Belgium Schengen Visa for UK eVisa Holders
Complete 2026 guide to applying for a Belgium Schengen visa from the UK via TLS Contact London. Visit Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent and the heart of Europe.
Belgium, the heart of the European Union, is a fascinating destination for UK eVisa holders seeking a blend of stunning medieval architecture, world-class chocolate, legendary beer culture, and cosmopolitan city life. From the grand squares of Brussels to the romantic canals of Bruges, Belgium packs an extraordinary amount of culture, history, and gastronomy into a compact country that is easy to explore.
As a UK eVisa holder whose nationality requires a visa, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa through TLS Contact London, which handles Belgian visa applications in the United Kingdom. Belgium is a founding member of the Schengen Area and the EU, making it an ideal base for exploring wider Europe. This guide walks you through every step of the application process, the documents you need, and what to expect when visiting Belgium in 2026.
Belgium is the capital of Europe. As home to the European Commission, European Parliament, and NATO headquarters, Brussels is one of the most international cities in the world. A Belgium Schengen visa allows you to visit all 29 Schengen countries during your trip.
How to Apply for a Belgium Schengen Visa
Belgium Schengen visa applications from the UK are processed through TLS Contact, the official visa application centre appointed by the Belgian Embassy in London. You cannot apply directly at the Belgian Embassy — all applications must go through TLS Contact.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create a TLS Contact account — register at tlscontact.com and complete your personal details. You will use this account to book your appointment and track your application.
- Complete the Schengen visa application form — fill in every section accurately. The form is available online through TLS Contact or as a downloadable PDF from the Belgian Embassy website.
- Gather your supporting documents — see the full checklist below. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays or refusal.
- Book your appointment — select an available slot at the TLS Contact centre in London. Book as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons (June to September and Christmas).
- Attend your appointment — bring all original documents and photocopies. You will submit your application, provide biometric data, and pay the visa fee. The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Track your application — log in to your TLS Contact account to monitor progress. Standard processing takes 15 calendar days.
- Collect your passport — once processed, collect your passport from TLS Contact or opt for courier delivery.
Required Documents
- Valid passport — at least 2 blank pages, valid for 3+ months after your planned return date, issued within the last 10 years
- Completed application form — signed and dated
- Two passport photos — 35x45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Proof of UK immigration status — printout from the UKVI View and Prove service showing your eVisa status
- Travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical coverage across the Schengen Area
- Flight itinerary — round-trip booking showing entry and exit dates
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmations, or invitation letter
- Bank statements — last 3 months showing sufficient funds (approximately €95 per day for Belgium)
- Employment letter — confirming your job, salary, and approved leave dates
- Cover letter — explaining the purpose of your trip, itinerary, and ties to the UK
- Previous Schengen visas — copies of any previous Schengen visas (if applicable)
Belgium-specific requirement: The Belgian Embassy may request a detailed day-by-day travel itinerary. Prepare a clear plan showing which cities you will visit, your accommodation for each night, and planned activities.
Why Visit Belgium?
Belgium may be small in size, but it is enormous in character. This country at the crossroads of Europe offers an incredible concentration of world-class attractions, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to some of the finest food and drink on the planet.
Brussels — Capital of Europe
Explore the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Atomium, the Manneken Pis, the Magritte Museum, and the European Quarter. Brussels is a truly cosmopolitan city with outstanding restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene. The Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert and comic strip murals across the city centre are unmissable.
Bruges — Medieval Gem
The canals and cobbled streets of Bruges make it one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. This UNESCO-listed medieval town is famous for its lace shops, horse-drawn carriages, the Belfry tower, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Take a canal boat tour, climb the 366 steps of the Belfry for panoramic views, and sample the finest Belgian chocolate at artisan chocolatiers along the Markt square.
Chocolate, Beer & Waffles
Belgium produces over 220,000 tonnes of chocolate per year and brews over 1,500 different beers, many by Trappist monks in centuries-old abbeys. Visit the Choco-Story museum in Bruges, take a Belgian beer tour, and try authentic Belgian waffles (both Liège and Brussels styles), frites with mayonnaise, and moules-frites. Belgian gastronomy is genuinely world-class.
Ghent & Antwerp
Ghent combines medieval architecture with a vibrant student atmosphere, centred around Saint Bavo’s Cathedral which houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece. Antwerp is Belgium’s fashion and diamond capital, home to the MAS museum and the Rubens House. Both cities are under an hour from Brussels by train, making them perfect day trips.
World War Battlefields
Visit the Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, attend the daily Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, and explore Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries. The Battle of the Bulge sites in the Ardennes and the Waterloo battlefield offer powerful historical experiences that resonate deeply with British visitors.
Suggested Itinerary
For a well-rounded Belgian experience, we recommend 5 to 7 days. Spend 2 days in Brussels, then take day trips to Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Belgium’s excellent rail network makes intercity travel quick and affordable — no city is more than 2 hours from Brussels by train.
Practical Tips for Belgium
Budget & Money
Belgium uses the euro. Budget approximately £80–120 per day for mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, and transport. Use a fee-free travel card like Monzo, Starling, or Wise for the best exchange rates. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill is appreciated in restaurants.
Getting Around
Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in Europe. SNCB/NMBS trains connect all major cities frequently and affordably. Eurostar runs directly from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi in just 2 hours. Brussels has an efficient metro, tram, and bus system. Consider a Belgian Rail Pass for unlimited travel.
Language
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish) in the north, French in the south, and German in a small eastern region. Brussels is officially bilingual. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants throughout the country.
Weather & Best Time
The best time to visit is May to September when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. Spring brings tulips and fewer crowds. Winter is ideal for Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket year-round as Belgian weather can be unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about applying for a Belgium Schengen visa from the UK. Check the FCDO Belgium advice for official guidance.
You apply through TLS Contact, which handles Belgium visa applications in the UK. The main visa application centre is in London. Book an appointment online at tlscontact.com, attend in person to submit documents and biometrics, and wait for processing by the Belgian Embassy.
The standard fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are exempt. TLS Contact charges an additional service fee of approximately £26. Optional extras such as courier passport return cost extra.
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. During summer and Christmas it can take up to 30 days. In exceptional cases up to 45 days. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel and do not book non-refundable flights until approved.
Yes. A Belgium Schengen visa allows travel across all 29 Schengen states. However, Belgium should be your main destination or first entry point. If spending more time elsewhere, apply through that country’s embassy.
Yes. Eurostar runs from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi in approximately 2 hours. You will go through border control at St Pancras before departure. Your Schengen visa will be checked during this process. Eurostar is often the most convenient and fastest way to reach Brussels from London.