About Belgium

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country with population of 11.4 million inhabitants. The country’s name is derived from the Latin word 'Belgium', used by Julius Caesar in his Gallic War in the period around 55BC. From the end of the Middle Ages until the 17th century, the area of Belgium was a prosperous and cosmopolitan center of commerce and culture. Between the 16th and early 19th centuries Belgium served as the battleground between many European powers, earning the moniker the "Battlefield of Europe". The country in its current state emerged in 1830 following secession from the Netherlands. Belgium is an excellent destination for all types of travellers with interests ranging from history and architecture to nature and local cuisine. By the way, the football team of Belgium is ranked the 1st in the world.

The City of Antwerp

The City of Antwerp or with its local Dutch name: ”Antwerpen” is the capital of Antwerp Province with an estimated population of 520.000 people. Situated on the river Scheldt (De Schelde) in the northern part of Belgium, 40 km from Brussels and 15 km from the boarder with the Netherlands, Antwerp is the second largest ports in Europe and is also very well known for its diamond industry and trade.

The old city centre is steeped in history. You will find it in ancient building-fronts on narrow streets or in the imposing Grand-Place. The Plantin-Moretus Museum is the only museum in the world to be classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. In the shadow of the Cathedral of Our Lady, the city teems with life in intimate pubs and restaurants. The banks of the Scheldt are a great place for a breath of fresh air.

Today Antwerp is a major trade and cultural centre that more than 170 nationalities call home. It is also well known as the Diamond capital of the world for its large diamond district. Antwerp is also a rising fashion city and has produced designers such as the Antwerp six, with a cult status in the fashion world, due to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, one of the most important fashion academies in the world.

The climate in Antwerp (and Belgium) is a temperate maritime climate, which makes for pleasant summers and cool winters. Extreme weather is rare. April and May can be pleasantly warm, the perfect weather for a drink on one of the many terraces in the city. Always remember though that it can still be cold and heavy showers are always a possibility. Most visitors think the city is at its best in June, when all the greenery in the streets has flowered, the sun is out and conditions are perfect for a pleasant stroll. Temperatures can be decidedly tropical during the months of July and August. Evenings in the city are especially lovely during this time.

The official language in Antwerp is Dutch. Many locals and especially people who work in the tourism industry speak a smattering of English, French and sometimes German.

Highlights of Antwerp video:

Conference Venue: Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp, F.M.C.C.A.

The 11th International Symposium on Objective Measures in Auditory Implants, the OMAI 2020 Conference, will be organised in the International Congress Centre of Antwerp – FMCCA. This Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp, also known as the Elisabeth Center Antwerp is the new concert and conference venue in the heart of Antwerp and neighbouring one of the oldest and best kept 19th century zoological gardens of Europe.

This brand new, one-of-a-kind, concert and conference hall is part of a fully developed and state-of-the-art conference centre and can be combined with the existing rooms of Antwerp ZOO and with the zoo itself. The Elisabeth Center Antwerp stretches out over 25,000 m², with 30 breakout rooms and a capacity of 2,500 guests. With its unique setting in the heart of the city of Antwerp, adjacent to the Central Station, the Elisabeth Center offers conference and concert organisers an attractive location.

Belgium Visa Application Requirements

Do I need a visum or not?

The Belgian Federal Government has a special website where you can find all important information and how to proceed to obtain a visum. Visa Information

Depending on the purpose of your travel to Belgium, there are different types of visas that will apply to the occasion. Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside there permanently, you will have to apply for a different Belgium Schengen Visa, accordingly.

Invitation Letters?

Participants coming from countries in need of a visum can apply for an invitation letter from our congress president through simple request. To receive this invitation letter, please contact our office at info@semico.be

You will have to enclose in your e-mail the following personal information:
Last name
First name
Home address & country
Date of birth
Place and country of birth
Identity card number
Passport number

HOWEVER, we are unable to issue any invitation letter unless we have received your on-line registration and payment of the registration fee due.

General required documents for a Belgian Schengen Visa Application:

• Firstly, download the application form, fill it completely and with sincerity. You can also fill the Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard-copy.
• 2 photos must be attached; the photo should be of passport format – a recent whole-face capture with a light background. Learn more about photo requirements and specifications for a Belgian Visa.
• Your passport and copies of your previous visas – valid for at least 3 months beyond return date – are required. Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
• Travel health insurance confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within Belgium and the entire Schengen area.
• A cover letter stating the purpose of visit to Belgium and itinerary
• Flight Itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Belgium
• Hotel Booking for the whole duration of the intended stay in Belgium.
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable)
• Means of subsistence – Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay

UK residents

please read: How to Apply for a Belgium Visa in the UK?