Belgium Schengen Visa from UK – Complete 2026 Guide

Planning a trip to Brussels' Grand Place or Bruges' medieval charm? If you're a UK resident with a non-EU passport, you'll need a Belgium Schengen visa before you can explore Belgium's chocolate shops and historic squares. The appointment booking process through TLScontact is competitive, but this guide breaks down everything you need to know about requirements, costs, and timelines for 2026.

Belgium Schengen Visa Requirements for UK Residents in 2026

Valid Passport Criteria

Your passport must meet specific validity and condition requirements. The Belgian authorities enforce strict rules that catch many applicants off guard.

Validity Requirements:

• Issued less than 10 years ago (this is the 10-year rule that affects older passports)

• Valid at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area

• Contains at least 2 blank pages side-by-side with the word 'visa' printed on them

• No damage (all pages intact, no tears, all information clearly readable)

The 3-month validity rule is critical. If you're planning a 2-week trip to Belgium in July and your passport expires in October, that's only 3 months after your trip ends—barely meeting the requirement. Renew early if you're cutting it close.

The 2 blank pages requirement specifically means adjacent pages marked 'visa', not just any empty pages. Check your passport carefully before your TLScontact appointment.

UK Residence Proof Requirements

This is where UK residents need to demonstrate their valid UK immigration status.

UK residence proof (2026 requirement):

• Share code (generated within 90 days from UKVI at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status)

• eVisa screenshot showing status details

• At least 1 month of residency left in the UK after you leave the Schengen area

• TLScontact agent verification at your appointment

Important: Physical BRP cards are NO LONGER valid for proving immigration status as of 2025. You must use your share code and eVisa documentation.

The 1-month rule is non-negotiable. If your UK immigration permission expires on September 1st and you're planning to return from Belgium on August 15th, you only have 2 weeks of validity remaining—this will result in rejection. Your residence permission must be valid for at least 1 month after your Schengen departure date.

The share code proves your UK residence status. Generate it at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status and print the confirmation page along with your eVisa screenshot.

Photo Specifications (Belgian Standard)

Belgium uses the UK passport photo size, but the age requirement is stricter than many applicants expect.

Photo Requirements:

• Quantity: 2 identical photos

• Size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm (UK passport size)

• Age: Less than 3 months old (not 6 months)

• Background: White (no cream, no off-white)

• Format: Color photographs

• Standards: ICAO compliant (front-facing, neutral expression, eyes visible)

• Attachment: Paper clip (do not staple)

The 3-month rule catches many people. If you have leftover photos from a previous visa application 5 months ago, they're no longer acceptable for Belgium. Get fresh photos.

Common Photo Rejections:

• Photos older than 3 months

• Smiling or showing teeth (neutral expression required)

• Hair covering eyes or eyebrows

• Non-white backgrounds (grey, blue, cream all rejected)

• Incorrect dimensions

Budget £6-15 for compliant photos at most high street photo booths. Specify "UK passport photo" to get the correct 3.5cm x 4.5cm size.

Travel Insurance (€30,000 Minimum)

This is a mandatory requirement that cannot be skipped or substituted. Many applicants assume their EHIC/GHIC card suffices—it does not.

Insurance Requirements:

• Minimum coverage: €30,000

• Coverage must include: Repatriation, emergency medical expenses, urgent hospital treatment, death

• Geographic scope: Entire Schengen area (not just Belgium)

• Duration: Entire stay period (no gaps)

• Certificate: Must explicitly state €30,000 minimum (bronze/silver/gold tier descriptions rejected)

EHIC/GHIC is NOT accepted. The TLScontact checklist explicitly states this. You need private travel insurance from a company in the UK or an EU Member State.

Your insurance certificate must show the €30,000 figure clearly. Generic descriptions like "comprehensive coverage" or "tier 3 medical" are rejected—the number €30,000 must appear on the certificate.

Expect to pay £30-60 for a 2-week Schengen insurance policy from UK providers. Don't cut corners here—insurance rejections account for a significant portion of failed applications.

