The European Commission has revealed its plan to digitalize the Schengen visa. This will replace the mostly paper-based application system to obtain a visa for EU and Schengen countries currently in place. This means the Schengen visa will soon be available through a simplified online application process, similar to the European Travel Information and Authorization
Visa Requirements for Belgian Citizens
Visa requirements for Belgian citizens are administrative entry restrictions established by the authorities of each country around the world.
The visa requirements for Belgian passport holders vary depending on the purpose of the visit and period of stay in the destination country.
According to the Henley Passport Index, the Belgian passport is ranked number 6 in terms of freedom of travel. Belgian citizens can currently able to visit more than 115 countries and territories around the world without obtaining a visa, as Belgium is part of the European Union as well as the Schengen Area.
Although there are numerous countries that offer Belgian nationals the option of visiting the country without a visa, there are more than 105 countries that require them to obtain a visa before traveling, either through a government office or through an online eVisa application.
There are also around 20 countries that offer Belgian citizens the option of obtaining a visa on arrival at border checkpoints, although this often involves waiting in long queues to submit an application
Some countries that offer a visa on arrival for Belgians also offer the possibility of applying for an electronic visa through an online application program, eliminating the need to wait in line at immigration control points.
Visa-exempt Belgian citizens, as well as those eligible for an electronic travel visa authorization or visa on arrival, are usually granted short stays for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Travelers from Belgium who require another type of visa for their destination, such as a work visa or a student visa, or a visa for a longer period of permitted sta, must apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate of the country they wish to visit.
