applicants only. This guide aims at helping you figure out how to choose the right Belgium visa types and travel accordingly with a hassle-free journey.  

Overview of Belgium visas Types

A Belgium visa is issued as a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), allowing travelers to stay in Belgium or the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa may be issued as:

  • Single-entry
  • Double-entry
  • Multiple-entry

Note: Choosing the right Belgium visa types depends on your travel purpose, documentation, and travel history.

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Belgium Visa types: Belgium Tourist Visa from UK

Belgium Visa Types

What is a Belgium tourist visa from UK?

A Belgium Tourist Visa is the most common among the few Belgium visa types that are issued to travelers who wish to visit Belgium for leisure, sightseeing, holidays, or cultural exploration. It is the most commonly applied visa type and is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups.

Who Should Apply?

You should apply for a Belgium visa from UK if:

  • Belgium is your main destination
  • You plan sightseeing, leisure travel, or holidays
  • You intend to visit cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, or Bruges
  • You are travelling alone or with family/friends for tourism

Key Requirements for Belgium Tourist Visa

Applicants from the UK generally need:

  • Belgium Schengen visa application form filled
  • Valid passport (at least 3 months validity after return)
  • Recent passport-size photographs
  • Confirmed travel itinerary
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation)
  • Travel insurance with a coverage of 30,000 euros
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips)
  • UK residence permit (BRP or UK e-visa, if applicable)

Validity & Stay Duration

  • Maximum stay: 90 days
  • Visa validity is subject to the itinerary and Belgium Schengen visa types with the right track record of your Schengen travel. 

Belgium visa types: Belgium Business Visa from UK

Belgium Visa Types

What is a Belgium business visa from UK?

A Belgium business visa is another important category under many Belgium visa types that allows visitors to visit Belgium for occupational reasons, including meetings, conferences, trade fairs, training courses, or contract negotiations. Work through Schengen Visa You are not allowed to work or get paid while in Belgium with a Schengen short stay visa.

Who Requires a Belgium Business Visa?

You should apply if you are:

  • Attending business meetings or conferences
  • Visiting a Belgium business or partner
  • Exhibit and tradeshow opportunities
  • Representing on behalf of a company in the UK

Additional Documents for Business Visa

In addition to standard Schengen papers, you will need:

  • Invitation letter from Belgian company
  • Cover letter from UK employer
  • Business registration documents (if self-employed)
  • Proof of business relationship
  • Registration to events or conferences (if applicable)

Business Visa Validity

  • Single- or multiple-entry options available
  • Ideal for work-oriented people going to meetings in Belgium or the Schengen area
  • It does not permit and approve paid employment

Belgium visa types: Family Visit Visa for Belgium from UK

Belgium Visa Types

What is a Belgium Family Visit Visa from UK?

A Belgium Family Visit visa is another one of the types of Belgium visas that is a short-term visa that is granted to the applicants who intend to come to Belgium just for the purpose of visiting their close relatives or family members in Belgium. Such couples, parents, children, and other relatives are considered the family members.

Who Can Apply?

You may apply if:

  • You have a relative in Belgium
  • You are visiting Belgium for a short period (up to 90 days)
  • Your host is a Belgium citizen or permanent resident

Required Documents

Besides standard visa requirements:

  • Invitation letter from a family member
  • Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
  • Host’s residence permit or Belgium ID
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sponsorship documents (if applicable)

Important Notes

  • All documents must be truthful and authentic for this Belgium visa types category
  • Proof of family relationship is key to getting approval

Belgium visa types: Belgium Transit Visa from UK

Belgium Visa Types

What is a Belgium Transit Visa from UK?

A Belgium Transit Visa is a visa for travelers who are just passing through Belgium and going to a non-Schengen country. Some nationalities need an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) even for an airport, even if they decide not to leave the airport premises. 

Who Needs a Transit Visa?

