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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇧🇪BelgiumSA-BE

Saudi Arabia to Belgium visa requirements

Yes, a Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder needs a visa to visit Belgium. Saudi Arabia is on the EU's Annex I (visa-required) list, so a Schengen Type C short-stay visa must be obtained before travel. Belgium is a Schengen Area member state, and Saudi Arabia is listed in Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806, meaning Saudi citizens are NOT visa-exempt. A Saudi ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Belgium for tourism. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications in Saudi Arabia are submitted in person through VFS Global centres (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar/Dammam) on behalf of the Belgian consulate, and require biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90 (raised from EUR 80 on 11 June 2024). Note: the EU has not yet moved Saudi Arabia to the visa-exempt list, and although a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa scheme exists for GCC nationals (since 2024) and visa-free entry is under discussion, neither makes Saudi travel visa-free as of mid-2026. ETIAS (planned for late 2026) applies only to visa-EXEMPT nationals and therefore does NOT cover Saudi citizens, who must continue to apply for a full Schengen visa.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C / Uniform Schengen Visa)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry (multi-entry up to 5 years available for GCC nationals)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (adult); EUR 45 (children 6-11); plus VFS service fee
consular fee only
Processing time
15 working days (up to 45 days in busy periods)
standard track
Validity
Matches travel dates; longer multi-entry validity (1-5 years) possible for frequent travelers
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm visa type and trip dates
For tourism choose the Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa. Belgium must be your main destination or first point of entry for the application to be lodged with the Belgian consulate.
· Type C· Tourism
/02
Book an appointment with VFS Global
Create an account and schedule a biometric appointment at the VFS Global centre in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar/Dammam. Book 4-6 weeks ahead in peak season.
· VFS Global· Appointment
/03
Gather and complete the application
Fill in the Schengen visa application form, prepare a passport valid 3+ months beyond departure with two blank pages, photos, travel insurance (min. EUR 30,000), flight and hotel bookings, and proof of funds.
· Documents· Insurance
/04
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit documents in person, pay the visa fee plus VFS service fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics valid 59 months).
· Biometrics· Fee payment
/05
Wait for processing
Standard decision time is 15 working days; allow extra time (up to 45 days) during high season or if extra checks are needed.
· 15 working days
/06
Collect passport and verify the visa
Retrieve your passport from VFS, check the visa sticker (dates, number of entries, duration of stay) before travel, and carry supporting documents at the border.
· Collection· Verify sticker
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Belgium · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C / Uniform Schengen Visa)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSaudi passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, issued within last 10 years, with 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (35x45 mm, white background)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering all Schengen states, min. EUR 30,000
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRound-trip flight reservation showing entry/exit dates
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed hotel bookings or invitation letter for the full stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, salary slips)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredVisa fee EUR 90 plus VFS service fee (payable at appointment)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedProof of employment / business / student status (e.g. letter, Iqama if resident)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedDetailed day-by-day travel itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: European Commission - Schengen Visa Fee Increase (11 June 2024)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard adult short-stay fee since 11 June 2024
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service feeEUR 30-40 approx.Per applicant; payable in SAR at the centre
Travel medical insuranceEUR 30-60 approx.Mandatory; min. EUR 30,000 coverage across Schengen
Optional VFS add-onsVariablePremium lounge, courier, SMS, photo services (optional)
Total estimateEUR 90EUR 190incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Peak-season / extended review
Up to 45 calendar days
Applies in busy periods or when additional documents or scrutiny are required.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Saudi Arabia is on the EU visa-required list (Annex I)
EU Regulation 2018/1806 lists Saudi Arabia in Annex I, so its citizens must hold a Schengen visa for any short stay in Belgium.
High
/02
Belgium is a full Schengen Area member
Entry is governed by uniform Schengen short-stay rules, including the 90/180-day limit and a common visa.
High
/03
Not yet visa-exempt despite ongoing EU talks
Discussions on visa-free access for Saudis are underway but no exemption has entered into force as of mid-2026, so a visa is still mandatory.
Medium
/04
ETIAS does not replace the visa for Saudis
ETIAS (from late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationals; Saudi travelers must still obtain a Schengen visa, not an ETIAS.
Medium
/05
Biometrics and in-person submission required
First-time and most applicants must appear at VFS Global to give fingerprints and a photo.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Belgium route verified
Confirmed via EU Regulation 2018/1806 (Annex I) and European Commission sources that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa for Belgium; adult fee EUR 90 since 11 June 2024; ETIAS does not apply to visa-required Saudi nationals.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Belgium?
Yes. Saudi Arabia is on the EU's visa-required list (Annex I), so a Saudi ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Belgium.
How long can I stay in Belgium on a Schengen visa?+
Do Saudis need ETIAS instead of a visa?+
How much does the Belgium Schengen visa cost?+
Where do Saudi residents apply for a Belgium visa?+
Can I get a multi-year Schengen visa as a Saudi national?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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