Where can you find the La Grand Place, the Medieval Town Market Hall, the Battlefields of Ypres, the Moated Fortress of Gravensteen, and the Church of Sainte-Waudru? Yes, the one and only Belgium! From its picturesque villages to its cosmopolitan capital Brussels, Belgium offers something unique for every type of traveler spanning art and music to food, shopping, and quiet relaxation.
Belgian Visa and US Residency Status
Planning a vacation to Belgium from the US is a pocket-friendly deal that you can benefit from anytime of the year. If you are a US citizen, you can visit Belgium for 90 days without a Schengen Visa, by furnishing proofs of US citizenship and financial sustainability. For Permanent Residents and Green Cardholders, a Schengen Visa is mandatory.
Ongoing Covid-19 Restrictions
Covid-19 travel restrictions have been considerably loosened since June 2020. On June 15, the country opened up for travelers from the US who do not possess a Residence Permit for specific categories of people namely healthcare professionals, students, military personnel, diplomats, and highly qualified workers whose job positively affects the economy.
Also permissible are unmarried partners who wish to visit their other half in Belgium. Such persons must furnish proof of co-habitation for an uninterrupted period of 6 months prior to applying for the visa OR proof of continued relationship for at least 1 year OR proof of common child residing in Belgium.
Jurisdiction and Types of Visas
The Belgian Consulate in New York processes Visa applications for Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky (Campbell and Kenton counties only), Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Under normal non-Covid circumstances, the Consulate issues Schengen Visas for tourism, sports, business, medical treatment, higher studies, and visiting resident family members. These are granted for a maximum period of 90 with options for Single, Double and Multiple Entry.
Another visa type is the Airport Transit which only permits travelers to board connecting flights and disallows entry and stay in the country.
Processing your Belgian Schengen Visa in NY
You must initiate your Schengen Visa Processing 15 days to 6 months before the planned departure date.
- Visit Website, Locate and download the “Application for Schengen Visa” form. Fill it completely.
- Refer to the supporting document list available at the official website under the “What to Submit:” section. The list includes generic documents as well as specific documents which might be applicable to you as per your residential, professional, and social status.
- Put together photocopies of all listed documents, the original Visa Application Form, your passport, and the Visa Processing Fee as a Certified Check or Money Order.
- Finally, mail or courier the documents and Processing Fee to the Belgian Consulate at: 1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 885 2nd Ave 41st Floor, New York, NY 10017.
Mailing visa documents is a temporary arrangement organized by the Consulate to minimize direct contact between applicants and the Consular staff.
Under normal circumstances, you will be expected to schedule an appointment through the Belgian Consulate website and visit the Consulate physically to start the process.
Supporting Documents
- Fully filled application form with attached documents.
- A Travel document or valid passport. It has been issued within the past 10 years. The validity of Your Passport will be at least three months after the date of exit Italy or the Schengen Area.
- Should have valid U.S Permanent residence card (green card) or a valid US Visa.
- Duly valid application form signed by the applicant.
- Recent passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photo must be glued on the application form and stapled photographs will be rejected.
- Credit Card and Bank Statements for the last 3 months.
- A Valid document to prove that you are a legal resident in US.
- Valid Proof of Travel Agreements or a Travel / Flight Itinerary for Schengen Visa. It is a duplicate air ticket which has designed especially for visa purposes.
- Should have Travel Insurance which is stating that you are saved in the case of medical emergency.
- Proof of accommodation such as dummy Hotel Conformation for Schengen Visa. These reservations are made without any payments.
- If you are employed, must have official letter from your employer and also get pay slips from the last 3 months.
- If you are student get an official letter from your school or university in the US.
- If you are self-employed, get a letter showing a self-employed regarding the financial status.
Awaiting the Visa Stamp!
If you have furnished all documents to the Consulate’s satisfaction, your passport carrying the much awaited Belgian Visa will be mailed back to you in 2-3 weeks’ time. The only reasons for a Visa rejection are submitting insufficient information OR falling in a category to which Covid-19 restrictions apply. In case of the former, you can always re-apply taking greater care while submitting the documents and the Visa will be yours in a platter!
Address and Hours
Please visit Belgium consulate at 1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 885 2nd Ave 41st Floor, New York, NY 10017
T: +1 212 586 51 10, T: +1 917 597 34 10 Emergency number outside opening hours (Belgian nationals only)
Email:-NewYork@diplobel.fed.be
Website:-http://www.belgiumintheusa.be
Opening hours and closing days: Mon-Fri
09.00 – 12.00
Make an appointment online only to pick up a visa or drop off visa document at the official website
To Cancel appointment please notify the consulate by email or visit the official website
Mandatory COVID form
All persons returning to and travelling through Belgium and are planning to stay at least 48 hours must fill out an identification form at here.
