Description

Belgium schengen visa Policy

Belgium schengen visa operates a visa policy similar to other EU countries that are part of the Schengen Zone. This policy determines who can enter with and without a visa and the special conditions each traveler must satisfy. Travelers from Schengen countries who hold Schengen passports don’t have to show visas at the checkpoint before they can enter Belgium. This is because citizens of Schengen States enjoy visa-free passes, and they can stay anywhere in the region for some time.

Even those who may not have valid Schengen passports may use their valid government-issued ID cards to enter Belgium or any Schengen country of their choice. Visa-free visitors can stay in Belgium for up to 90 days for transit, tourism, medical care, or transit, but they cannot seek paid work.

Another category of persons that can visit Belgium is foreign nationals from non-visa-exempt countries. This group of visitors can only enter Belgium if they have valid visas. Valid visas are issued by Belgian foreign missions to qualified applicants who satisfy all the conditions. The embassies issue Schengen and national visas; Schengen visas can be used to enter other Schengen countries, while national visas are only recognized and accepted by Belgian immigration.

Belgium schengen visa ETIAS

The European Union is set to make the ETIAS visa waiver program mandatory for visitors from visa-exempt countries. The European Travel Information and Authorization System is already in the pilot phase, and eligible visitors may visit the Schengen region with ETIAS or their valid passport, but this is set to change in 2024 when it becomes mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors.

ETIAS is an electronic pre-screening security vetting system of the European Union. It will be used to vet applicants coming to member states as a means to protect the continent from terrorist attacks, curtail pandemics, stop Illegal migration, and combat criminal elements and activities. The ETIAS permit is linked to the holder’s passport and can be electronically generated.

The application is down online, so there isn’t a need to visit the Belgian embassy to submit a physical application. It is valid for 3 years, and the holder can stay in Belgium for 90 days maximum in a 180-day period. Here are the nationalities that can apply for ETIAS.

Key Information About Belgium schengen visa ETIAS

As you prepare for your application here are some important tips to keep in mind.

It is not a visa: The European Travel Information and Authorization System is not a visa and should not be used as such. It is merely a document for short trips to Belgium and other Schengen countries.

Eligibility: This document is not for all foreigners but for citizens of visa exempt countries. If you are not from a visa exempt country and you don’t have a valid passport you are not eligible for ETIAS. Consider applying for a Schengen or national visa of Belgium.

Non convertible: Do note that ETIAS cannot be converted to a different person nor can it be converted into a visa.  Once it is approved, it remains the exclusive property of the person who applied for it in the same form until it expires after three years or when their passport expires.

Application Fees: Not all applicants must pay application fees for processing. Applicants under 17 and above 70 are exempted from paying fees. As for persons within this age bracket they must pay the application fee before submitting their applications.  Fees are paid with credit or debit cards.

Primary Destination Rule: The primary destination rule states that applicants must first travel to the country they filled as their primary destination before heading to any other Schengen country if they have more than one destination in their itinerary. In this case, they must visit Belgium first before any other country.

Limitations: Take note of the limitations to your Etias before embarking on a trip. You cannot work in Belgium nor can you study with ETIAS. If you must work or study you will need a work or study visa for that. You are also not permitted to remain in the country indefinitely or stay more than the 90 days allowed in a six months period. Persons who overstay will be sanctioned or banned from future visits.