🇿🇦South Africa

🇧🇪BelgiumZA-BE

South Africa to Belgium visa requirements

Q: Can I use ETIAS instead of a visa?

No. ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. South Africans are not visa-exempt and still need a full Schengen visa.

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

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the dates on your visa.

Q: Where do I apply if I only visit Belgium?

Apply through the Belgian Embassy via the authorised TLScontact visa application centre in South Africa, using the Visa-on-Web form.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6-12 (under 6 free), plus the TLScontact service fee.

Q: How early should I apply?

Apply at least a few weeks ahead; you may apply up to 6 months before travel and no later than 15 working days before departure.

South African ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Belgium for tourism. Apply before you travel; visa-free entry and ETIAS do not apply. Belgium is a member of the Schengen Area, and South Africa is on the EU's visa-required (Annex I) list. A South African ordinary passport holder therefore must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before travelling to Belgium for tourism. Applications for Belgium-only trips are lodged through the Belgian Embassy via the authorised visa application centre (TLScontact) in South Africa, using the Visa-on-Web online form. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The standard visa fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children aged 6-12), plus a TLScontact service fee. Standard processing is about 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-45 days in peak season, so apply early (no more than 6 months before travel). ETIAS does NOT apply to South Africans because it covers only visa-exempt nationalities; a full Schengen visa remains required.

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 Type C short-stay visa

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (adults); EUR 45 (children 6-12)

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 calendar days (up to 30-45 in peak season)

standard track

Validity

As issued, within the 90/180 Schengen rule

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm your trip and main destination

Since you are visiting only Belgium, apply through the Belgian Embassy / its visa centre. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of your main destination or first point of entry.

· Belgium = main destination

/02

Complete the Visa-on-Web application

Fill in and print the official Schengen application using the Belgian Visa-on-Web form at visaonweb.diplomatie.be.

· Online form· Print and sign

/03

Gather supporting documents

Assemble passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment or funds.

· See checklist

/04

Book an appointment at TLScontact

Schedule a biometrics appointment at the TLScontact visa application centre serving South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban).

· Biometrics required

/05

Attend appointment and pay fees

Submit your file in person, give fingerprints and a photo, and pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus the TLScontact service fee.

· In person· Fingerprints

/06

Collect your passport and travel

Wait for processing (about 15 days), collect your passport, and check the visa sticker dates before you travel.

· Verify visa dates

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

South Africa -> Belgium · Schengen Type C short-stay visa

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted and signed Visa-on-Web application form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (ICAO standard)

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredTravel medical insurance covering EUR 30,000, valid across Schengen

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host invitation)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredRecent 3-6 months bank statements proving sufficient funds

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RecommendedProof of employment, business or study (leave letter, registration)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of the trip

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RequiredProof of paid visa fee and TLScontact service fee

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

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.

Official sourcesEmbassy of Belgium in South Africa - Visa for Belgium Belgian Immigration Office (FPS Home Affairs)TLScontact South Africa - Belgium Tourism Visa documents

Application link included: Embassy of Belgium in South Africa - Visa for Belgium

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Payable per applicant; non-refundable if refused

Schengen visa fee (child 6-12)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

TLScontact service feeapprox. ZAR 600-700Per applicant; varies and additional to the visa fee

Travel medical insuranceapprox. ZAR 400-900Must cover EUR 30,000 across Schengen for trip duration

Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 90 + service & insurance fees (approx. ZAR 1,000-1,600)incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

About 15 calendar days

Normal timeframe after a complete application is submitted with biometrics.

Peak-season / extended review

30-45 calendar days

Applies during busy periods or when additional documents or checks are needed.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

South Africa is on the EU visa-required list

South African nationals are listed in Annex I, so a Schengen visa is mandatory for short stays in Belgium.

High

/02

Belgium is a Schengen member

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

High

/03

ETIAS does not replace the visa

ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationalities; South Africans still need a full Schengen visa.

Medium

/04

Tourism is a Type C purpose

Tourist and short visits fall under the Schengen Category C short-stay visa.

Medium

/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

South Africa to Belgium route verified

Confirmed via the Belgian Embassy in South Africa, the Belgian Immigration Office and EU visa lists that South African ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C short-stay visa for Belgium; fee remains EUR 90 and ETIAS does not apply to visa-required nationals.

/09 — The questions