Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism.
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Belgium:
Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
2 pages minimum
Not required for stays under 90 days
None
10,000 Euros or equivalent
10,000 Euros or equivalent
27 Boulevard du Régent (the Consular Section is at 25 Boulevard du Régent)
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Telephone: +(32) (2) 811-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(32) (0) 2-811-4000
Fax: +(32) (2) 811-4546
UScitizenbrussels@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Belgium for information on U.S.–Belgium relations.
Belgium is a party to the Schengen Agreement. Visit the Embassy of Belgium website for the most current visa information.
Transiting Schengen Countries:
HIV/AIDS RESTRICITONS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Belgium.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our customs information page.
Terrorism: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.
Demonstrations occur daily. Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues.
Crime:
U.S. citizens have lost tens of thousands of dollars in scams, in Belgium. See our website on international financial scams to protect yourself while traveling.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams..
Victims of Crime:
Report crimes to the local police at 101. For all other emergencies, please dial 112. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +(32) (2) 811-4000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
The Belgian Commission for Financial Assistance to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence provides financial compensation, under specific circumstances, for victims of crime and for those who have suffered injuries and consequent losses caused by such incidents. The Commission also provides for dependents or immediate family members of homicide victims. For more information, contact the Commission by phone at 32 2 542-7208; 32 2 542-7218; 32 2 542-7224; 32 2 542-7229, or 32 2 542-7244; by e-mail at commission.victimes@just.fgov.be or commissie.slachtoffers@just.fgov.be; or visit the Ministry of Justice website (French, and Dutch only).
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
For further information:
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Belgium are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our web page on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Belgium.
See our LGBTI travel information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights Report for further details.
Persons with Mobility Issues: While in Belgium, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States.
Students: See our students abroad page.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers.
High-quality medical facilities and services are widely available in Belgium. The large university hospitals can handle almost every medical problem. The Embassy's Consular Section maintains a list of English-speaking doctors. Equivalents for most, but not all, U.S. medications are available through local pharmacies with a prescription from a Belgian physician. The responsiveness of emergency services is also generally excellent.
For further health information, go to:
Traffic Laws:
Public Transportation: Brussels and most major cities of Belgium have extensive and efficient public transportation systems. Trains, buses, and ferries connect Brussels with other major cities in Belgium and with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands. Traveling by train is considered to be safer than driving.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Belgian national authority responsible for road safety.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Belgium’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Belgium’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Belgium should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website (https:homeport.uscg.mil, and the NGA broadcast warnings website and select “broadcast warnings.”
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.
27 Boulevard du Régent (the Consular Section is at 25 Boulevard du Régent)
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Telephone: +(32) (2) 811-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(32) (0) 2-811-4000
Fax: +(32) (2) 811-4546
UScitizenbrussels@state.gov
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Brussels
Belgium is a party to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters. Complete information on the operation of the Convention, including an interactive online request form are available on the Hague Conference website. Requests should be completed in duplicate and submitted with two sets of the documents to be served, and translations, directly to Belgium’s Central Authority for the Hague Service Convention. The person in the United States executing the request form should be either an attorney or clerk of court. The applicant should include the titles attorney at law or clerk of court on the identity and address of applicant and signature/stamp fields. The Belgian Central Authority requires that the document to be served is translated in the language of the place of residence of the addressee (French, Dutch or German). Belgium did not formally object to service via postal channels under Article 10 of the Hague Service Convention. For additional information see the Hague Conference Service Convention webpage and the new edition of the Practical Handbook on the Operation of the Hague Service Convention.
Prosecution Requests: U.S. federal or state prosecutors should contact the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice for guidance about the U.S. – Belgium Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty.
Defense Requests in Criminal Matters: Criminal defendants or their defense counsel seeking judicial assistance in obtaining evidence or in effecting service of documents abroad in connection with criminal matters may do so via the letters rogatory process.
Belgium is not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention. Belgium permits the taking of voluntary depositions of willing witnesses. It is possible to schedule a deposition at the Embassy. If the services of a U.S. consular officer are required to administer an oath to the witness, interpreter and stenographer, such arrangements must be made in advance with the U.S. embassy directly. See 22 CFR 22.1 for information about current consular fees related to obtaining evidence. While parties have the option to request that a Belgian court conduct the deposition, this would require transmittal of letters rogatory via diplomatic channels.
In civil cases, attorneys from abroad are allowed to depose anyone in Belgium provided that they are willing witnesses and provided that this procedure does not create procedural issues for the requesting party or implicates the legal rights of the requested party. In criminal cases, it is a fairly common practice to take voluntary depositions of witnesses (or often also victims) at a lawyer’s office.
