Belgium
About
| Belgium is a country whose specialities include ubiquitous beers, delicate chocolates, moules frites and Belgian waffles. Enjoy the many Brussels museums such as the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Comic Strip Museum and the Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi. Pay homage to chocolate, which is one of Belgium's best known products, with a visit to the Museum of Chocolate and Cocoa off Brussels' Grand Place, or Choco-Story in Bruges. Don't miss the highlight of Brussels - the spectacular Gothic Grand Place. Pose for a photograph in front of the famous Manneken Pis nearby, and his less heralded sister the Janneken Pis; both statues hint at the exuberance and irreverence of the ‘Bruxellois'. Explore Brussels further, with St Michael and St Gudule's Cathedral and the Mont des Arts park, which links the upper and lower parts of the city. And don't forget the elegant Place Royale. |
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| Capital: | Brussels (BRU) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | Dutch, French and German. English may be spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 32 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. For non-EU nationals an international driving licence is recommended. |
| Best Time to Go: | March – May and September - October |
| Best for: | Castles, The Original Spa, War Sites |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the round two-pin type |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water is very popular with the locals. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however they are expensive and visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Speaking the “wrong” language can cause offence – make sure that you know which language should be spoken. If in doubt, English should be spoken. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | All individuals are required by law to carry identification at all times. Smoking is prohibited in certain public areas. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Although credit cards are widely accepted, if visiting a smaller village, be sure to carry cash. |
| Duty Free: | Belgium is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22%, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22%, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Belgium by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22%. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €175 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Restricted imports include firearms, narcotics, plants, animals and their products. Endangered species must be accompanied by a CITES permit. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Belgium
625 Leyds St, Muckleneuk 0002
Tel: 012 440 3201
Email: pretoria@diplobel.fed.be / pretoria.visa@diplobel.fed.be
Web: southafrica.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
Hours: Mon- Fri 08:30-16:00
Visa Section: Mon-Fri: 13:30-15:30
Consulate of Belgium in Cape Town
Foreshore Place, 27th Floor, Room 2702, 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 021 419 4690
E-mail: capetown@diplobel.fed.be / capetown.visa@diplobel.fed.be
Web: southafrica.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
Hours: Mon- Fri 09:00-13:00
NOTE: Only family members of EU citizens and diplomatic passport holders should apply through the embassy / consulate for a visa.
ALL VISA APPLICATIONS TO BE APPLIED FOR THROUGH TLSCONTACT
TLS has several value-add services to assist with your application.
Tel: 010 001 9320
Web: visas-be.tlscontact.com
CPT: The Pinnacle Building, 9th Floor, Corner Strand, Burg and Castle Street
Applications: Mon-Fri 08:30-15:30 (by appointment)
Collections: Mon-Fri 10:00-15:30
DUR: 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, The Atrium, Durban
Applications: Mon-Fri 08:30-14:30 (by appointment)
Collections: Mon-Fri 09:00 - 14:00
JHB: 2nd - 3rd Floor, 24 Central Building, Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandton
Applications: Mon-Fri 08:00-14:00 (by appointment)
Collections: Mon-Fri 09:00-15:30
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 21; May 1, 29; Jun 9; Jul 21; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 6; May 1, 14; May 25; Jul 21; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Belgium is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Belgium, you must apply at the Embassy of Belgium / Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Complete and print the Visa On Web Form at visaonweb.diplomatie.be. Once your application is validated, your VOW application form will be sent to your email address. The form must be filled out in capital letters with black ink and signed by the applicant in person.
2. Once your form is completed and submitted, you will receive an email containing a link redirecting you to the TLScontact appointment schedule. Don't forget to print your appointment confirmation letter, which is required upon your arrival at the centre. If you do not need to give biometrics, you may be able to submit your application via postal service. Please contact TLS for details.
3. Your application and supporting documents will be checked according to the requirements of the Belgian consulate, and your biometric data will be captured. Your file will then be transferred to the Belgian consulate for a decision regarding the visa issuance.
4. Passport may be collected in person or via representative.
REQUIREMENTS - See General Schengen Requirements
In addition to the General Schengen Requirements
- Copy of ID page of passport
- VOW application form, completed and printed. Ensure that it is signed and dated on page 5. For minors, VOW application form must be signed by both parents
- 2 recent passport colour photographs
- Return flight reservation. it is not recommended to pay for reservations until the visa is approved.
- Medical insurance: in addition to the general requirements, the insurance policy must have a minimum validity of 7 days.
- If sponsored: Pledge of financial support, Annex 3bis, plus additional supporting documents.
- Minors: Legalized Affidavit by both parents
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 working days before intended visit, and not more than 6 months prior.
Visa Validity
Up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
Mandatory TLS Service Fee: EUR 22 / ZAR 465
Fees are payable in rands. Please contact TLS for relevant exchange rates.
SA Representative
SA Embassy in Brussels
Rue Montoyerstraat 17-19, Bruxelles, 1000
Tel: +32 (0)2 285 44 00
Email: embassy@southafrica.be
Web: www.southafrica.be
Also accredited to the European Union and Luxembourg.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