Top Rejection Reasons:

1. EHIC card submitted instead of private insurance

2. Coverage gaps (insurance doesn't cover full stay period)

3. Missing repatriation coverage

4. Invalid for entire Schengen area (Belgium-only insurance rejected)

Financial Proof by Stay Duration

Belgium calculates your required financial means based on whether you're staying with someone or in commercial accommodation.

Daily Financial Requirements:

• Private stay (with Belgian host): €45 per day

• Hotel stay: €95 per day

For a 10-day trip staying in Brussels hotels, you need to demonstrate €950 (10 days × €95). For the same trip staying with a Belgian friend, the requirement drops to €450 (10 days × €45).

Acceptable Proof of Funds:

• UK bank statements (last 3 months, must be nominative and show balance)

• Credit card statements (must show cardholder name, address, monthly limit, and spending cap)

• Payslips (last 3 months)

Employment Documentation Required:

If Employed:

• Employer letter containing: employer name, date, address, contact details, signatory's position, UK company registration number, your position, your salary

• Last 3 months of payslips

If Self-Employed:

• Letter from accountant, banker, or solicitor confirming your business

• Self-assessment tax form

If Student:

• Letter from school/college/university confirming: issue date, your name, study type, hours per week, attendance

If Sponsored:

By spouse: Marriage certificate + spouse's bank statements + support statement from spouse

By parents: Birth certificate + parent's bank statements + support statement from parents

Common Financial Rejections:

• Large lump sum deposits (raises suspicion of borrowed funds)

• Insufficient balance for trip duration

• Missing employment documentation

• Bank statements not in applicant's name

Your bank statements must tell a story of stable, regular income. A savings account that suddenly receives £5,000 two weeks before your application raises red flags. Show consistent income over 3 months.

Accommodation Documentation

Your accommodation proof must cover your entire stay in Belgium.

For Hotel Stays:

• Confirmed hotel booking for full stay duration

• Must include hotel name, address, dates

• Refundable bookings are accepted (you don't need to pay in full)

For Tours:

• Booking confirmation from tour operator

• Or participant list

For Private Stays (staying with Belgian friend/family):

• Official sponsorship form called Annex 3bis (certificate of board and lodging)

• Must be legalized by Belgian municipality (your host obtains this in Belgium)

• Host must demonstrate sufficient income (approximately €2,000+ net per month)

The Annex 3bis requirement is strict. Your Belgian host must go to their local municipality (commune/gemeente) to get the form legalized. If their income is insufficient, the Belgian authorities will reject the Annex 3bis, which then causes your visa application to fail.

Rejection Risk: Annex 3bis rejections due to host's insufficient income are among the top 5 rejection reasons for Belgium visas. If your host doesn't have stable income documentation, book refundable hotels instead.

How to Apply for a Belgium Visa from the UK (Step-by-Step)

Belgium outsources visa processing to TLScontact, which operates three centres in the UK. You cannot apply directly at the Belgian embassy.

Step 1: VisaOnWeb Registration

Before booking your TLScontact appointment, you must complete the online application form at VisaOnWeb.

Visa application form:

• Download form on VisaOnWeb portal

• Complete BEFORE appointment (electronically through VisaOnWeb system)

• You CANNOT fill it out at the visa center

VisaOnWeb Process:

1. Create account with email address

2. Complete application form (select "Short stay Schengen" for tourism)

3. Answer all questions accurately (form auto-saves)

4. Generate barcode page (this is essential—you cannot proceed without it)

5. Print the form with barcode

The barcode links your online application to your physical appointment. TLScontact only accepts VisaOnWeb forms with barcodes—handwritten or alternative forms are rejected.

Step 2: Book TLScontact Appointment

After completing VisaOnWeb, you can book your biometric appointment at TLScontact.

