Consulate General of Belgium in
New York (NY)

Adding my review here so hopefully it helps someone amidst the negative reviews. I applied in the summer and the only appointments available had about 6 weeks wait time, which made me only get an appt about 3 weeks before my intended travel date, which made me a bit skeptical if the visa will be processed in time since the website said processing time is usually within 3 weeks or more in complicated cases. However, when my appointment date came, it was quite smooth, they do not strictly respect appointment time, it’s on a first-come first-serve basis. I met about 3 people there, but just 1 person for visa application ahead of me. It was pretty quick, they take your documents to see if generally your file is complete. The next day, I received an email saying my visa was issued. In my experience, if you have all the documentation listed in the website, the process is pretty quick, but you MUST have all the required documents, which seems to be the biggest problem with others, lack of sufficient documentation as requested. Thanks

Couldn’t ask for better consulate. Connor was extremely helpful and made my grandma visa processing so much smoother than we expected. Grateful for the help that they provided.

I’m always a bit anxious at Belgian establishments as I don’t speak fluent French or Dutch. But the Belgian consulate in New York is super. Very efficient, quick and seamless processing.

Obtained the renewal of my Belgian passport and also the process of obtaining two important personal certificates from my Belgian country. Thank you so much??❤️?

“Our lines are busy” at 0900 in the morning on a Wednesday? I can’t make an appointment online and you don’t pick up the phone how am I supposed to renew my passport??

I've been to the Consulate General of Belgium in NYC several times and being a country girl at heart, I feel very uncomfortable in the big city but the friendly folks at the consulate make me feel right at home. Be it in person, on the phone, or via email, everyone I have talked to at the consulate has always been professional, courteous, and very helpful. Getting paperwork sorted can be stressful at times but I know that I can rely on the people at consulate to help me out when help is needed.

They think they have heaven, that's the least I can say. I will not give up my residency in America, even if I hold Belgian citizenship. They only refuse because you are from a third world country. Even though you submitted all the required documents and papers, imagine that the rejection was based on your intention not to return, as they know your intentions. Knowing that my wife is there and always asks me to live together there, she can also organize a gathering for us and get permanent residency.

It is the worst Consulate i have ever dealt with in my life. They will first ask you for more unnecessary documents. Then took the visa fees from you. Then they will keep asking you to send them more additional documents. After that they will not give you the visa. The workers there aren't helpful and not professional. You will keep losing money and not get any benefits from them.

The place is very easy to find. Be prepared to park in one of the parking garages. There are two parking garage buildings on a walking distance from the embassy. Street parking is allowed ONLY for commercials vichles. So, don't be tricked by the meters on the sidewalk for street parking because they are only for commercial cars. The consulate general is in 41st floor. Be prepared to show your ID or the email confirmation to the security guys in the lobby. All operations in the consulate general go smoothly as long as you have all the required documents. ?. It is highly recommended to check the consulate website before you go there to make sure that you have everything ready with you.

Worst embassy. We have travelled across many countries including Europe. They took the visa money and then asked to make all other unnecessary reservations and to bring additional documents. Sitting on my application for 3 weeks and still telling it will take 2 months. Ruined my travel plan and I lost money on all reservations. They also ask racist questions and will treat like you are a criminal. If you need Schengen visa then better apply at other country. Seems like these guys running ponzi scheme to take your visa money.

Clear, transparent process. All the requirements were listed on the website. Easy to make an appointment with lots of availability. Things were processed in good time. Getting visas can be a harrowing experience; this consulate made it friendly and efficient. Thank you.

Extremely professional and responsive team! I had a great experience. Despite a technical glitch in the process, the consulate team managed to process our visas right on time. Thank you for the great work!

My husband went for visa with all the necessary documents. They checked everything and said good to go and soon as he paid the visa fee they told him he has to go back another day with additional documents. It’s ridiculous how they first took to money before disclosing that he needs additional documentation. He told he couldn’t go back again and the lady said the fee is non refundable. It’s like they are sitting there to con peoples money. He lost visa fee, visitor insurance money and flight reservations fees.

I wish there were zero stars. At first, the guy at the window was politely asking for the documents, let this not deceive you, provided all my documents and he started shockingly asking questions, are you really going alone? Why are you visiting even thought, I already told him am here for a visitor visa? He asked me if I knew people l, told him, I have friends there but I was going on my own as a tourist, and he insisted that I bring an ID of a friend from Belgium. I provided a different ID, my case was sent to the immigration office in Brussels, they answered me after a month and said they rejected my case because I didn't provide a reason for travel. I advise you to avoid any answers that may make you need to bring additional papers. Please say No and No!!!! and Nooh!!!!! do not be afraid, everything they wanted is already on the paper in front of them but they want you to contradict yourself. Be straight that's it. I was also told to bring my school schedule for the coming semester, Why would anyone ask that, does he think I will give up my US residency, really. All in all, there is discrimination there, The moment he saw me, he said ooh this passport needs screening, what the heck, you didn't even look at my documents. There were no restrictions for Somali passports on the the Schengen website. Good luck to everyone going there.

