Belgium entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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

Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Belgium. You must apply at the Belgian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply before travel
You need a Schengen visa to enter Belgium. Apply at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Apply for visaRequired
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 for entry stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Schengen area
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Airlines check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a signed letter from your host with their address and contact details. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you're staying with friends or family.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least €95 per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask for this, but it's a legal requirement for Schengen entry.Recommended
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 15–45 days, and appointment slots at the embassy fill up quickly. Start your application at least 2 months before your trip.
Schengen area rules
With a Belgian visa, you can travel to all Schengen countries. But you must enter Belgium first or spend the most time there. If you plan to visit multiple countries, your itinerary should reflect Belgium as the main destination.

What happens at the border

1
Gather required documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight bookings, hotel reservations, travel insurance, bank statements, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment at the Belgian embassy or consulate
Contact the Belgian embassy in Dar es Salaam or the consulate in your region to schedule a visa appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted. Expect to wait 1–3 weeks for an available slot.
3
Submit your application in person
Go to the embassy or consulate at your appointment time. Submit all documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The officer may ask a few questions about your trip.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll be notified to pick up your passport. The visa sticker will show the validity dates and number of entries allowed. Check it immediately for errors.
6
Travel to Belgium
At the border, present your passport with the visa. Immigration may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Keep copies of your documents handy.
Download Belgium Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

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
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-5 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)

Standard Schengen visa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)

Same fee; allows multiple entries.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€180 (approx. $196 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification.

work visa
Single Permit (Work + Residence)
Up to 3 years, renewable
€180 (approx. $196 USD)
For employed workers with a job offer in Belgium. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€180 (approx. $196 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Belgian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Professional Card)
Up to 3 years, renewable
€1,200 (approx. $1,308 USD)
For investors starting a business in Belgium. Requires minimum investment of €500,000 and job creation.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen visa (tourist single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.€100 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

Tanzania passport holders need an airport transit visa to change flights in Belgium, unless exempted.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
  • Holders of a valid visa for Canada, Japan, or the United States
Transit hubsBrussels Airport (BRU) · Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Health & vaccines for Belgium

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)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.

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 d'Anvers 59, 1000 Brussels
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.

Antwerp
Immigration Office Antwerp
Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerp
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Handles local visa and residence matters.

Practical information for TZ 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
updated May 30
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
Police101
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Tanzania passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Belgium. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days if your application requires additional checks. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 200,000 TZS at current rates). Children aged 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are non-refundable.
Yes, you must appear in person to submit your application and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The Belgian embassy in Dar es Salaam handles visa applications for Tanzania.
Yes, a Belgian Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Netherlands) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Belgium must be your main destination or first point of entry.
You will receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision within 30 days to the Belgian Immigration Office. The appeal fee is around €200, and the process can take several months.
Yes, it is a Schengen requirement. Your insurance must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.