Belgium entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can visit Belgium visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, or family visits. As of 2026, no visa is needed for short stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Belgium. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Belgian law, but airlines may enforce a 3-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration at Brussels Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. A bus or train ticket to London or another non-Schengen country works — just have it ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Border officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, a printed booking confirmation or a screenshot on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €95 per day of your stay. I've never been asked for it entering Belgium, but Schengen rules technically require it — keep a digital copy handy. | Recommended |
90-day limit applies to all Schengen countries
Your 90-day visa-free stay is for the entire Schengen area, not just Belgium. Days spent in France, Germany, Italy, etc., all count toward the same 90-day limit within any 180-day period.
Entry stamp is critical
Always check that the immigration officer stamps your passport with the entry date. Without it, you may have trouble proving your stay length when leaving.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Schengen border
At Brussels Airport (BRU) or any other Schengen entry point, join the 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp it, and may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period. Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. No further formalities for short stays.
Download Belgium Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays or if you need a visa; apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years with travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Convenient for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€180 (~$196 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Single Permit (Work and Residence)
Up to 3 years, renewable
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Belgium. Employer must apply for a work permit. Allows long-term residence and family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Type D)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognised Belgian institution. Must prove sufficient funds and health insurance. Allows part-time work up to 20 hours/week.
Apply family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For spouses, partners, or dependent family members of a Belgian or EU resident. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa (Professional Card)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€1,200 (~$1,308 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs investing at least €500,000 in Belgium. Must create jobs or have significant economic impact. Fast-track for high net worth individuals.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free privilege is not used. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; valid for up to 5 years for frequent travellers. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stays cannot be extended; you must leave the Schengen area after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayFines vary by duration and may include a ban; maximum cap depends on individual case. | €100–€500 (~$109–$545 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay30%
No return or onward ticket25%
Suspicious travel patterns20%
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
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Belgian airports, even if leaving the airside transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBrussels Airport (BRU) · Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) · Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
Health & vaccines for Belgium
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in wooded areas, especially in the Ardennes; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and forested areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; vaccination advised for vulnerable individuals.
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)
Rue des Quatre Bras 2, 1000 Brussels
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions or residence permits; appointments required.
Antwerp
Antwerp Immigration Office
Lange Kievitstraat 111, 2018 Antwerp
Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles local residence applications; bring all original documents.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. New Zealand passport holders can enter Belgium visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism purposes. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) before travelling.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Belgium.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds. A credit card or recent bank statement showing enough money for your stay is usually sufficient.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Belgium are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of euros. Get insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
No. The visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is generally not allowed. For digital nomad purposes, check Belgium's specific visa options.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area. Always track your days carefully — the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just Belgium.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.