Schengen Visas in Belgium: New Tariffs and the End of Cash Payments

La Presse reports on Belgium's recent adjustments to its visa fee structure, aligning with broader European Union directives and accelerating its digital transformation in consular services. Effective May 1, 2026, the country has revised its global consular tariffs, a move that impacts visa applications worldwide.

The updated schedule sees the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) priced at 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children between 6 and 12 years old, with children under six remaining exempt. Long-stay visas (Type D), essential for students, workers, and family reunification, are now set at 180 euros, potentially with additional administrative fees depending on the application type. This harmonization aims to standardize costs across all Belgian embassies and consulates, from Tokyo to Washington.

Beyond the financial adjustments, Belgium is actively promoting the digitalization of its consular processes. Several diplomatic posts have already ceased accepting cash payments as part of a gradual modernization effort. The objective is to minimize processing errors, enhance transaction traceability, and streamline visa application handling. This shift reflects a wider European trend towards digital payments and online platforms for consular services, encouraging applicants, particularly from regions like the Maghreb, to adapt to electronic payment methods and anticipate associated costs.