Belgium entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Belgium. Apply at the Belgian embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City before you travel. This requirement remains in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen area | Your passport must have at least two blank pages. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — not just Belgium. Airlines check this at check-in, so don't cut it close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Border officers at Brussels Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Schengen within the visa's validity. Budget airlines flying into Belgium also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Belgium. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least €95 per day of your stay. Belgian border officers rarely ask, but the visa application requires it — keep the same documents handy for entry. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
Embassy appointments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be booked out weeks in advance. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.
Schengen area rules apply
Your Belgian visa allows travel to all Schengen countries. The total stay across the entire Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and the completed visa application form. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Book an appointment at the embassy
Contact the Belgian embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City to schedule a visa appointment. Slots can fill up, so book at least 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date.
3
Attend the appointment
Go to the embassy or consulate in person on your appointment day. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be returned. You can usually pick it up in person or have it couriered back.
6
Enter Belgium
At the airport in Belgium, present your passport with the visa. The border officer may ask to see your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Belgium Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year or longer with good travel history
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; subject to immigration officer discretion.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€180 (approx. $196 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Belgian Work Visa (Single Permit)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€180 (approx. $196 USD) application fee
For employment with a Belgian employer. Requires a job offer and work permit approval. Allows residence and work in Belgium.
student visa
Belgian Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€180 (approx. $196 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized Belgian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€180 (approx. $196 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or other close family members of Belgian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for adult applicants; reduced for children. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity depends on travel history. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayImposed by Belgian immigration; maximum cap varies. | €5–€10 per day (approx. $5–$11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
No transit visa needed
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Belgium to a non-Schengen country do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not entering the Schengen area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBrussels Airport (BRU) · Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Health & vaccines for Belgium
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
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 de Louvain 327, 1030 Schaerbeek
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Antwerp
Immigration Office Antwerp
Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerpen
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles local immigration matters; bring all original documents.
Practical information for VN 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 = 0.88 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. In busy periods or if extra checks are needed, it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip.
You fill in the application form online, but you must submit it in person at the Belgian embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. There is no fully online visa for Vietnam passport holders.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 2,000,000 VND). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. Children under 6 are free. Fees are paid in cash or by bank transfer at the embassy.
The 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). Apply at the Belgian embassy with additional documents.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds. The guideline is about €95 per day. Bank statements or a credit card with a sufficient limit are usually accepted.
Yes. A Belgian Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days. Just make sure Belgium is your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry.
You will receive a written reason for the rejection. You can appeal within 30 days to the Belgian embassy or the Immigration Office in Brussels. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.