Belgium family visit visa
Required documents, fees and processing time for a Belgium family visit Schengen visa when you apply from United States.
SCHENGEN · VISA C✈ DOCUMENTS
🇧🇪 Belgium·····✈·····🇺🇸 from United States
To
Belgium
Type
C · FAMILY
Apply at
USA
Centre
VAC
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Action neededVisiting family / friends — short stay (Type C) · applying from United States.
Documents ready00 / 11
Competent authority
By state of residence: Embassy of Belgium in Washington D.C. or Consulates General in New York, Atlanta or Los Angeles.
Application centre
None - apply directly via Visa on Web (appointment for biometrics or mail-in with notarised signature).
Recommended — commonly expected even when not on the official list
Cover letterA letter of introduction stating who you are and why you are travelling.
Fees
Consular (Type C)
€90
Service fee
$35
Est. total (adult)
$135
Long stay (Type D)
€180
The short-stay (Type C) consular fee is harmonised at €90 for adults across all Schengen states; collected in USD · centre: VFS Global.
Fee notes
VFS Global; direct mail-in possible if biometrics given within 59 months. D fee ~€180 (approximate).
Timeline
medium confidenceProcessing
15–45 days
End-to-end
3–8 weeks
Centre
VAC
Appointment wait
Generally better availability than France/Germany/Italy, but e-appointment slots released in limited batches and can fill within minutes at peak. Realistically 1-6 weeks; tighter in spring/summer and holidays.
Application centre
Consulate direct: Embassy Washington DC and Consulates General Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York via their own e-appointment systems (TLScontact does NOT operate US centres; VFS referenced as optional intermediary). Jurisdiction by US state across four posts.
Timeline notes
No single US-wide VAC operator; each Belgian post runs its own online appointment system. Belgium does not publish a US-specific average processing time.
Funds to show
high confidenceThe amount you must be able to prove, per the Schengen Borders Code reference amount. It depends only on the destination — not on your nationality or where you apply.
Per day
Scale
Minimum
—
In EUR ≈
as shown
staying with a private individual (no financial credit)
€45 / day
staying at a hotel (no financial credit)
€95 / day
Notes
Approximately EUR 45/day (hosted by a private individual) or EUR 95/day (hotel), per person, plus a return travel ticket. A signed, municipally-authenticated letter of guarantee (declaration of liability) by a solvent host can substitute for personal funds. Per day of planned stay.
Consulates apply discretion and may expect a buffer above this figure — treat it as a floor, not a guarantee.
Funds source ↗⚠ Special cases & caveats
- US citizens and visa-exempt nationalsNo C visa needed for visits up to 90/180 days.
- Family members of an EU/EEA/Belgian citizenMay apply under EU free-movement rules (simplified/free) with proof of the family link.
- Third-country nationals resident in the USAMust prove lawful US residence and apply at the post covering their state.