Visas
Hereunder we have provided helpful information regarding the relevant Visa process, however, it is still your sole responsibility to follow up on the correct procedure should anything have changed since our last investigation into this process.
South African passport holders need a VISA to enter Belgium.
South Africans need a visa to travel to one or more of the Schengen countries.
You will start the Schengen visa application process by filling out an application form and gathering all the necessary documents. You then need to attend an interview at a visa application centre or at the consulate for the country you will be travelling to (or spending the most time in if you are going to several Schengen countries)
The processing time for a Belgian Schengen visa may take up to 15 days, in a normal situation. In some cases, this period may be extended as following:
-up to 30 days due to the high number of applications the embassy of Belgium is receiving or the sensitivity of your case
-up to 60 days in extraordinary cases, especially when the Belgian embassy has to consult the embassy of one or more Schengen members
How to Apply
• For all visa applications, an appointment is mandatory. These appointments can be scheduled using the website of TLS.
• Appointments for long term visa applications to be lodged in the Consulate in Cape Town can be scheduled on following link: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/7mqcxb38/
• Appointments must be made at least 15 working days before departure.
• Visa handling time: 5-10 working days, provided that visa file is complete. Fill out the Schengen visa application form
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/download-schengen-visa-application-form/
• Gather the required documents
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-application-requirements/
• Attend your interview
• Pay the Shengen visa fee
• Colllect your passport once you have been notified
Visa Costs
Belgium Short Term Visa Fees at a Glance
Belgium Visa Application Type Visa Fee in Euro
Belgium visas for adult travelers 60
Belgium visas for children (6 – 12 years) 35
Belgium visas for children (under 6 years) FREE
Visa Requirements
• Belgium visa application form. Fully completed, printed and signed at the end.
• Two identical photos. The photographs should be no older than three months and taken according to the Belgium visa photograph requirements & specifications.
• Your passport. It should contain at least to blank pages in order to be able to affix the Belgium visa sticker. Check the validity of your passport before you apply, since it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit Belgium (Schengen territory). It must be no older than 10 years, as well.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Language Preference Form. Belgian authorities offer to you the opportunity to choose in which of the three national languages of Belgium you wish your application to be treated (French, German or Dutch). On the other hand, if you choose to complete the application in English, please choose “no preference”.
• Schengen Travel Insurance. You are required to submit a document, which confirms that you have purchased travel insurance for Belgium and the whole territory of Schengen, with a minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, and repatriation in case of death. Learn how to buy travel insurance to meet the Belgium visa requirements.
• A cover letter. In which you explain why you wish to visit Belgium and you give further details on your trip.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Belgium (Schengen area).
• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will stay in Belgium.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Belgium. According to the Belgian Immigration Office, a traveler has to attest possessing €95 per day if staying in a hotel
If employed:
• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
If self-employed:
• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)
If a student:
• Proof of enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school or university
• Advertisements
If retired:
• Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If applicable:
• Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months, and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.
Application Centres
Consulate Johannesburg
158 Jan Smuts Building, 3rd Floor West Core, 9 Walters Avenue, Rosebank 2196
Johannesburg, South Africa
T: +27 11 912 96 00
F: +27 11 447 54 96
Emergency number outside opening hours (not for visa): +27 82 458 80 26
Johannesburg@diplobel.fed.be
Consulate Cape Town
1 Thibault Square, 19th floor – FORESHORE, 8001, Cape Town, South Africa
T: +27 21 419 46 90
F: +27 21 421 11 21
Emergency number outside opening hours (not for visa): +27 73 772 45 59
Capetown@diplobel.fed.be