Belgium entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Belgium in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Belgian embassy or visa application center before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Belgium. Apply at the Belgian embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Belgian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a non-Schengen country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a formal invitation letter from your host in Belgium. Officers at the border may ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash showing you can cover your stay — roughly €95 per day of your trip. Credit cards are accepted but printed statements are safer. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak seasons. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
A Belgian visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, etc.) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your first point of entry must be Belgium.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statements, and the completed visa application form.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Belgian embassy or a TLScontact visa application center in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar). Submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak seasons. Track your application online using the reference number provided.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport from the visa center or have it couriered to you. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and validity.
5
Arrive in Belgium
At the border, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds.
Download Belgium Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple visits; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€180 (~$196 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Belgian Work Visa (Single Permit)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For employment with a Belgian employer. Requires a job offer and work permit approval. Allows residence and work.
Apply student visa
Belgian Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For family members of Belgian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sponsor's legal status.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €1,000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Belgium
Transit visa required
Saudi Arabia passport holders need a transit visa to change flights in Belgium unless they remain airside and have a valid visa for the final destination.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for the final destination may transit without a visa if staying airside.
Transit hubsBrussels Airport (BRU) · Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Health & vaccines for Belgium
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is minimal for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Brussels
Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers)
Chaussée de Louvain 100, 1000 Brussels
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Antwerp
Antwerp Immigration Office
Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerp
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles local visa and residence matters.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalBrussels
LanguageDutch, French, German
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Belgium.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. During busy periods (summer, holidays), it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel.
You fill out the application form online, but you must submit it in person at a TLScontact visa application center in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar). Biometrics are required.
The visa fee is €80 for adults (approx. 330 SAR) and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. Fees are paid at the visa center in local currency.
Yes. You must provide a booked return flight or onward ticket out of the Schengen area as part of your application. A refundable ticket is acceptable if you're unsure of exact dates.
No. Saudi passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Belgium. There is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival for tourism.
A Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays (work, study, family reunion), you need a national long-stay visa (type D) from the Belgian embassy.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within 30 days by submitting an appeal to the Belgian Immigration Office. Alternatively, you can reapply with stronger documentation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.