Such requests for an ‘informal deposition’ are acceptable as long as the witness (1) is willing to testify; (2) is not (also) as suspect or accused involved in a related Belgian criminal case or wanted by a third country or prosecuted in a third country; and therefore (3) as long as the deposition has no influence on an ongoing Belgian criminal case.
Oral depositions or depositions on written questions may be taken by U.S. consular officers or by private attorneys from the United States or Belgium at the U.S. Embassy, or at another location such as a hotel or office, either on notice or pursuant to a commission. If the services of a U.S. consular officer are required to administer an oath to the witness, interpreter and stenographer, such arrangements must be made in advance with the U.S. embassy directly.
Belgium is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. Belgium’s competent authority for the Hague Apostille Convention will authenticate Belgian public documents with Apostilles. For information about authenticating U.S. public documents for use in Belgium, see the list of U.S. Competent Authorities. To obtain an Apostille for a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America, contact the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, Vital Records Office.
27 Boulevard du Régent (the Consular Section is at 25 Boulevard du Régent)
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Telephone: +(32) (2) 811-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(32) (0) 2-811-4000
Fax: +(32) (2) 811-4546
UScitizenbrussels@state.gov
Belgium and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since May 1, 1999.
For information concerning travel to Belgium, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Belgium.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention. In this capacity, the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Belgium. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.
Contact information:
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Website: travel.state.gov
The Belgian Central Authority (BCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Service Public Fédéral Justice. The BCA has an administrative role in processing Hague Abduction Convention applications. The BCA forwards completed Hague applications to the appropriate Public Prosecutor in the jurisdiction where the defendant resides. The Public Prosecutor brings the case on behalf of Belgium. The BCA can be reached at:
The BCA can be reached at:
Belgium Central Authority
Service Public Fédéral Justice
Direction general de la Législation et des Libertés et Droits fondamentaux
Service de cooperation international civile
Autorité centrale d’Entraide judiciaire internationale en matiére civile
Boulevard de Waterloo 115
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel.: +32 (2) 542 67 00
Fax: +32 (2) 542 70 06
e-mail: rapt-parental@just.fgov.be/ kinderontvoering@just.fgov.be
To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Belgium, the USCA encourages parents to review the eligibility criteria and instructions for completing the Hague application form located at the Department of State website and contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the BCA. All documents written in English must be translated into either Dutch or French, depending on the area where the child is located in Belgium. The USCA can help you determine the correct language for translation. Please note, however, that certified translations are not necessary. Any competent person or organization may translate the documents. The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to the BCA, and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes.
There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the U.S. or Belgian Central Authorities. Attorney fees, if necessary, are the responsibility of the applicant. Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.
A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in, Belgium. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.
A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Belgium. The criteria for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.
Retaining a private attorney is not required in order to submit a Hague Abduction Convention application to a court in Belgium. The BCA assigns a Public Prosecutor to present a Hague case before the appropriate court. However, the Public Prosecutor does not represent the left-behind parent or legal guardian who submitted the application; instead, the Public Prosecutor represents Belgium and submits the request for return on behalf of the BCA. The Public Prosecutor will not have direct contact with the left-behind parent or legal guardian.
Parents or legal guardians have the option to hire a private attorney to represent them. However, all attorney fees will be the applicant’s responsibility. The BCA will withdraw from the Hague case if an applicant hires a private attorney, but they will continue to provide information on the Hague Abduction Convention, if requested, and will monitor the progress of the case, if they are aware of it.
The U.S. Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, posts a list of attorneys including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
Mediation may be available for both abduction and access cases. The BCA does not provide mediation services directly; however, the BCA provides referrals to private and non-governmental organizations that offer mediation services. Mediation is voluntary.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Belgium is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between Belgium and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.
Belgium is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption. While legally possible, intercountry adoption of a Belgian orphan by foreigners is unlikely. No Belgian orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in extremely rare adoption cases from Belgium, including adoptions of Belgian children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Belgium.
Adoption between the United States and Belgium is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Belgium, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more.
In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Belgium also has the following requirements for prospective adoptive parents:
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: Prospective adoptive parents must be resident in Belgium to adopt.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Minimum age to adopt is 25, and the minimum age difference between the prospective adoptive parents and the adopted child is 15 years. For the adoption of a child of the spouse/cohabiting partner, the minimum age is 18 and the minimum age difference is 10 years.
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS: To adopt together prospective adoptive parents must be married, be legally registered as a cohabiting couple or have lived together on an ongoing basis and having an emotional commitment for at least three years.
