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Visa Information
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General Info
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens need a Schengen Visa to travel to Belgium.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • Completed Application Form:
    • Fill out the “Common Schengen Application Form” in capital letters and sign it.
    • Available for free download from consular websites or at consular offices.
  • Passport:
    • Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your last day in the Schengen area.
    • Issued within the last 10 years.
    • Must have two blank pages for the visa.
    • Note: Temporary South African passports are generally not accepted by most Schengen states. Confirm their acceptability beforehand.
  • Photographs:
    • Provide two recent colour passport-sized photographs.
  • Residence Permit:
    • If not a South African citizen, provide a residence permit valid for at least 3 months after your last day in the Schengen area.
  • Visa for Final Destination:
    • Obtain any required visa for your final country of destination before applying for a Schengen visa, if applicable.
  • Visa Fee Payment:
    • Provide proof of payment for the visa fee.
  • Travel Itinerary:
    • Submit a round-trip reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen state, including dates and flight numbers.
    • Some consulates may require the original ticket upon visa collection (verify with the relevant consulate).
  • Proof of Funds:
    • Show evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay (e.g., a bank statement from the past three months).
    • The required amount varies by country—confirm with the consulate. Cash is not accepted as proof.
  • Travel Insurance:
    • Provide a one-page document confirming Schengen Travel Medical Insurance coverage with a minimum of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation, valid in all Schengen countries.
  • Accommodation Proof:
    • Include a confirmed hotel reservation (hotel vouchers are not sufficient).
    • If staying with a relative or friend, provide an invitation letter from the host, a copy of their passport or ID, and possibly authentication by relevant authorities.
    • For prepaid tours, provide details and proof of payment to the tour operator.

  • Submit an official business letter from a company in the Schengen area and a letter from your employer stating the purpose of the visit.
  • For conferences, provide proof of registration and payment.

  • Provide an unabridged birth certificate.
  • If traveling alone, include certified parental consent from both parents.
  • If traveling with one parent, include notarized consent from the other parent.
  • If only one parent has guardianship, present relevant court documents.
  • Some consulates may require both parents to sign in their presence.

The consular office may request additional documents such as proof of employment or student status, or a personal interview.

Apply at least 15 calendar days before your intended visit but no earlier than 3 months before the start of your visit.

  • Short-Stay Visa: Allows up to 90 days in a 6-month period.
  • Long-Stay Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, issued by member states based on national legislation.

  • All Visa Types (Transit and Short-Stay): €80, payable in Rand.
  • Children Aged 6-12: €40, payable in Rand.
  • Note: Contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate for the current Euro/Rand exchange rate and payment methods.

Austria, France, Germany, and the Netherlands do not accept South African temporary passports.

  1. VFS Global Johannesburg
  • Address:
    5th Floor, 4 Lacey Road, Suite 501, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa
  • Phone: +27 11 431 2380
  • Email: info.belgiumza@vfshelpline.com
  • Website: VFS Global Belgium Johannesburg
  1. VFS Global Cape Town
  • Address:
    5th Floor, 4 Lacey Road, Suite 501, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa
  • Phone: +27 21 426 0145
  • Email: info.belgiumza@vfshelpline.com
  • Website: VFS Global Belgium Cape Town
  1. Belgian Consulate in Cape Town
  • Address:
    5th Floor, 4 Lacey Road, Suite 501, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa
  • Phone: +27 21 426 0145
  • Email: info.capetown@diplobel.fed.be
  • Website: Belgian Consulate Cape Town
  1. Belgian Embassy in Johannesburg
  • Address:
    205 Wierda Road East, Wierda Valley, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
  • Phone: +27 11 289 8700
  • Email: info.johannesburg@diplobel.fed.be
  • Website: Belgian Embassy in South Africa

WEATHER

Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall year-round.

Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures between 8°C and 16°C; frequent rain.

Summer (June to August): Warm temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C; pleasantly sunny with occasional rain showers.

Autumn (September to November): Cool temperatures between 10°C and 18°C; variable weather with a higher chance of rain.

Winter (December to February): Cold temperatures ranging from 0°C to 7°C; snow possible but not guaranteed, frequent rain.

Best Time to Travel: Late Spring (May) and early autumn (September) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Belgium
Capital City: Brussels
International Airports: Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Area: 30,688 km²
Population: 11.5 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET; UTC+1)
Central European Summer Time (CEST; UTC+2 during daylight saving time)
Religion: Predominantly Christian (Roman Catholic), with some Protestant, Orthodox, and Muslim communities.
Language: Dutch (Flemish) in Flanders
French in Wallonia
German in a small eastern region
Currency: Euro (€)
Exchange Rate: Variable; as of the last update, approximately 1 USD = 0.92 EUR (check current rates for accuracy)
Credit Card Payment Availability: Widely accepted
ATM Accessibility: Readily available
Dialling Code: +32

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz.
Plug types C and E
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Business Hours: Typically, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Banking Hours: Usually 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Photography Restrictions: Generally, few restrictions; avoid taking photos in sensitive areas like military sites or private properties without permission.
Tipping: Not mandatory; rounding up the bill or a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated in restaurants.
Vaccination Requirements: Standard vaccinations as per the home country’s health recommendations.
No specific vaccinations required for Belgium.
Dress Code Restrictions: Casual to smart casual
Dress appropriately for the weather and formal occasions.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Beer Culture: Renowned for its diverse and high-quality beers; many locals enjoy traditional pubs.
– Chocolate and Waffles: Famous for its high-quality chocolate and waffles; sampling these local specialties is a must.
– Bureaucratic Formalities: Belgium has a strong bureaucratic culture, with formalities sometimes being meticulous.

FESTIVALS

  • Carnival of Binche: A traditional event in Binche featuring unique costumes and Gilles dancers, held in February or March.
  • Brussels Flower Carpet: An event held every two years in August, showcasing a stunning flower carpet in the Grand Place of Brussels.
  • Gentse Feesten: A large cultural festival in Ghent, held in July, featuring music, theatre, and street performances.
  • Tomorrowland: One of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, held annually in Boom in late July.

MAP

“Belgium is such a beautiful place with so much history and charm.”

– Andi Dorfman