How to Get Vietnam Visa on Arrival in Belgium (2026): The Complete Guide
From the historic Grand Place in Brussels to the breathtaking limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, the journey from Belgium to Vietnam is an experience of a lifetime. If you are planning to visit in 2026, understanding how to get Vietnam visa on Arrival in Belgium is essential for a smooth entry.
Thanks to recent policy updates, Belgian citizens now enjoy some of the most relaxed visa rules in Southeast Asia. This guide will walk you through the 45-day exemption, the 90-day E-visa process, and how to handle emergency situations.
1. 45-Day Visa Exemption: Do You Even Need a Visa?
The best news for Belgian travelers in 2026 is that you might not need a visa at all.
Currently, the Vietnamese government grants a 45-day visa exemption for holders of a Belgian passport. This means if your trip is purely for tourism or short-term business and lasts 45 days or less, you can enter Vietnam without any prior application.
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Requirements: Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
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Process: Simply present your passport at the immigration desk upon landing. You will receive an entry stamp for 45 days for free.
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Tip: Always have a confirmed return ticket or onward flight ready to show the immigration officer if requested.
2. When to Use the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) System
While the Vietnam visa on Arrival in Belgium (via a pre-approved letter) was once the primary method, it is now mostly reserved for specific cases in 2026:
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Extended Stays: If you plan to stay for more than 45 days.
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Special Purpose Visas: For those entering for specific business projects or humanitarian work that requires a sponsor in Vietnam.
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Emergency Entry: When you need a visa within hours and cannot wait for the 3-5 day E-visa processing.
The Two-Step VOA Process:
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Approval Letter: You apply through a licensed agency to get a “Visa Approval Letter” via email.
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Stamping at Airport: Upon arrival at any of Vietnam’s international airports, you present the letter, two photos, and pay a $25 USD stamping fee in cash to receive your visa sticker.
3. The 90-Day E-visa: The Most Popular Choice
For Belgian travelers staying longer than 45 days, the 90-Day E-visa has become the modern standard.
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Validity: 90 days with Single or Multiple entry options.
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Convenience: The entire process is handled online, and you skip the “Visa on Arrival” counter at the airport, proceeding directly to passport control.
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Processing Time: Standard time is 3 to 5 business days.
How to Get Vietnam Visa on Arrival in Belgium (2026): The Complete Guide
4. Flying from Brussels (BRU) to Vietnam
Traveling to Vietnam is highly convenient for those living in Belgium. Most travelers depart from Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels South Charleroi (CRL).
While there are fewer direct flights, premium carriers like Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai), and Thai Airways (via Bangkok) offer excellent connections to Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Regardless of your route, ensure your 45-day flight itinerary or approved visa is ready at the check-in counter in Brussels.
5. Emergency Visa Services for Belgian Travelers
Did you arrive at Brussels Airport only to realize your return flight is 50 days away, but you haven’t applied for a visa?
Because Vietnam is 5 to 6 hours ahead of Belgium, our team in Hanoi is active during your morning check-in time in Europe. We offer a Super Urgent Service that can provide an emergency Approval Letter in just 1 to 4 working hours. This service is a lifesaver for Belgian travelers facing last-minute boarding denials.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I extend my 45-day visa exemption without leaving Vietnam? R: No. In 2026, in-country tourist extensions are not available. To stay longer, you must exit and re-enter or apply for a 90-day E-visa before you arrive.
Q: Where is the Vietnam Embassy in Belgium? R: The Embassy is located at Boulevard Général Jacques 1, 1050 Brussels. While they handle complex consular matters, standard tourism visas are now primarily managed online.
Q: Is the E-visa valid for land borders? R: Yes. If you are entering Vietnam via bus from Cambodia or Laos, the E-visa is accepted at all major land checkpoints.
