A Destination for Every Traveler
Belgium is a small country with a big personality. In one trip, travelers can see a golden main square, walk through medieval towns, and taste world-famous chocolate, waffles, and beer. Cities are close together, so it is easy to see a lot.
Below are the top 5 destinations that make Belgium a perfect pick for your next holiday.
Places You Shouldn't Miss
Grand-Place, Brussels
The Golden Square
The Grand-Place is the beautiful main square of Brussels, surrounded by golden guild houses and a grand town hall. At night, the buildings glow and the square feels magical.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Belgium:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Surrounded by shops selling chocolate and waffles.
- Perfect for city breaks and photography.
Bruges
A Fairy-Tale Medieval Town
Bruges is a storybook town with quiet canals, old brick houses, and cobbled streets. Visitors can take a boat tour, climb the Belfry tower, and enjoy cozy cafés.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Belgium:
- Ideal for couples and honeymoons.
- Easy to walk around in one or two days.
- Famous for lace, chocolate, and beer.
Ghent
Castle and Canals
Ghent mixes old and new. The Gravensteen Castle sits right in the city center, and the canals are lined with historic buildings. It also has a lively, youthful feel.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Belgium:
- Less crowded than Bruges but just as beautiful.
- Great food and nightlife.
- Lovely to see lit up at night.
The Atomium, Brussels
A Giant Icon
The Atomium is a giant metal structure shaped like an atom, built for the 1958 World's Fair. Visitors can go inside the shiny spheres and enjoy views over Brussels.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Belgium:
- A unique and modern symbol of Belgium.
- Fun for families and design lovers.
- Next to a park and family attractions.
Antwerp
Fashion, Diamonds, and Grand Stations
Antwerp is known for fashion, diamonds, and art. Its Central Station is often called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, with a grand hall and giant clock.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Belgium:
- Perfect for shopping and art lovers.
- Home of the famous diamond district.
- Easy by train from Brussels.
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Belgium Schengen Visa for UK Residents
Planning a trip to Belgium? Whether you need a visa depends on the passport you hold, not on where you live. If your passport requires a Schengen visa, you apply for a short-stay (Type C) visa that lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Belgium has applied Schengen rules since 1995. Most travellers fly into Brussels or another major city, and the visa works across the whole Schengen area.
Swift Holidays is a UK-registered travel company. We help you check your documents, book your appointment and arrange the insurance and travel reservations your application needs.
Documents usually needed for a Belgium visa
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave, issued within the last 10 years
- The completed and signed visa application form, and recent passport-style photographs
- Proof of your status and address in the UK, such as your residence document and a recent utility bill or tenancy agreement
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for the whole Schengen area
- Flight reservation and accommodation details for your trip
- Recent bank statements showing you can pay for the trip, and proof of work or study such as an employer letter or payslips
The exact list depends on your nationality, job and travel plans, and the consulate can ask for more. We check your documents against the current requirements before you apply.
Fees and timing at a glance
| Adults (12 and over) | €90 |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to 11 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Usual processing | Typically 10 to 15 working days (longer in busy periods) |
| Apply | Up to 6 months before travel |
Fees are set by the EU and checked in October 2026. Visa application centres may add a service fee. Always confirm with the official embassy or visa centre before you pay.
How Swift Holidays helps with your Belgium application
- Visa consultancy and a document check before you apply
- Help booking your visa appointment
- Travel insurance that meets the visa requirements
- Flight and hotel reservations for your visa application
Belgium visa: common questions
How much does a Belgium Schengen visa cost?
The official fee is the same for every Schengen country: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 11, and free for children under 6. If you apply through a visa application centre, they may charge an extra service fee. The visa fee is not refunded if the application is refused.
How long does a Belgium visa take?
Processing normally takes 10 to 15 working days after you submit your application, and can take longer in busy periods. Appointments can be booked out for weeks, so start early.
When can I apply for a Belgium visa?
You can apply up to 6 months before your trip. It is best to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before you travel, and not to pay for non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.
Which country should I apply to if I visit several?
Apply to the country where you will spend the most nights. If your time is split equally, apply to the country you enter first. If Belgium is your main destination, you apply for Belgium.
Can you guarantee my visa?
No. Only the consulate can approve a visa, and nobody can promise the result. What we do is help you prepare a complete, consistent application so there are fewer avoidable mistakes.
Read our guide: Schengen visa checklist: documents you need or contact us.
Also planning another country?
Netherlands Schengen visa · France Schengen visa · Luxembourg Schengen visa
This page is general information, not legal advice. Visa decisions are made only by the consulate, and rules can change.