Short answer: If you live in the UK and your passport needs a Schengen visa, you apply for a Belgian short-stay visa at a TLScontact visa application centre in London, Edinburgh or Manchester, not at the embassy. Book online, bring your documents and UK residence proof, and give fingerprints. British citizens don’t need a visa for short visits, but they’ll need ETIAS travel authorisation once it starts.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | UK residents whose nationality needs a Schengen visa |
| Where to apply | TLScontact centres in London, Edinburgh or Manchester |
| Who decides | The Embassy of Belgium in London |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| After arrival | Declare your presence within 3 days (online via My Address in Belgium from 10 April 2026) |
What is a Belgium Schengen visa?
A Belgian short-stay visa is a Schengen visa issued by Belgium. It lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, family visits or business, and travel to other Schengen countries during that time. Apply to Belgium if it’s your main destination, or your first entry point when all stays are equal.
Do UK residents need a visa for Belgium?
It depends on your passport. British citizens can visit visa-free for short stays. If you hold another passport, such as Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian or Chinese, and live in the UK, you normally need a Schengen visa. Your UK residence permit should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen area. Our Schengen visa from the UK guide explains this in detail.
How do you apply, step by step?
- Check you need a visa and that Belgium is your main destination.
- Create an account on the TLScontact Belgium (UK) website and fill in the application.
- Book an appointment at the centre covering your area: London, Edinburgh or Manchester.
- Prepare your documents (list below) using the TLScontact checklist.
- Attend the appointment, hand in your file and passport, give fingerprints and pay the fees.
- Track your application on TLScontact and collect your passport when it’s ready.
- Declare your presence within three days of arriving in Belgium. From 10 April 2026 this can be done online via “My Address in Belgium”.
What documents do you need?
- Passport valid for at least three months after your return, with two blank pages, issued in the last 10 years
- UK residence permit (BRP, eVisa share code or similar) and proof you live in the UK
- Completed application form and a recent photo (see our photo guide)
- Travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical cover for the Schengen area
- Flight and hotel bookings, or an invitation from your host in Belgium
- Recent bank statements and an employment or study letter
- A short cover letter explaining your trip
The embassy decides on the file you submit, so send complete documents the first time.
How long does it take?
Schengen consulates aim to decide within 15 calendar days of a complete application, sometimes longer at busy times. You can apply up to six months before travel. Apply at least three to four weeks ahead to leave time for appointments.
What about British citizens and ETIAS?
British citizens don’t need a visa for short visits to Belgium. When the EU’s ETIAS travel authorisation starts, they’ll need to apply online before travelling. See our ETIAS guide.
How can Alif Visa help?
We prepare Schengen files for UK residents, check documents, help book TLScontact appointments, and arrange Schengen travel insurance. See our Belgium visa guide or check your route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Belgian visa at the embassy in London?
No. Short-stay visa applications go through TLScontact visa application centres, not the embassy.
Which TLScontact centre should I use?
Use the centre that covers where you live: London, Edinburgh or Manchester.
How long can I stay on a Belgian Schengen visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, depending on the dates and entries on your visa.
Do I need to register when I arrive in Belgium?
Yes, visitors must declare their presence within three days. From 10 April 2026 this can be done online through “My Address in Belgium”. Hotels usually handle it for guests.
Do British citizens need a visa for Belgium?
No, not for short visits. They’ll need ETIAS authorisation once it begins.