TLScontact UK Centres:

• London: 18 Ryeland Boulevard, SW18 1UN

• Manchester: 1 Portland Street, M1 3BE

• Edinburgh: Argyle House, 3 Lady Lawson Street, EH3 9DR

Booking Process:

1. Visit https://visas-be.tlscontact.com/en-us/country/gb

2. Select "Belgium" as destination country

3. Choose centre (London/Manchester/Edinburgh)

4. Select date and time (appointments typically available 2-4 weeks out)

5. Pay appointment fee (£34.70 TLScontact service fee)

6. Receive confirmation email with appointment details

Critical Timing: Book appointments 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date. Summer months (June-August) and Christmas season (December) see the longest appointment wait times.

Step 3: Prepare Your Document Package

Between booking and appointment, gather all required documents.

Complete Document Checklist:

1. VisaOnWeb application form (with barcode)

2. Valid passport (original + photocopy of biographic page)

3. UK residence proof (share code printout + eVisa screenshot)

4. 2 recent photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, less than 3 months old)

5. Travel insurance certificate (€30,000 minimum, full Schengen coverage)

6. Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings OR Annex 3bis from Belgian host)

7. Proof of financial means (bank statements last 3 months + employment letter)

8. Round-trip flight reservation

9. Travel itinerary

10. Copy of previous Schengen visas (if any)

Document Presentation Tips:

• Organize documents in the order shown on TLScontact checklist

• Use paper clips (not staples) to group related documents

• Provide photocopies where requested (TLScontact keeps originals of some documents)

• Translate non-English documents (certified translations required)

Step 4: Attend Your TLScontact Appointment

On appointment day, arrive 15 minutes early. The process typically takes 30-45 minutes.

What Happens at the Appointment:

1. Security screening (remove belts, electronics in tray)

2. Document verification (TLScontact agent checks your documents against checklist)

3. Biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph)

4. Fee payment (€90 visa fee, paid by card)

5. Receipt (you receive tracking number for application)

Critical Rules:

• Bring originals of ALL documents (photocopies alone are rejected)

• Dress appropriately (no sunglasses, or headwear unless religious reasons)

• Mobile phones must be switched off

• Children must attend if aged 12+ for biometrics

• You cannot leave and return if documents are missing

Immediate Rejection Scenarios:

• Missing barcode page from VisaOnWeb

• Passport validity less than 3 months beyond trip

• UK immigration permission expires within 1 month of return

• Missing travel insurance with €30,000 coverage

• Travel insurance doesn't cover all Schengen countries

• Photos older than 3 months

If your documents are complete, TLScontact accepts your application and forwards it to the Belgian consulate for processing.

Step 5: Visa Processing Period

After submitting your application at TLScontact, the Belgian consulate reviews your case.

Standard Processing Time:

• Official timeline: Around 15 calendar days from submission

• Average actual time: 10-12 days for straightforward cases

• Complex cases: Can extend to 30 days (additional documentation requested)

Processing Timeline Breakdown:

• Day 0: Application submitted at TLScontact

• Days 1-3: TLScontact verifies documents and forwards to Belgian consulate

• Days 4-12: Belgian consulate reviews application

• Days 13-15: Decision made, passport returned to TLScontact

• Day 15+: You collect passport or receive it via courier

Tracking Your Application:

Use the tracking number from your TLScontact receipt to check your application status.

Status Updates:

• "Application registered": TLScontact received your application

• "Application at Consulate": Under review by Belgian authorities

• "Decision made": Visa approved or rejected

• "Passport ready for collection": Available for pickup

Step 6: Passport Collection

Once your passport is ready, you have three collection options.

