Belgium Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Belgium visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Belgium is small but densely packed with culture: Brussels (EU capital), the medieval city of Bruges, chocolate, waffles, and legendary Belgian beer.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Belgium without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels-Charleroi (CRL, budget flights) are the main entry points. Days in Belgium count toward the Schengen 90-day limit. Most NZ visitors reach Belgium via London, Paris, or Amsterdam connections. The Eurostar connects London-Brussels in 2 hours.
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
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Belgium, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Belgium.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Belgium.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Belgium: What You Need to Know
Belgium is a Schengen member and a rewarding destination for NZ travellers on a European trip. Brussels is the de facto capital of the EU with cosmopolitan dining and world-class museums (Royal Museums of Fine Arts). Bruges is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Ghent and Antwerp round out the cultural offerings. Belgian chocolate, fries (properly with mayonnaise), waffles, and the extraordinary beer scene (Trappist ales, lambic, gueuze) are highlights.
How to Get There
Brussels has excellent high-speed rail connections: Paris (1.5h by Thalys), Amsterdam (2h), London (2h by Eurostar). Most NZ travellers reach Belgium via London or Paris. Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct connections to major European cities. Belgium is naturally combined with the Netherlands (2h) and France on a European circuit.
Money & Banking
Belgium uses the Euro (EUR). Currently around 1.80-1.90 NZD per EUR. Belgium is moderately priced. A classic moules-frites (mussels and fries) in Bruges costs EUR 20-30. Belgian beer in a specialist bar costs EUR 3-7 per glass. Bruges accommodation is more expensive than Brussels during peak summer. Card payments widely accepted throughout Belgium.
Practical Tips
Belgium is very compact: Bruges is 1 hour from Brussels by train, Ghent 30 minutes, Antwerp 40 minutes. The Belgian rail network (SNCB) is good value. Bruges is very walkable and best explored on foot or by bicycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Belgium?
No. Belgium is part of the Schengen Area and NZ citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Is Bruges worth visiting for NZ travellers?
Absolutely. Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, entirely car-free in the center, and best explored on foot or by bicycle. The Market Square (Grote Markt), the Groeninge Museum (Flemish Primitives painting collection), the Rozenhoedkaai canal view, and the Minnewater romantic lake are all highlights. Summer is very crowded; spring and autumn are far more pleasant.
What makes Belgian chocolate and beer special?
Belgian chocolate is world-renowned for its quality: chocolatiers use higher cocoa butter content and finer grinding than most international chocolate. Pralines (filled chocolates) were invented in Belgium. Top chocolatiers: Neuhaus (invented the praline), Leonidas (affordable), and Godiva. Belgian beer is equally celebrated: the country has more unique beer styles than anywhere on earth. Trappist ales (Westvleteren, Chimay), lambic, geuze, and witbier (white beer) are all distinctly Belgian.
What is Brussels like beyond being an EU capital?
Beyond its EU bureaucratic reputation, Brussels is a cosmopolitan, multicultural, and underrated city. Grand Place is one of Europe's most beautiful central squares (UNESCO). The Art Nouveau architecture district (Victor Horta Museum) is extraordinary. The Belgian Comic Strip Center celebrates Tintin and the Smurfs. The Atomium (a 1958 World Expo structure) is a quirky landmark. Brussels has excellent (and very multilingual) food from all over the world.
How do I get the best Belgian fries?
Belgian frites (fries) are a national institution: always double-fried for maximum crispiness, served in a paper cone with a choice of sauces (andalouse and samurai sauce are Belgian specialties). The best are at small fry stands (friteries/frietkoten) rather than restaurants. In Brussels: Maison Antoine in Ixelles is legendary. In Bruges: the frites at the market are excellent. Pair with a Belgian Witbier for the full experience.
How do I get around Belgium efficiently?
Belgium is small and the SNCB rail network is extensive. Brussels to Bruges: 1 hour by IC train. Brussels to Ghent: 30 minutes. Brussels to Antwerp: 40 minutes. Brussels to Liege: 1 hour. The Thalys train connects Brussels to Amsterdam (2h), Paris (1.5h), and Cologne. High-speed Eurostar connects Brussels to London (2h). Day trips from Brussels to all major Belgian cities are very practical.
What is the best time to visit Belgium?
April-October for pleasant weather and outdoor cafes. The Brussels summer jazz festival (July) and Ghent festival (Gentse Feesten, 10 days in July) are great. The Brussels Flower Carpet (every other August) carpets the Grand Place in flowers. December Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent are spectacular. Belgium is a year-round destination given its compact size and indoor museum culture.