I have been trying to get a visa for 3 weeks. Everytime i go they have a different story or they need more documents. The women in the front desk is racist and rude. She has been impossible to work with. When she talks to the white people she is so nice but as soon as she sees me a black man she get an attitude and talks to me nasty. She has asked for my pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, flight ticket and maybe next she’ll ask for my kidney. I didn’t think in 2022 if you have a passport and LEGAL to travel that this would happen.

It went well... People who seeking service make sure do some research first and visit this place. As it will be extremely waste of time and money, if you missing any documents or vaccination card including booster. Little bit time consuming, but they will help you

One star is too much for the people working here. Extremely rude and arrogant. The people answering the phones should be fired or should simply quit their job if they hate it there so much. Clearly they're not equipped to help people out. When asked how they were doing, they screeched out "BUSY!" and then continued to not answer the questions we were asking, but instead they were blabbering information we didn't even need or asked for. For the love of God, replace these people with somebody who actually wants to help others out. Sincerely, Two very frustrated people.

I had a great impression about the Belgian people and I still do but the lady who answers the phone God may bless her heart, is extremely rude and would not let You speak and insults you over and over and over with no shame. A complete tragedy and an absolute nightmare as far as my experience with her. I would suggest that she reflects On how Americans deals with human beings from all over the world without insulting anybody , while she is in US.

On the day of visa service, their finger print machine broke, the consular said they’ll pull data from Spain consulate because they had my finger print collected a month ago. And they told me my passport will be ready on the 19th. I went in on the 22nd, And they still have not done my visa. They said they’ll call me as soon as it is ready. I called again on 24th, the consular said they’ll call me on the 25th as I explained that I need my passport for an appointment with Brazil consulate on the 26th. And I called again on 25th, the consular responded that they’ll definitely give me a call in the afternoon, and I never received a call. And I called again on 26th. They finally said it’s ready to pick up. I went in and as usual, they made me wait. When I finally got my passport and rushed to the Brazilian consulate, it was 5 minutes past 12. The consulate is closed and I missed my appointment.

Don't bother showing up in time for your appointment, the timings are not being respected and it seems to work on a first-come, first-get basis. Additionally, if you are picking up a passport, don't bother waiting for the email, just make an appointment and show up, you may be able to pick up your passport earlier, like I did (just have them check whether your passport just came in). Overall, I'm not super happy with the whole experience, first visit I waited for more than one hour. Second time nobody was behind the counter for 20 minutes until the person at the front desk notified personnel that I was waiting. Procedures and communication could be way more efficient. Ending with a good note, once being helped, personnel was friendly.

I had a terrible & stressful experience in this Consulate with visa agent named Esther Goossens who has rudely sent me back the first time I had an appointment (I was missing some documents) and bullied me into deleting my negative Google review during my second appointment. She threatened to refuse to accept my application if I didn't give her services a 5-star rating. In my mind this is blackmail. Now I'm changing my review back to what I actually think of my past experience because I believe that justice outweights fear. Nobody should be allowed to use their professional authority to oppress others and force a fake of a positive image. Consequently, it makes me wonder whether all other reviewers really had as great of an experience as they are saying or were "asked" to give a good rating in excange of the (e.g) faster processing time? Logically speaking, who would dare to speak the truth unanonimously if they do not have any rights and feel threatened? My sincere condolences to anyone who would have to deal with E.G. on the matter.

Very informative and friendly staff. Was informed and helped very professionally (even shortly before closing time), as one person exceeded her line of duty to inform and assist me beyond the expected. She made my work of getting our co-worker to the E.U much easier, and with her help the procedure was swiftly completed! Thanks again to the Belgian Consulate staff. Keep up the good work in representing the Belgian hospitality abroad. Regards, Daniel P.

Staff is super supportive and explained everything in detail. Facilities is well organized and it's perfectly located (2nd ave ---phew if you are driving car it's near to FDR --- no need to enter city ) TIP - arrive at the location 10 to 15min earlier.

The person in charge was quite helpful. I did not have a travel authorization and she accommodated helping me to finish the application, allowing me to send the travel authorization document later... The whole process took less than 15 minutes.

Customer service far above expectations. Special kudos to Esther for helping to ensure that I completed the application correctly. A great first impression of Belgium!

Agree with some of the other reviews. The staff seems a little snooty. I tried to receive a service from them, but answering questions such as a simple "yes" or "no" confirmation of whether or not my documents were received, already seems too much to ask. After needing to ask the same questions, over and over, and not receiving an answer, I decided not to use their services. Luckily I had an alternative, in the private sector, where people are held accountable to do their jobs. My experience with this consulate was one of incompetence and inefficiency. I'm not quite sure what they are paid for!

I found the people at the consulate always very helpful and polite, and willing to discuss solutions. I have always promptly received my passports and answers to my questions, and emails got replies within hours, not days.