Option 1: In-Person Collection (Free)

• Return to TLScontact centre where you applied

• Bring: Collection receipt + valid ID

• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM

• Deadline: Collect within 30 days (uncollected passports returned to consulate)

Option 2: Courier Delivery (Paid)

• Available during application booking (additional £25-40 fee)

• Delivered to UK address via secure courier

• Timeline: 2-3 working days after decision

• Tracking provided

Option 3: Authorized Representative Collection

• Third party collects on your behalf

• Required documents: Your collection receipt + authorization letter + representative's ID

• Useful if you've traveled or are unavailable

Inside Your Passport:

If approved, you'll find a Schengen visa sticker in your passport containing:

• Validity dates (e.g., "01/07/2026 - 15/07/2026")

• Number of entries (typically "MULT" for multiple entry)

• Duration of stay ("DURATION OF STAY: 15 DAYS")

• Issuing country: "BEL" (Belgium)

• Visa type: "C" (short-stay tourism visa)

Critical: Check ALL details immediately. If any information is incorrect (dates, passport number, name spelling), return to TLScontact the same day for correction.

Belgium Visa Fees and Costs in 2026

Understanding the full financial commitment helps with planning.

Visa Fee Structure

Belgium follows the EU-wide Schengen visa fee schedule, effective from June 2024.

Standard Visa Fees (Consular Fees):

• Adults (18+ years): €90

• Children (6-12 years): €45

• Children under 6: Free

These fees are paid directly at your TLScontact appointment by debit/credit card. Cash is not accepted.

Who Qualifies for Free Visas:

• Children under 6 years old

• School trip participants traveling for educational purposes

• Researchers traveling for scientific research

TLScontact Service Fee

In addition to the consular visa fee, TLScontact charges a service fee for administrative processing.

TLScontact Service Fee (UK): £34.70 per applicant for regular appointments. For prime time slots (at 07:30, 08:00) there is an additional charge of £79.74 per applicant (on-top regular fee).

This fee covers:

• Application verification

• Document checking

• Biometric capture

• Secure transmission to consulate

• Passport return handling

The TLScontact fee is refundable only in cases mentioned on TLS Contact.

Total Cost Calculation

Here's what different application scenarios cost:

Solo Adult Applicant:

• Consular fee: €90 (approximately £77 at Jan 2026 exchange rates)

• TLScontact service fee: £34.70

• Total: £111.70

Couple (2 Adults):

• Consular fees: €180 (approximately £154)

• TLScontact service fees: £69.40 (£34.70 × 2)

• Total: £223.40

Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Children aged 8 and 10):

• Consular fees: €270 (2 adults @ €90 + 2 children @ €45 = approximately £231)

• TLScontact service fees: £138.80 (£34.70 × 4)

• Total: £369.80

Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Children aged 4 and 7):

• Consular fees: €135 (2 adults @ €90 + 1 child @ €45 + 1 child free = approximately £115)

• TLScontact service fees: £138.80 (£34.70 × 4)

• Total: £253.80

Currency Conversion Note: Consular fees are charged in Euros but paid through TLScontact in GBP at the daily exchange rate. The exact GBP amount varies based on the EUR/GBP rate on your appointment date.

Optional Services

TLScontact offers additional paid services:

SMS Updates: £3.50

• Receive text notifications on application progress

Premium Lounge: from £40

• Priority check-in

• Comfortable waiting area

• Refreshments

Courier Return: £25-40

• Passport delivered to your address

• Avoid return visit to TLScontact

VIP Service: £175

• Premium lounge access

• Dedicated agent

• Priority processing within centre

These services do NOT speed up the Belgian consulate's decision-making process—they only enhance the TLScontact centre experience.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Beyond the direct visa fees, factor in these additional expenses:

Travel Insurance: £30-60

• Mandatory €30,000 Schengen coverage for your trip duration

Passport Photos: £6-15

• 2 identical photos, 3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background

Travel to TLScontact Centre: Variable

• London centre: Parking or public transport costs

• Regional applicants: Potential overnight accommodation if traveling far

Document Translations: £20-60 per document

• Required for non-English bank statements or certificates

Certified Photocopies: £5-15

• Some documents require notarized copies

Flight Reservations: Free-£30

• Some applicants use refundable bookings or reservation services

Total Additional Costs: £61-180 (depending on your situation)

Complete Application Budget:

• Solo adult: £172-291 (visa fees + additional costs)

• Family of 4: £430-549 (visa fees + additional costs)

Belgium Visa Processing Time from the UK

Understanding realistic timelines prevents last-minute stress.

