Belgium Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to Belgium visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Both countries are EU and Schengen members with no border controls.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter Belgium without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No application or authorization required. Travel with a valid Austrian passport or national ID card. The Schengen 90-in-180 rule applies across all member states combined.
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Austria to Belgium: What You Need to Know
Austria and Belgium are both founding EU members and Schengen signatories. Brussels hosts the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, making it a major destination for Austrian officials, diplomats, and business travelers. Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp are popular tourist destinations known for medieval architecture, chocolate, and Belgian beer culture. Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines operate direct routes.
How to Get There
Austrian Airlines flies Vienna (VIE) to Brussels (BRU) directly in about 2 hours. Brussels Airlines and Ryanair also serve this route. Train connections require transit through Germany or France.
Money & Banking
Belgium uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not obligatory but 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated. Brussels is one of the more expensive Belgian cities but less expensive than Paris or Zurich. ATMs are widely available.
Practical Tips
Brussels is the de facto capital of the EU and home to many Austrian expats in the EU institutions. The city is best navigated by metro and tram. Bruges is about 1 hour from Brussels by train and is best visited as a day trip or short stay. Belgian fries (frieten) and waffles are authentic local specialties worth seeking out. Rain is common; pack a jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit Belgium?
No. Austria and Belgium are both EU and Schengen members. Austrian citizens can enter Belgium with a national ID card or passport without any visa or border check.
Is Brussels safe for tourists?
Brussels is generally safe. Certain neighborhoods near the North Station and Molenbeek warrant extra caution at night. The historic center, EU Quarter, and Ixelles are tourist-friendly. Standard city precautions apply.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Brussels?
Direct flights from Vienna (VIE) to Brussels (BRU) take approximately 2 hours. Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines operate this route regularly.
What language is spoken in Belgium?
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish, spoken in Flanders and Bruges/Ghent), French (spoken in Wallonia and Brussels), and German (a small eastern region). Brussels is officially bilingual Dutch-French. English is widely spoken in tourist contexts.
What is the best day trip from Brussels?
Bruges (1 hour by train) is the most popular day trip: a beautifully preserved medieval city with canals, chocolate shops, and breweries. Ghent (30 minutes) is also excellent and less touristy. Waterloo battlefield is 20 minutes south of Brussels.
Does Austrian health insurance work in Belgium?
Yes. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/EKVK) entitles Austrian citizens to emergency medical treatment in Belgium on the same terms as Belgian nationals. Carry it at all times.
Is Belgian food worth trying?
Absolutely. Belgian cuisine is outstanding: moules frites (mussels with fries), waterzooi (a Ghent stew), waffles, and praline chocolate are highlights. Belgian beer culture is UNESCO-recognized. Avoid tourist traps near the Grand Place and venture one street away for better value.