On 23 June 2026 the Embassy of Belgium in Rome republished its visa handbook to reflect two significant changes: the national Visa D fee increase to €250 (effective 1 July 2026) and the obligation for all non-EU visitors staying fewer than 90 days to declare their presence via the digital “My Address in Belgium” (MAB) platform within three days of arrival. The update also clarifies that Italian or Maltese residence permits under renewal are not valid for travel to Belgium; applicants must carry a valid permit or obtain a Belgian C-visa. The embassy emphasises that MAB replaces the paper “declaration of arrival” previously filed at the local commune, streamlining data capture for the Entry/Exit System. Failure to submit the online form can lead to fines or difficulties when applying for future Belgian visas or residence cards. The page provides step-by-step payment instructions for both the €250 visa fee and the separate federal contribution fee, which must be settled before the appointment. For mobility managers relocating staff from Italy or Malta, the clarification removes lingering confusion about travel rights during permit renewals and underscores the need to budget for higher fees. Companies should ensure travellers complete the MAB registration promptly to avoid penalties that could jeopardise subsequent permit applications. The embassy’s update is part of a broader effort by Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to harmonise consular instructions ahead of the 12 June 2026 start date of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact procedures. Similar website revisions are expected at Belgian posts in Paris, Madrid and São Paulo over the coming weeks.
Source: Embassy of Belgium in Rome