INCOME REQUIREMENTS: Income is discussed in the home study. There are no minimum requirements but the prospective adoptive parents must be able to take financial care of an adoption child.
Because Belgium is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Belgium must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Belgium attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Belgium's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adopteefor you to bring him or her back to the United States.
Residents of the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
Kind en Gezin
Hallepoortlaan 27
1060 Brussels
e-mail: adoptie@kindengezin.be
tel.: (02) 533 14 76
Residents of the French-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
Autorité Communautaire pour l'Adoption Internationale (ACAI)
Boulevard Leopold II, 44,
1080 Brussels
tel.: (02) 413 2726.
Residents of the German-speaking community should contact:
Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft
Zentrale Behörde der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft für Adoptionen
Gospertstrasse 1
B-4700 Eupen
Fax.: +32 (87) 55 64 74
Tel.: + 32 (87) 59 63 46
Because Belgium is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Belgium must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.
NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with Belgium before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. Learn more
The first step in adopting a child from Belgium is to select an adoption service provider in the United States that has been accredited. Only these agencies and attorneys can provide adoption services between the United States and Belgium.
After you choose an accredited adoption service provider, you apply to be found eligible to adopt (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn how.
Once the U.S. government determines that you are "eligible"? and "suitable"? to adopt, you or your agency will forward your information to the adoption authority in Belgium. Belgium's adoption authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to adopt under Belgium's law.
If both the United States and Belgium determine that you are eligible to adopt, and a child is available for intercountry adoption, the central adoption authority in Belgium may provide you with a referral for a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of the particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to adopt that particular child (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be adopted and enter the United States.
After this, your adoption service provider or you will submit a visa application for to a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Officer will review the child's information and evaluate the child for possible visa ineligibilities. If the Consular Office determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he/she will notify the Belgium's adoption authority (Article 5 letter). For Convention country adoptions, prospective adoptive parent(s) may not proceed with the adoption or obtain custody for the purpose of adoption until this takes place.Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the adoption process.
Remember: Before you adopt (or gain legal custody of) a child in Belgium, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the adoption or grant of custody for the purposes of adoption in Belgium.
The following are the adoption procedures for American citizens living in Belgium who want to adopt a child from a third country:
ADOPTION APPLICATION - ROLE OF THE ADOPTION AUTHORITY: Apply to the central authority of your community (Flemish or French speaking). After submitting your application, you will be invited to take a preparation course required for all prospective adoptive parents.
ROLE OF THE COURT: With the certificate of completion of the preparation course, a request is filed with the court to find you eligible to adopt. The court will order a home study. A service for the home study will invite you for four interviews. A social worker and psychologist will do the interview and make a report to advise the judge. The judge will then decide whether you are eligible to adopt. Note: The adoption of a Belgian child by citizens living in the United States (very exceptional, normally only for adoption of family-members) will be pronounced by a Belgian court.
ROLE OF ADOPTION AGENCIES: Prospective adoptive parents should contact the adoption authority for the region of Belgium where they reside for information on Belgian adoption agencies. The adoption agency will send the file of the applicant(s) to the country of origin and wait for them to propose a child for adoption.
The country of origin will send the file on an adoptable child to the adoption agency. After the approval of the match by the central authority, the prospective adoptive parents will be informed and the procedure in the country of origin may continue.
TIME FRAME: The time it takes to complete an adoption varies, depending on the child's country of origin.
ADOPTION FEES: Most fees will depend on the child's country of origin. Belgian fees, not including pre-approved fees (including the home study), vary depending on which community (Flemish-speaking, French speaking) the prospective adoptive parents reside in.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Judgment of eligibility and home study are always necessary. Other documents depend on the country of origin of the child.
NOTE: Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help.
Now that your adoption is complete (or you have obtained legal custody of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
Birth Certificate
You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
For more information on this process, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Belgium Passport
Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Belgium.
A passport can be obtained in the community where the child is registered.
U.S. Immigrant Visa
After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the adoption (or custody for purpose of adoption) is granted, visit the U.S Embassy for final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the "Panel Physician's"? medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
Note: The U.S. Embassy in Belgium does not issue Immigrant Visas. All Immigrant Visa for Belgium are issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Naples, Italy.
For adoptions finalized abroad : The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to acquire American citizenship when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
For adoptions to be finalized in the United States : The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to typically acquire American citizenship when the U.S. state court issues the final adoption decree. We urge your family to finalize the adoption in a U.S. State court as quickly as possible.
*Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.
Learn more about the Child Citizenship Act.
