China Visa RequirementsFor Belgium passport holders
Belgian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days. No visa application is needed for short stays under the current unilateral exemption.
Great news! Belgium passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
No visa required for stays up to 15 days from the date of entry. Present your Belgian passport at the Chinese port of entry. Complete the arrival and health declaration cards. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. This 15-day exemption is for a single stay: it does not reset by briefly leaving and re-entering. For longer stays, apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese Embassy in Brussels before travel.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Belgium to China: What You Need to Know
China extended its unilateral visa-free entry to Belgian passport holders as part of a broader program covering EU and other countries. This policy, implemented in 2024, allows visa-free stays of up to 15 days for purposes including tourism, business, transit, and visiting relatives. The policy reflects the significant trade relationship between Belgium and China: the Port of Antwerp is one of China's most important European trade gateways, handling massive volumes of Chinese goods. Brussels also hosts significant EU-China diplomatic activity.
How to Get There
Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct flights to Beijing (PEK) with Air China and to Shanghai (PVG) with Shanghai Airlines and Brussels Airlines codeshares. Alternatively, connect via Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM or Air China, Paris (CDG) with Air France or Air China. Total travel time to Beijing is approximately 10-12 hours direct.
Money & Banking
China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate payments: many places do not accept foreign cards directly. However, Alipay now allows linking foreign Visa/Mastercard for tourist use. Carry some cash Yuan as a backup, especially outside major cities. ATMs at Bank of China and ICBC generally accept foreign cards. China is generally affordable, though prices in Beijing and Shanghai are higher.
Practical Tips
Download WeChat and Alipay before arriving in China: many services, restaurants, and even markets use these apps exclusively. Mobile payments dominate Chinese daily life. VPN services are needed to access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western websites: set up a reputable VPN before entering China, as downloading them from within China is difficult. The Great Firewall blocks most Western internet services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa for China?
As of 2024, Belgian citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days under China's unilateral visa exemption policy. For stays beyond 15 days, a Chinese visa must be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Brussels before travel.
How long can Belgian citizens stay in China visa-free?
Belgian citizens can stay up to 15 days per visit under the current unilateral exemption. This is a single-stay limit and does not reset by briefly leaving and re-entering.
What apps do I need before visiting China?
Download WeChat (messaging and payments), Alipay (payments), and a reputable VPN before arriving in China. Western apps including Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western news sites are blocked. VPN apps cannot easily be downloaded once you are inside China.
Are there direct flights from Brussels to China?
Yes. Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct flights to Beijing (PEK) with Air China and to Shanghai (PVG) with Shanghai Airlines. Flight time is approximately 10-12 hours direct.
Can I use Belgian bank cards in China?
Major foreign Visa and Mastercard are increasingly accepted in larger Chinese cities and hotels, and Alipay now allows linking foreign bank cards for tourist use. However, some smaller establishments only accept Chinese payment apps. Carry some RMB cash as backup.
What should Belgian visitors know about internet access in China?
China's Great Firewall blocks most Western internet services including Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Set up a reliable VPN service before entering China. Without a VPN, your internet experience will be significantly restricted. The VPN must be installed before you arrive.