Belgium Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized parental consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s), including contact information and a copy of the parent's ID. This is not legally required but strongly recommended to avoid complications at immigration. Children traveling in organized groups should have authorization from parents/guardians. For divorced or separated parents, carry custody documentation if applicable. Adopted children should carry adoption papers. Belgium does not require specific documentation for children traveling with both parents, but having birth certificates can be helpful.

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) entering Belgium from non-EU countries must be microchipped with ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel (but not more than the vaccine's validity period), and have a valid health certificate issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Pets from high-rabies-risk countries require a rabies antibody titer test at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel. An EU pet passport is required for pets from EU countries. Maximum of 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain dog breeds are restricted or banned in Belgium (including Pitbull Terrier, Mastiff, Tosa). Birds require health certificates and may need quarantine. Other animals have specific import requirements. Contact FASFC (Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain) for detailed requirements: afsca.be

Tourist visas and visa-free stays are limited to 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen Area. For longer stays, you must apply for a national (Type D) visa before traveling to Belgium. This applies to work, study, family reunification, or long-term residence. Apply at the Belgian embassy/consulate in your home country. After arriving in Belgium on a Type D visa, you must register with your local commune (municipality) within 8 working days and apply for a residence permit. Different categories exist: work permits (requires job offer and employer sponsorship), student visas (requires enrollment in recognized institution), family reunification, retirement, and self-employment. Each category has specific requirements and documentation. Processing times vary from several weeks to months. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but must register with the commune if staying over 3 months.

Business visitors entering Belgium for short-term activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) can usually do so on tourist visa or visa-free entry, provided they are not engaging in gainful employment. Carry invitation letters from Belgian company, conference registration, or proof of business purpose. Clearly state 'business visit' as purpose at immigration. For any paid work or extended business activities, a work permit and appropriate visa are required. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work freely in Belgium but should register with the commune. Self-employed individuals and freelancers need specific permits. Business travelers should carry business cards, company documentation, and details of Belgian business contacts.

Non-EU students planning to study in Belgium for more than 90 days must obtain a Type D student visa before arrival. Requirements include: acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian educational institution, proof of sufficient financial means (approximately €670 per month), medical certificate, clean criminal record certificate, and proof of accommodation. After arrival, register with the local commune within 8 working days to receive residence permit. Student visa allows part-time work (maximum 20 hours per week during term, full-time during holidays) after obtaining work permit. EU/EEA students can study freely but must register with commune if staying over 3 months. Short courses under 90 days may be possible on tourist visa/visa-free entry.

Passengers transiting through Belgian airports without entering the Schengen Area (airside transit) generally do not need a visa if staying in the international transit area. However, nationals of certain countries require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for airside transit. Check if your nationality requires ATV. If you need to change airports, collect luggage, or stay overnight in Belgium, you need a regular Schengen visa or visa-free entry eligibility. Ensure your passport meets standard requirements (valid 3+ months beyond departure). Keep onward boarding passes and travel documents accessible. Transit times should be reasonable (typically under 24 hours).

Belgium does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers employed by non-Belgian companies technically need a work permit for stays exceeding tourist visa limits, even if working remotely for a foreign employer. For stays under 90 days, many digital nomads enter on tourist visas/visa-free entry, though technically working (even remotely) may violate visa terms. For longer stays, options include: self-employment visa (requires business plan and registration as independent), long-term visa with work permit, or EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers. Some remote workers establish Belgian companies or freelance status. Consult with Belgian immigration authorities or immigration lawyer for compliant options. Tax implications should also be considered for extended stays.