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Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to Belgium.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Consulates

Cape Town:

Embassy

Belgium Embassy in Pretoria:

TLS Application Centre:

Johannesburg:

  • Address: Lakeside 3, Second Floor, East 263A West Avenue, Die Hoewes, Centurion, 0157

Cape Town:

  • Address: The Pinnacle Building, 9th Floor. Corner Strand, Burg and Castle Street, Cape Town, 8000

Durban:

  • Address: Odyssey place, 3 Sookhai place Derby downs office park Westville, Durban, 3630

WEATHER

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, often with cloudy skies and occasional drizzle.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in Belgium is fresh and blooming, with temperatures gradually rising from 8°C to 18°C. Parks and gardens, such as those in Brussels and Ghent, come alive with flowers. Light showers are common, so packing a raincoat is wise. It’s a great time for city walks and countryside cycling.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is the warmest and sunniest season, with average highs between 20°C and 25°C. Cities like Bruges and Antwerp are lively with festivals, open-air markets, and canal tours. Occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 30°C, but they’re usually brief. Expect occasional thunderstorms.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees cooler temperatures from 18°C down to 8°C, with colourful foliage in the Ardennes and city parks. It’s still pleasant for sightseeing, though rain becomes more frequent. Early autumn is ideal for cultural events and food festivals.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are chilly, with temperatures between 0°C and 6°C. Snowfall is rare but possible, especially in the Ardennes. Cities sparkle with festive Christmas markets, especially in Brussels, Bruges, and Liège. Indoor attractions like museums and cosy cafés make winter travel enjoyable.
  • Best Time to Travel: Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the best mix of mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer is great for festivals and outdoor events, while winter is perfect for enjoying Belgium’s holiday charm and hearty cuisine.

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