You may need a Belgium transit visa if:

  • You are transiting through a Belgian airport
  • You belong to a nationality subject to transit visa rules
  • You do not hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit

Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Confirmed onward flight tickets
  • Visa or residence permit for final destination
  • Travel itinerary
  • Proof of funds (if required)

Exemptions

Certain travelers may be exempt if they hold:

  • Valid Schengen visas
  • UK or EU residence permits
  • Diplomatic or official passports

Where to Apply for a Belgium Visa in the UK

Belgium visa applications are handled at visa centres in:

  • London
  • Manchester
  • Edinburgh

Note: Applicants have to go for a biometric appointment unless they are exempted. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for a Belgium visa application form through which our visa experts with 15+ years of experience book your Belgium Schengen visa appointment from UK. APPLY NOW!

Common Mistakes to Avoid while choosing Belgium visa types

  • Trying to get a visa through the wrong category, or in other words, choosing the wrong Belgium visa types is one of the main reasons for visa refusal.
  • Submitting incomplete documentation
  • Insufficient financial proof
  • Unclear travel itinerary
  • Late appointment booking during peak seasons

Note: Professional visa guidance can greatly help you avoid these kinds of problems. 

Why Choose Professional Belgium Visa Agents?

Expert visa consultants are at your service to assist you if you are a first-time applicant or a non-UK passport holder. They provide a lot of help, such as

  • Selecting the right Belgium visa types among different types of belgium visas. 
  • Checking the documentation
  • Cover letters and itineraries
  • Appointment booking
  • Minimizing the rejection risk

Note: This well-organized strategy can lead to a higher chance of approval and is also time-saving.

Conclusion

There are different Belgium visa types, such as tourist, business, family visit, and transit visas. It is important to know the difference. This is the first thing you need to do to get your application approved. Different types of visas have different requirements for who can get one and what documents they need. So, it is important to know which category to choose to avoid delays or refusals. 

Our BELGIUM VISA AGENTS help you with everything from filling out the application to booking your Belgium Schengen visa appointment from UK and more. Our visa expert makes sure that your application is accurate and well prepared no matter if you are travelling for leisure, business, family, or transit purposes. Proper guidance can make your Belgium visa process smooth and stress-free.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to apply for a Belgium visa?

The best time to apply for any Belgium visa types is 1 to 2 months before your travel date. However, if, due to certain circumstances, your departure dates are near and you still need to apply for Belgium tourist visa from UK,  no need to panic. Our BELGIUM VISA AGENTS help in providing express visa appointments at the visa centre within 2 to 3 days with documentation assistance and more. APPLY WITH US NOW!  

Which Belgium visa should I apply for from the UK?

For short trips to Belgium from the UK, travelers should apply for a short stay Schengen visa, also known as a type C visa, among different Belgium visa types that cover tourism, business, and family reunification. If you are planning on staying longer than 90 days, you will need a long stay national visa, also known as a Type D visa. Whereas transit visas are helpful when passing through Belgium and it is known as a specific type of Belgian visa, as it allows you to transit from one place to another knowing that your main destination should be the first point of entry.

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Belgium visa?

Yes. A Belgium Schengen visa allows travel to all other 28 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. It is important for you to follow the 90/180-day rule across the entire Schengen Area, and the Belgium visa from UK must be obtained from the country of your main destination or first point of entry.

Is there an interview for a Belgium visa?

Yes. An interview round is held during the document verification and biometrics. The usual time to get called for an interview and for further processing is usually 10 to 15 working days. But wait, with the help of our visa experts at BELGIUM VISA AGENTS, an express appointment with the visa centre can be booked, as our experts work tirelessly to provide you the best visa experience.

Can a Belgium visa be refused?

Yes, a Belgium visa can be refused due to doubts regarding the applicant’s intention to leave the Schengen Area, with a reported refusal rate of 24.6%. Normally, they can reapply for their Belgium visa with better documentation, or they can appeal the decision within 30 days. The reasons for an appeal of a Belgium visa include lack of proof of sufficient funds and uncertain purpose of travel. Invalid travel insurance or doubts about the applicant’s intention to return to their home country.

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