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2 ways to enter

Belgium visas

Belgium transit visa

Many travellers can change flights in Belgium without a visa if they stay in one airport's international transit area for less than one day. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even when staying there.

Ways to get a Belgium transit visa

  1. Airport transfer without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers who do not need an airport transit visa, or who meet an exemption, can use the one-airport transit rule.

    Stay
    Less than one day in the international transit area.

Who needs it

Unless exempt, citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Burundi, Dominican Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Nepal, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Yemen need an airport transit visa in Belgium.

Who doesn't

Exemptions cover certain visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European Union single market citizens and flight crew.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
The visa-free airport transfer rule only applies if you can stay in the international transit area. If you must leave it, you need permission to enter Belgium under the normal entry rules.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Transfer through one airport, stay in its international transit area and leave in less than 24 hours. Your flights and the airport layout must allow this. Travellers who need an airport transit visa must hold one unless an exemption applies.

Good to know

  • Stay in the international transit area when using the visa-free airport transfer rule.
  • Check whether the connection requires passing through border control.
  • The limit is strictly less than 24 hours.
  • Belgium requires airport transit visas from additional nationalities beyond the common Schengen list.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Belgium?

Unless exempt, citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Burundi, Dominican Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Nepal, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Yemen need an airport transit visa in Belgium. Exemptions cover certain visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European Union single market citizens and flight crew.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Belgium?

There are 2 options: Airport transfer without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Belgium transit visa?

The general visa-free airport transfer rule requires a stay of less than one day.

How long can I stay in transit in Belgium?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transfer through one airport, stay in its international transit area and leave in less than 24 hours. Your flights and the airport layout must allow this. Travellers who need an airport transit visa must hold one unless an exemption applies.

Can I stay inside the airport in Belgium without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The visa-free airport transfer rule only applies if you can stay in the international transit area. If you must leave it, you need permission to enter Belgium under the normal entry rules.

What rules do I have to follow on a Belgium transit visa?

Stay in the international transit area when using the visa-free airport transfer rule. Check whether the connection requires passing through border control.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Belgium?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Belgium visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Belgium be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Belgium transit visa rules?

On Belgium's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Belgium?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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