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Belgium. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
Obtaining Your Visa
In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.
To find information about obtaining a visa for Belgium, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.
Staying Safe on Your Trip
Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.
The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
Staying in Touch on Your Trip
When traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Belgium, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
Registration is free and can be done online.
What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
Note: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
U.S. Embassy in Belgium
Boulevard du Regent 25
1000 Brussels
tel.: (02) 508-2537
fax: (02) 513- 0409
E-mail: uscitizenbrussels@state.gov
Telephone: +358-9-616-25730
Belgium's Adoption Authority (ies)
Residents of the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
Kind en Gezin
Hallepoortlaan 27
1060 Brussels
tel.: (02) 533 1476
email adoptie@kindengezin.be
Residents of the French-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
Autorité Communautaire pour l'Adoption Internationale (ACAI)
Boulevard Leopold II, 44,
1080 Brussels
tel.: (02) 413 2726.
Residents of the German-speaking community should contact:
Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft
Zentrale Behörde der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft für Adoptionen
Gospertstrasse 1
B-4700 Eupen
Fax.: +32 (87) 55 64 74
Tel.: + 32 (87) 59 63 46
Embassy of Belgium
3330 Garfield Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
tel.: (202) 333-6900
Fax (202) 333-5457
E-mail: washington@diplobel.org
Belgium also has Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
Office of Children's Issues
U.S. Department of State
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
Internet: http://adoption.state.gov
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-1 2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-2 2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO 1-6 10 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO-7 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
There are no general documents.
Available
Fees: Depends on Town Hall; Usually around 20-30 Euro
Document Name: Extrait d’Acte de Naissance/Uittreksel van de Geboorteakte
Issuing Authority: local town hall - Office of Vital Statistics (Officier de l'Etat Civil/Burgerlijke Stand)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal of the city/town/A4 Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officier de l’Etat Civil/Ambtenaar van de Burgerlijke Stand
Registration Criteria: Doctor’s certificate; ID of requesting parent; marriage certificate for child born in wedlock, acknowledgement decree for child born out of wedlock
Procedure for Obtaining: Can be obtained by applying in person at local city or town hall; copies can be obtained online
Certified Copies Available: An extract or a copy of personal details can be obtained from the municipality that stores the registers. The population service of the municipality that keeps these documents can deliver these documents.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Depending on the City/Town Hall. Usually free.
Document Name: Extrait d’Acte de Décès/Uittreksel van de Overlijdensakte
Issuing Authority: Officer of Vital Statistics (Officier de l'Etat Civil/Burgerlijke Stand)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal of the city/town/A4 Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officier de l’Etat Civil/Ambtenaar van de Burgerlijke Stand
Registration Criteria: Must present Doctor’s certificate or declaration of death
Procedure for Obtaining: Issued by the Officer of Vital Statistics (Officier de l'Etat Civil/Burgerlijke Stand) of the commune in which the death occurred.
Certified Copies Available: An extract or a copy of personal details can be obtained from the municipality that stores the registers. The population service of the municipality that keeps these documents can deliver these documents.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Belgian death certificates very rarely indicate the cause of death.
Available
Fees: Depending on the City/Town Hall. Usually 20-30 Euro.
Document Name: Extrait d’Acte de Mariage/Uittreksel uit de Huwelijksakte
Issuing Authority: Officer of Vital Statistics (Officier de l'Etat Civil/Dienst Bevolking)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal of the city/town/A4 Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officier de l’Etat Civil/Ambtenaar van de Burgerlijke Stand
Registration Criteria: Civil registry officer attestation
Procedure for Obtaining: Issued upon a written request by the Officer of Vital Statistics (Officier de l'Etat Civil/Dienst Bevolking) of the commune where the marriage took place.
Certified Copies Available: An extract or a copy of personal details can be obtained from the municipality that stores the registers. The population service of the municipality that keeps these documents can deliver these documents.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Depending on the City/Town Hall. Usually free.
Document Name: Extrait d’Acte de Divorce/Uittreksel van de Scheidingsakte
Issuing Authority: Clerk of the Lower Court (Greffe du Tribunal de lere Instance/Griffie van de Rechtbank van Eerste Aanleg)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal of the city/town/A4 Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officier de l’Etat Civil/Ambtenaar van de Burgerlijke Stand
Registration Criteria: Court Decree
Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained by written request, addressed to the Clerk of the Lower Court (Greffe du Tribunal de lere Instance/Griffie van de Rechtbank van Eerste Aanleg) in the commune in which the judgment was rendered.
