Country guide
Belgium
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Schengen area
Yes
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 32
Best time to go
March – May and September - October
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water is very popular with the locals.
Travel tips
Although credit cards are widely accepted, if visiting a smaller village, be sure to carry cash.
Visa guide
Entry 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 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:
- Complete and print the Visa On Web Form at visaonweb. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Passport may be collected in person or via representative.
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/
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
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.
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Apr 6; May 1, 14; May 25; Jul 21; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11; Dec 25