Not all Filipino citizens require a Schengen visa to enter Belgium. If you are visa-exempt, you can stay in Belgium for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days or if you are not visa-exempt, you must apply for a Schengen visa.
You can check if you need a Schengen visa by using the Visa Checker tool on the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
The following documents are required when applying for a Belgium Schengen visa:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Schengen Visa Application Form: The application form can be downloaded from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. It must be filled out completely and signed.
- Two Recent Passport-Style Photographs: The photographs must be taken within the last six months and meet the following requirements:
- Size: 35mm x 45mm (1.38 inches x 1.77 inches)
- Color: Natural colors, without red-eye
- Background: White
- Printed on high-quality photo paper
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary that includes your dates of arrival and departure, as well as the names and addresses of the places you will be staying in Belgium.
- Proof of Accommodation: A copy of your hotel reservation or other proof of accommodation in Belgium.
- Proof of Financial Means: You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Belgium. This can be done by providing:
- Bank statements
- Pay slips
- Letters from your employer or sponsor
- Travel Insurance: You must have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation costs. The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
- Visa Fee: The visa fee for a Belgium Schengen visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 11. The fee can be paid in cash or by credit card.
- Additional Documents May Be Required Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to provide additional documents, such as:
- A letter of invitation from a family member or friend in Belgium
- A birth certificate
- A marriage certificate
- A copy of your residence permit (if you are not a Filipino citizen)
You must submit the required documents in person at the Belgian embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
Step 3: Apply for Your Visa
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you can apply for your Schengen visa. To apply, you must:
- Visit the Belgian embassy or consulate in person.
- Submit your application form and supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Have your fingerprints taken.
The visa application process can take several weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of your travel dates.
Step 4: Collect Your Visa
If your visa application is approved, you will be notified by the Belgian embassy or consulate. You can then collect your visa from the embassy or consulate in person.
Tips for Applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa
- Start the visa application process early.
- Make sure you have all of the required documents.
- Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
- Be honest and provide all relevant information.
- If you have any questions, contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
