🇻🇳VIETNAM

🏳BEVN-BE

Do Vietnam passport holders need a visa to visit BE?

Q: Can Vietnamese travelers use ETIAS instead of a visa?

No. ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Vietnam is visa-required, so a full Schengen visa is needed, not ETIAS.

Q: How long can I stay on a Belgium Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, subject to the validity granted on your visa.

Q: Where do Vietnamese applicants apply for a Belgium visa?

Through the VFS Global Belgium Visa Application Centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, after completing the online form on Belgium's Visa on Web portal.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

The consular fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11 (free under 6), plus a VFS service fee and mandatory travel insurance.

Q: How early should I apply?

Apply at least 3-6 weeks before travel; you can apply up to 6 months in advance. Allow extra time in summer and holiday peaks.

Vietnamese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Belgium for tourism. ETIAS does not apply — that is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Belgium is a full member of the Schengen Area, and Vietnam is on the EU's visa-required list. A Vietnamese ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Category C) visa before traveling to Belgium for tourism. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications are filed in person through the VFS Global Belgium Visa Application Centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City after completing the online form on Belgium's Visa on Web portal. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected for first-time applicants. The consular fee is €90 for adults. Because Vietnam is visa-required, the ETIAS travel authorisation does NOT apply to Vietnamese nationals — that scheme is reserved for visa-exempt travelers. Note that the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) now records biometric entry/exit data at the border in place of passport stamps. Mandatory travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is required. Apply well in advance, especially in summer and holiday seasons.

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.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

€90 consular fee (adult)

consular fee only

Processing time

15 calendar days typical; up to 45 days in some cases

standard track

Validity

As granted; aligned to travel dates within the 90/180 rule

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm visa type and purpose

Determine that you need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa for tourism. Belgium must be your main destination or first point of entry to be the correct country to apply to.

· Type C· Tourism

/02

Complete the online application

Fill in the electronic application form on Belgium's Visa on Web portal (visaonweb.diplomatie.be) and print the confirmation.

· visaonweb.diplomatie.be

/03

Gather supporting documents

Assemble passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, proof of funds, and employment/financial evidence.

· Full document set

/04

Book a VFS Global appointment

Schedule an appointment at the Belgium Visa Application Centre run by VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

· Hanoi· Ho Chi Minh City

/05

Attend in person and give biometrics

Appear in person to submit your file, pay fees, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics). Personal appearance is compulsory.

· Biometrics· In person

/06

Track and collect your passport

Track the application online and collect your passport once a decision is made. Apply 3-6 weeks (and up to 6 months) before travel.

· Track online

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended stay, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (Visa on Web)

required

Two recent biometric passport photos (ICAO standard)

required

Travel medical insurance, minimum €30,000 coverage, valid Schengen-wide

required

Round-trip flight reservation / itinerary

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation/host)

required

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, last 3-6 months)

required

Employment proof / business registration / no-objection letter

recommended

Cover letter explaining trip purpose and itinerary

recommended

Visa fee paid (non-refundable)

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa consular fee (adult)€90Standard rate since June 2024; non-refundable

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)€45Children under 6 are free

VFS Global service fee~€40 (approx. ₫1,000,000)Capped by EU at half the visa fee; varies

Travel medical insurance€30-€60Mandatory, minimum €30,000 coverage

Total estimate€130 — €190incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Typical decision time after a complete application is submitted at VFS Global.

Extended processing

Up to 30-45 days

Applies when additional documents or scrutiny are needed, or during peak seasons.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Vietnam is on the EU visa-required list

Vietnamese ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, so a visa must be obtained before travel.

High

/02

Belgium is a full Schengen member

Entry to Belgium follows common Schengen short-stay rules, including the 90/180-day limit.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities; visa-required Vietnamese travelers use a Schengen visa instead.

Medium

/04

Biometrics and EES registration

First-time applicants give fingerprints; at the border the Entry/Exit System now logs biometric entry/exit data.

Medium

/05

Mandatory travel insurance

Schengen rules require medical insurance of at least €30,000, a common reason for refusals if missing.

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

Vietnam to Belgium route verified

Confirmed via the Belgian Embassy in Vietnam and VFS Global that Vietnamese ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C short-stay visa (€90) for tourism; ETIAS does not apply to visa-required Vietnamese nationals.

/09 — The questions