Belgium to Phase Out Cash Payments for Visa Fees and Increase Visa Costs
Introduction to New Visa Regulations
In several Belgian embassies, including those in Tokyo, New Delhi, and Johannesburg, cash payments for visa fees are no longer accepted. Applicants must now pay online and present proof of payment before their appointment can be confirmed. This measure will be gradually implemented across the entire Belgian diplomatic network by December 2026, according to information reported by VisaHQ.
Increase in Visa Fees
Additionally, Belgium has increased its visa fees as of May 1, 2026. This decision affects both Schengen visas and long-stay visas. The short-stay Schengen visa (type C) now costs €90 for adults, up from €80. Children aged 6 to 12 years old will pay €45, instead of €40. Children under 6 years old remain exempt from paying visa fees. Long-stay visas (type D), intended for students, family reunification, and certain workers, will now cost €200. Applicants for a professional card must pay €180 for the visa, in addition to fees related to their activity.
Background and Rationale
The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs has officially announced this tariff update. This is the first comprehensive review since the pre-pandemic period. This reform is part of a European dynamic, aligning Belgium with countries in the Schengen area that have the highest visa fees. It also follows a logic of indexing tariffs adopted in 2024. Furthermore, the Belgian authorities plan to gradually phase out cash payments by 2026. This transition is expected to promote the adoption of entirely electronic payment methods, in line with the modernization of financial transactions.
Broader Context and Implications
This orientation is part of a larger dynamic within the Schengen area, where several states are strengthening the dematerialization of economic and administrative exchanges. For comparison, Switzerland, also integrated into this free movement area, has recently revised its visa fees upwards to harmonize them with the provisions of the European Union's Visa Code.
