Belgium Transit Visa Types and Application Processes
Belgium Transit Visa Types and Application Processes
As a rule, citizens of the Republic of Turkey with a maroon passport who will be transferring from Brussels Airport, Antwerp International Airport or other airports in Belgium during their travel to a country outside Belgium must obtain a transit Belgian visa.
The type A Belgian visa, also known as the ATV (Airport Transit Visa), only allows you to pass through the area reserved for transit passengers at the airport and does not allow you to leave the area reserved for you at the airport.
In what cases is a Belgium transit visa required?
A Belgian transit visa is mandatory for citizens traveling from a non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country via a connecting flight from a Belgian airport. A Belgian transit visa is valid for 24 hours and only in the international transit area of a Schengen airport.
If you need to stay in Belgium for more than one day, you must apply for a normal Schengen visa instead of a Belgian transit visa.
Does Belgium Require a Transit Visa?
As of December 1, 2022, Turkish citizens are required to obtain an airport transit visa for transfers via Belgium.
What are the Required Documents for Belgium Transit Visa Application?
The documents required for the Belgium transit visa application are listed below.
- Belgium transit visa application form : Must be fully filled and signed.
- Belgium visa photo : There must be 2 photographs taken within the last 3 months.
- Valid passport : The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank visa pages.
- Return ticket reservation : A personalized return flight ticket reservation is required indicating onward travel to a third country.
- Travel insurance cover : You must have health insurance that covers any medical emergency of at least €30,000.
- Application fee for a Belgian transit visa : A receipt showing that the visa application fee has been paid is required.
What are the Supporting Documents for a Belgium Transit Visa?
Supporting documents for the Belgian transit visa and the purposes for which they are preferred are listed.
- Visa for the destination country : A visa for the country to which you will be transferred at a Belgian airport, a valid residence permit or passport may be required.
- Accommodation and flight information for the country of destination : Accommodation and transportation information for the country of destination after Belgium may be required.
How to Apply for a Belgium Transit Visa?
For the Belgian transit visa, the application document and supporting documents must be prepared. As a second step, an appointment must be made to visit the VFS Global Belgian visa application center or Belgian foreign missions.
Then, on the appointment date for the Belgian transit visa, the VFS Global Belgian visa application center or the Belgian foreign representative office must be visited and the completed Belgian transit visa application form must be submitted along with the required documents.
In the next step, the application fee for the Belgian transit visa must be paid. Finally, the Belgian transit visa application result must be waited.
How Much Is the Belgium Transit Visa Fee?
Belgium transit visa fees are given in the table below.
| Belgium transit visa services | 2021 fee |
|---|---|
| Belgium transit visa fee | 736 TL |
| Application form and petition | €25 |
| Meeting | €5 |
| Biometrics operations | 384 TL |
| Consulting service | €25 |
| Travel health insurance | €15 |
| Agency Service | €25 |
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Belgium Transit Visa Application?
The application for a Belgian transit visa is decided on average within 15 calendar days from the date of submission.
In cases where more time is required, this period may be extended up to 30 days, and in exceptional cases such as the need for additional documents, up to 60 days.
Considering that applications are not accepted more than three months before travel to Belgium, it is recommended to apply for a Belgian transit visa early.
What Activities Are Not Allowed with a Belgium Transit Visa?
Passengers with a Belgian transit visa are allowed to spend the night at the airport, but are not allowed to leave the international transfer area of the airport.
If you need to transfer from more than one airport within Belgium, a Belgian transit visa is not sufficient. Since flights between two or more Schengen countries are considered domestic flights, even if they are for transit purposes, a normal Schengen Visa (type C) must be applied for instead of a Belgian transit visa.
What are the Other Belgian Visa Types Similar to the Belgian Transit Visa?
Other Belgian visa types similar to the Belgian transit visa are listed below.
- Belgium tourist visa : The Belgium tourist visa is a short-term visa type that allows foreign nationals to visit Belgium for a limited period of time. The Belgium tourist visa is a valid visa type for people who want to visit Belgium for touristic purposes by joining a tour with a travel agency or by paying for the tickets and hotel themselves.
- Belgium family and friend visit visa : The Belgium family and friend visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals who visit their family members or friends to visit Belgium for a short period of time.