Official Processing Timeline

Belgium follows the standard Schengen processing schedule established by EU regulations.

Standard Processing:

• Official maximum: 45 calendar days from application submission

• Average: 10-12 days for routine tourism visas

• Extended processing: Up to 30 days for complex cases

• Urgent processing: Up to 60 days in exceptional cases requiring further investigation

The 15-day clock starts when TLScontact submits your application to the Belgian consulate, not when you attend your appointment. TLScontact typically takes 1-2 days to verify documents before forwarding.

What "Calendar Days" Means:

15 calendar days includes weekends and UK public holidays. If you submit on Monday, the 15th day falls on the Tuesday two weeks later, regardless of intervening Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

Real-World Processing Times (UK Data)

Based on 2025 application data from UK residents:

Approval Timeline Distribution:

• 8-10 days: 35% of applications

• 11-13 days: 45% of applications (most common range)

• 14-15 days: 15% of applications

• 16-30 days: 5% of applications (complex cases, additional documents requested)

Fastest Recorded: 6 days (exceptional case, all documents perfect)

Slowest Recorded: 45 days (required police certificate verification from applicant's home country)

Average Processing Time for UK Applicants: 11.5 days

Factors That Affect Processing Speed

Not all applications are created equal. These factors influence how quickly your visa is processed:

Faster Processing (8-10 days):

• Previous Schengen visa history (demonstrates travel compliance)

• Strong financial proof (high salary, substantial savings)

• Clear travel purpose (detailed itinerary, hotel bookings)

• EU/UK family ties

• Professional employment with established company

• Clean immigration history

Slower Processing (14-30 days):

• First-time Schengen applicant (no previous visa history)

• Self-employed or freelance income (requires more verification)

• Private accommodation with Annex 3bis (Belgian host's income verified)

• Large amounts of cash income (raises verification questions)

• Recent large deposits in bank account

• Gaps in employment history

• Previous visa refusals (even from non-Schengen countries)

• SIS alerts (Schengen Information System flags)

When Additional Documents Are Requested:

If the Belgian consulate needs clarification, consulate contacts you via email to submit additional documents. Common requests:

• Additional bank statements (to demonstrate financial stability)

• Updated travel insurance (if dates don't match exactly)

• Employer verification letter (if employment details unclear)

• Explanation letter (if previous travel patterns raise questions)

When additional documents are requested, processing resets—expect another 10-15 days from when you submit the new documents.

Seasonal Variations in Processing Time

Processing speeds fluctuate based on application volume.

Peak Application Periods (Slower):

• May-June: 13-16 days average (summer holiday preparation)

• November-December: 12-15 days average (Christmas market visitors, winter holidays)

• March-April: 11-14 days average (Easter break travel)

Off-Peak Periods (Faster):

• January-February: 9-11 days average

• September-October: 10-12 days average

Peak periods see higher application volumes at the Belgian consulate, slightly extending review times. Plan accordingly if traveling during summer or Christmas.

Can You Expedite Processing?

Many applicants ask if they can pay extra for faster processing. The answer is complex.

What TLScontact's "VIP Service" Does:

• Priority check-in at TLScontact centre

• Dedicated agent assistance

• Premium lounge access

What VIP Service DOESN'T Do:

• Speed up the Belgian consulate's decision (processing time remains 15 days)

• Guarantee approval

• Allow you to skip document requirements

True Expedited Processing (Rarely Available):

Belgium does offer expedited processing in genuinely urgent situations, but these are exceptionally rare and require proof of:

• Medical emergency requiring travel

• Death of immediate family member in Belgium

• Court summons or legal obligation

Even in these cases, "expedited" means 5-7 days, not same-day or next-day. You must provide supporting documentation (medical letter, death certificate, court order).

