Rules of entry to Belgium for Ukrainians

Ukrainians may be denied entry to Belgium if they lack the necessary documents, proof of the purpose of their trip, or sufficient financial means. Other grounds for denial include exceeding the permitted length of stay in the Schengen Area or being subject to an entry ban. The decision is made by the Belgian border authorities.

Ukrainians may enter Belgium only if their passport is valid for at least 3 months after their planned departure from the Schengen Area. The passport must also have been issued no more than 10 years ago. If these requirements are not met, entry will be denied.

To enter Belgium, Ukrainians must prove they have approximately 45–95 euros per day of stay, depending on their accommodation arrangements. A lower amount applies if accommodation is arranged, a higher amount if no reservation is made. Financial means are checked at the border.

Yes, upon entry into Belgium, border guards may check for travel insurance. For short-term stays, insurance is not a mandatory requirement for visa-free entry. However, the lack of insurance may affect the assessment of travel conditions.

Ukrainians can enter Belgium without travel insurance, but they will have to cover all medical expenses themselves. Medical services in Belgium are expensive for foreigners. For a safe trip to Belgium, it is recommended to purchase insurance in advance.

Ukrainian citizens with a biometric foreign passport can enter Belgium for a short stay (up to 90 days within 180 days) without a visa.

If the passport is not biometric, a Schengen visa is required.

No — there is currently no general entry ban for Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports. Belgium will be open to Ukrainians in 2026.

For visa-free entry (up to 90 days) with a biometric passport, you will usually need:

• a foreign biometric passport;
  
• medical insurance or confirmation of coverage (depending on the specific situation);
  
• in the case of a longer stay or other purposes — an appropriate visa or residence permit.

To obtain a visa to Belgium (both a short-term Schengen visa and a long-term national type D visa), you must submit a package of documents to the embassy or visa center. The following are usually required:

• a valid foreign passport;
  
• a visa application form, completed and signed;
  
• a photograph of the required size;
  
• medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000;
  
• confirmation of the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation, contract, educational documents, etc.);
  
• proof of financial solvency (bank statement or sponsorship letter);
  
• ticket reservations or travel itinerary.
  

Additional documents may be required for different types of visas (work, study, family reunification, etc.), so it is advisable to check the requirements on the website of the Belgian Embassy in Ukraine.

Yes, Belgium, like other EU countries, provides temporary protection status for Ukrainians fleeing the war.

The most convenient way to travel is by plane with a transfer in Poland, Germany, or Austria. You can also get there by bus or train via Poland, the Czech Republic, or Germany.

The main government agency is the Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken).

Address: Boulevard Pacheco 44, 1000 Brussels

Phone: +32 2 488 80 00

Official website: dofi.ibz.be

Email (visa questions): [email protected]

For Ukrainians with temporary protection status, there are also Fedasil centers (housing and social assistance).

If you have any questions about registration or residence, you can contact the municipality (commune / gemeente) at your place of residence.

Payments depend on residence status, region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels), and social situation. For example, people with temporary protection status have access to housing assistance, health insurance, education, and employment.

Yes, Ukrainians can be fined for violating the rules of stay in Belgium, specifically for exceeding 90 days in the Schengen Area. A decision on deportation or an entry ban is also possible. Control is carried out in accordance with Schengen rules.