Certified Copies Available: An extract or a copy of personal details can be obtained from the municipality that stores the registers. The population service of the municipality that keeps these documents can deliver these documents.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Depending on the City/Town Hall. Usually free.
Document Name: Extrait d’Acte d’Adoption/Uittreksel uit de Adoptieakte
Issuing Authority: local town hall, Guichet Population Etat-Civil/Loket Bevolking Burgerlijke Stand
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal of the city/town/A4 Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel
Registration Criteria: Court Order
Procedure for Obtaining: There is no procedure for obtaining
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Depends on City/Town Hall, on average: 20 Euro (normal), expedite options available
Document Name: Carte d’Identité/Identiteitskaart/Personalausweis/Identity Card
Issuing Authority: Both documents are issued by the Census Office (Bureau de la Population/Dienst Bevolking) of the commune of the applicant's last residence.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: see link diplomatie.belgium
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Belgian Federal Public Service Interior
Registration Criteria: Registration form, proof of payment, photo
Procedure for Obtaining: See link diplomatie.belgium
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: see link belgium.be
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Depends on City/Town Hall
Document Name: Extrait de Casier Judiciaire (F)/Uittreksel van het Strafregister (NL)
Issuing Authority: City or Town Hall/Federal Public Service Justice
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal/A4 paper
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: officier de l’Etat Civil/Ambtenaar van de Burgerlijke Stand
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Each immigrant visa applicant who is 16 years of age or older is required to obtain a Belgian police certificate (Extrait de Casier Judiciaire (F)/Uittreksel van het Strafregister (NL). If you currently reside in Belgium, you must request a Belgian police certificate (Extrait de Casier Judiciaire (F)/ Uittreksel van het Strafregister (NL) from your local city hall, upon presentation of a completed application form which you can find on the back of this form. If you currently do not reside in Belgium, you must request the Belgian police record (Extrait de Casier Judiciaire (F)/Uittreksel van het Strafregister from the Ministry of Justice, upon presentation of a completed application form.
Ministry of Justice
80, boulevard de Waterloo / Waterloolaan 80,
1000 Brussels.
Opening hours: from Monday through Friday, 09:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Telephone: 02.552.27.47)
A written request (also by fax), indicating the reason for the request, should contain the following:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Police, Prison, and Court Records all come from the same source
Available – See Police Records
Fees: Depends on City/Town Hall
Document Name: Proces Verbal and Jugement or Pro Justitia
Issuing Authority: Clerk of the Court (Greffe du Tribunal/Griffie van het Gerecht)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Issued upon written request where the conviction occurred.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Unavailable - See Police Records
Unavailable
Comments: Military service was abolished in Belgium in 1992 and as a result many town halls may refuse to provide a military record making it unobtainable in individual cases. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that any offense which occurred during military service will be reflected in police records.
Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic and Service, Travel Document for stateless and refugees
Fees: On average €35.00 for a minor (regular procedure) or €220.00 (expeditious processing) or €85.00 for an adult (regular procedure) or €260.00 (expeditious processing). Diplomatic and Official free
Document Name: Passeport/Paspoort ; Passeport Diplomatique/Diplomatiek paspoort ; Passeport de Service/Dienstpaspoort ; Titre de Voyage/Reisdocument
Issuing Government Authority: Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs (for passports) and Federal Public Service Interior (for Convention travel documents).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The Regular, Diplomatic and Official passports have burgundy covers conforming to the EU standard.
Regular Passports: Serial numbers are preceded by the letters ED, EF, EG.
Diplomatic Passports: Serial numbers are preceded by the letters LA.
Official Passports: Serial numbers are preceded by the letters LD.
Travel Documents: Blue covers, Serial numbers preceded by T – convention documents
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Not shown
Registration Criteria: Must be applied for through the City/Town hall
Procedure for Obtaining: Must be applied for through the City/Town hall
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: All of the passports will be valid for five years.
Not applicable.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy in Brussels, Belgium
Address:
Mailing Address:
APO AE 09724-7600
Street Address:
27 Boulevard du Regent
1000 Brussels
Consular Section:
25 Boulevard du Regent
Phone Number:
Tel: (24 hours) (32) 2-508-2111
Fax: (Embassy) 02-511-2725
(Consular Section) (32) 2-513-0409
Comments / Additional Information: None
All visa categories for all of Belgium. Immigrant visas for Luxembourg.
Notification.Washington@diplobel.fed.be
Washington, DC (202) 333-6900 (202) 338-4960
Atlanta, GA (404) 659-2150 (404) 659-8474
Los Angeles, CA (323) 857-1244 (323) 936-2564
New York, NY (212) 586-5110 (212) 582-9657
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
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