Expedited Fee: Additional €30-60 (if granted)

Reality Check: 99% of tourist visa applications follow standard 15-day processing. Don't plan last-minute trips expecting expedited processing.

Complete Timeline Planning

To avoid stress, work backward from your travel date.

Minimum Safe Timeline:

Week 1: Complete VisaOnWeb form, gather documents

Week 2-3: Book TLScontact appointment (may need to wait 1-2 weeks for availability)

Week 4: Attend TLScontact appointment

Week 5-6: Visa processing (15 days)

Week 7: Buffer for delays

Week 8+: Travel to Belgium

Absolute Minimum: 8 weeks before travel date

Comfortable Timeline: 10-12 weeks before travel date

Common Mistake:

"My flight is in 6 weeks. I'll book the visa appointment this week."

This fails because:

• Appointment availability: 2 weeks wait

• Processing: 15 days

• Total: 5 weeks (no buffer for delays)

• Result: You miss your flight or must cancel/rebook

Belgium Visa Rejection Reasons and Prevention

Understanding why applications fail helps you avoid the same mistakes.

Belgium Visa Refusal Statistics (UK Applicants)

Belgium maintains one of the better approval rates among Schengen countries for UK-based applicants.

2025 Refusal Rate:

• Overall refusal rate for UK applicants: Approximately 3.2%

• First-time applicants: 5.8% refusal rate

• Previous Schengen visa holders: 1.4% refusal rate

Context: Belgium's 3.2% refusal rate is lower than the Schengen average (8-9%) and significantly better than high-refusal countries like France (5.8%) or Spain (7.1%).

Why Belgium's Rate is Lower:

• Thorough document checklist at TLScontact (catches issues early)

• Less stringent financial requirements compared to some countries

• Established UK-Belgium travel relationship

• Strong Annex 3bis system for private stays

Top 5 Rejection Reasons (By Frequency)

Rejection Reason #1: Insufficient Financial Means

What This Means:

You didn't demonstrate adequate funds for your planned stay in Belgium.

Why Applications Fail:

• Bank balance below required amount (€45/day private or €95/day hotel)

• Bank statements show recent large deposits (looks like borrowed money)

• Inconsistent income pattern (unexplained gaps or fluctuations)

• Bank statements not in applicant's name (using someone else's account)

Example of Failure:

10-day Brussels trip staying in hotels = €950 required (10 × €95). Applicant's bank statement shows £400 balance. Rejected for insufficient funds.

How to Prevent:

• Calculate exact financial requirement: Number of days × €45 or €95

• Ensure bank balance exceeds requirement by at least 20% (buffer for exchange rate)

• Show consistent income over 3 months (no sudden large deposits)

• Use bank statements in your own name only

• If sponsored by spouse/parent, provide marriage/birth certificate + their statements + consent letter

Rejection Reason #2: Travel Insurance Issues

What This Means:

Your insurance certificate didn't meet the strict €30,000 Schengen requirements or doesn't cover all Schengen States.

Why Applications Fail:

• EHIC/GHIC card submitted instead of private insurance (extremely common mistake)

• Coverage amount not explicitly stated as €30,000

• Insurance doesn't cover full Schengen area (Belgium-only insurance rejected)

• Coverage dates don't match travel dates exactly

• Missing repatriation coverage

• Insurance from non-EU, non-UK provider (not accepted)

Example of Failure:

Applicant submitted EHIC card plus basic travel insurance for €15,000. Rejected because: EHIC doesn't count, and €15,000 is half the required amount.

How to Prevent:

• Purchase private travel insurance specifically stating €30,000 coverage

• Ensure certificate lists: Medical expenses, emergency hospitalization, repatriation, death

• Coverage must state "valid for entire Schengen area" (not just Belgium)

• Coverage dates must match or exceed your travel dates exactly

• Use UK or EU-based insurance provider

• Cost: £30-60 for annual coverage (budget this expense)

Rejection Reason #3: UK Residence Validity Issues

What This Means:

Your UK immigration permission doesn't extend at least 1 month beyond your return from Belgium.

