The Belgian Embassy in Brasília quietly revised its online visa guidance on 8 October, clarifying that Brazilian passport-holders remain visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area, provided stringent entry conditions are met. The update reiterates mandatory travel-medical insurance of €30,000 and proof of at least €95 per day in financial means, thresholds that often catch leisure and business visitors unaware. Crucially for global-mobility practitioners, the notice reminds travellers that since 10 April 2026 arrival declarations can be completed online via the “My Address in Belgium” (MAB) portal rather than in person at commune offices. This digitalisation shortens compliance time for short-term assignees attending training or project kick-offs, but employers must still store the MAB confirmation in personnel files to satisfy Posted Worker Directive audits. The embassy also stresses that ETIAS, the EU’s forthcoming travel-authorisation scheme, is “not yet operational,” countering misinformation circulating on social media travel groups. Once live—expected in mid-2027—ETIAS will become an additional prerequisite, and companies should budget approximately €7 per traveller for registration. Immigration advisers note that the update stops short of changing policy but provides welcome clarity amid rumours that Belgium might unilaterally tighten rules for Latin American nationals following a rise in overstay cases. For now, the 90/180-day calculator published by the European Commission remains the authoritative tool for monitoring allowable days. Global-mobility teams sending Brazilian experts to Belgian R&D sites should align assignment lengths with the Schengen clock and consider single-permit applications for projects likely to exceed three months. Failure to do so can trigger fines of up to €8,000 per worker under Belgian Social Penal Code provisions on illegal employment.
Source: FPS Foreign Affairs (Belgium)