Why Applications Fail:

• UK residence permit/status expires within 1 month of returning from Schengen

• Using expired or invalid UK residence documentation

• Share code not generated or expired (must be within 90 days)

Example of Failure:

Applicant's UK residence permission expires August 30th. Planned Belgium trip: July 15-29. Return date: July 29. Time remaining: 32 days. This is just over 1 month but consulates are strict—application rejected because of minimal buffer.

How to Prevent:

• Check your UK immigration permission expiry date

• Ensure at least 1 full month (30+ days) validity after your return from Belgium

• Generate fresh share code within 90 days of application

• Include clear eVisa screenshot showing status details

• If your UK status expires soon, consider delaying travel until after renewal

• NEVER submit expired residence documents

Rejection Reason #4: Justification of Stay (Accommodation Issues)

What This Means:

You didn't adequately prove your accommodation plans, or your host's income was insufficient for Annex 3bis.

Why Applications Fail:

• Annex 3bis provided but host's income too low (below €2,000/month typically required)

• Hotel bookings incomplete (not covering full stay)

• Accommodation dates don't match flight dates

• Missing Annex 3bis when claiming private stay

Example of Failure:

Applicant staying with Belgian friend for 12 days. Submitted Annex 3bis from friend. Friend's income: €1,400/month. Belgian municipality rejected Annex 3bis due to insufficient income, causing visa rejection.

How to Prevent:

• For hotel stays: Book refundable reservations covering every night of your stay (Booking.com, Hotels.com allow free cancellation)

• For private stays: Verify your host's income BEFORE applying. If borderline, book hotels instead

• Ensure accommodation dates match your arrival and departure exactly

• If combining hotel + private stay, provide documentation for both portions

• Consider booking refundable hotels if host's income is borderline

Annex 3bis Alternative:

If your host cannot obtain Annex 3bis, book refundable hotel accommodations instead. Many Belgian hotels offer free cancellation policies, allowing you to secure visa approval then adjust plans after.

Rejection Reason #5: Previous Overstay / SIS Alerts

What This Means:

Belgium's immigration database shows previous Schengen overstays or alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS).

Issues:

• Exceeded 90/180-day rule in previous visits

• Previous visa violations

• Immigration concerns flagged by other Schengen countries

How to Prevent:

• Calculate your previous Schengen stays carefully (use online 90/180 calculator)

• If you have previous overstays, provide detailed explanation letter

• Address any previous issues proactively in application

90/180 Day Rule: You can spend maximum 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Violations result in entry bans (1-5 years).

Photo Specification Failures

While not a top-5 reason, photo rejections are surprisingly common and easily preventable.

Common Photo Mistakes:

• Photos older than 3 months

• Smiling or showing teeth (neutral expression required)

• Hair covering eyes or eyebrows

• Background not pure white

• Photos attached with staples instead of paper clip

Prevention:

• Get fresh photos specifically for this application (don't reuse old photos)

• Visit photo booth and specify "UK passport photo, white background, neutral expression"

• Attach with paper clip, not staples

• Get 2 identical photos (some applicants bring 2 different photos—rejected)

Belgium Visa Appointment Availability in the UK

Getting a TLScontact appointment is often more challenging than the actual visa application.

TLScontact Centre Comparison

London (18 Ryeland Boulevard, SW18 1UN):

• Appointment availability: 2-4 weeks wait (peak season)

• Catchment area: Largest (South England, London)

• Volume: Highest application volume in UK

• Tip: Book 6-8 weeks before travel

Manchester (1 Portland Street, M1 3BE):

• Appointment availability: 1-3 weeks wait

• Catchment area: North England, Midlands

• Volume: Moderate

• Tip: Often better availability than London

Edinburgh (Argyle House, 3 Lady Lawson Street, EH3 9DR):

• Appointment availability: 1-2 weeks wait

• Catchment area: Scotland, North England

• Volume: Lowest of three centres

• Tip: Best availability in UK, worth traveling for urgent applications

Peak vs Off-Peak Availability

Peak Periods (Difficult Availability):

• June-August (summer holidays)

• December (Christmas markets, winter holidays)

• Easter week

• UK school half-term breaks

Off-Peak Periods (Better Availability):

• January-March

• September-November

• Mid-week appointments (Tuesday-Thursday)

The Appointment Bottleneck Problem

Many UK residents report this pattern:

1. Book flights for Belgium trip (6 weeks out)

2. Attempt to book TLScontact appointment

3. Discover no appointments available for 3-4 weeks

4. Realize insufficient time for 15-day processing + return

5. Either cancel trip or reschedule it

Timeline Math That Doesn't Work:

• Flight in 6 weeks

• Appointment wait: 4 weeks

• Visa processing: 2 weeks

• Total: 6 weeks (zero buffer for delays)

Timeline That Works:

• Flight in 10 weeks

• Appointment wait: 2-4 weeks

• Visa processing: 2-3 weeks

• Buffer: 2-4 weeks (for delays)

Can Visard Help Speed Up the Process?

Our visa appointment bot can't help with document preparation, but we can solve the appointment availability problem.

The Appointment Bottleneck

Belgium visa appointments at TLScontact centres book out weeks in advance. Manual checking takes hours and often fails.

How Visard Monitors Appointments

• Checks TLScontact every 3 seconds (28,800 times/day)

• Auto-booking option: We book your slot automatically when one appears—you pay only after we successfully secure your appointment

• Notification service: Get instant Telegram alerts when slots open

Pricing (UK to Belgium)

• Auto-booking: £100 for application up to 3 people in the application, and £50 for any additional.

  • TLScontact service fee: £34.70 per person (paid separately at appointment)

  • You only pay Visard's fee AFTER we book your appointment

• Notifications: £35 for Belgium only, £65 for all Schengen countries

Average Booking Time

4-7 days from starting monitoring to secured appointment.

Learn more: Belgium visa appointment booking from UK

Important: Visard is a private technology service and is not affiliated with the Belgium government, VFS Global, or TLScontact.

Summary: Belgium Schengen Visa Application Checklist

Before You Start:

• [ ] Verify passport validity (10-year rule, 3-month validity, 2 blank pages)

• [ ] Check UK immigration status validity (1 month after Schengen departure)

• [ ] Calculate required funds (€45/day private or €95/day hotel)

• [ ] Purchase travel insurance (€30,000 minimum, full Schengen coverage)

Application Steps:

• [ ] Complete VisaOnWeb form and print barcode page

• [ ] Book TLScontact appointment (start 8-10 weeks before travel)

• [ ] Get fresh photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, less than 3 months old)

• [ ] Gather all documents (see checklist above)

• [ ] Attend appointment and submit biometrics

• [ ] Pay €90 visa fee + £34.70 service fee

• [ ] Wait 15 days for processing

• [ ] Collect passport with visa

Total Timeline: 6-10 weeks from start to passport return

Total Cost: £111.70 (solo adult) to £369.80 (family of 4 with children 6-12)

Rejection Prevention:

• Ensure Belgium is primary destination (avoid visa shopping)

• Meet exact financial requirements (€45/€95 × days)

• Valid insurance with €30,000 clearly stated and covers all Schengen countries

• Photos less than 3 months old

• UK immigration permission valid 1 month after Schengen departure

For more detailed information on specific aspects:

• Processing times: Belgium Visa Processing Time UK

• Cost breakdown: Belgium Visa Cost UK

• Requirements: Belgium Visa Requirements UK

Need help securing a TLScontact appointment? Visit our appointment monitoring service to learn about automated appointment tracking.

Sources:

• TLScontact Official Belgium Visa Application Centre UK - List of Documents (Tourism)

• Belgium Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs

• VisaOnWeb

• Belgium visa statistics 2025

• Schengen visa fee schedule (effective June 2024)

• UK Home Office immigration status guidance

Last updated: January 2026