Belgium Tourist Visa - Everything You Need To Know

A Belgium tourist visa, some­times named a Schenge­n short-stay visa, allows non-EU individuals to travel to Belgium and other Sche­ngen regions for leisure­ activities.

Purpose of Belgium tourist visa:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Taking part in cultural, sports, or religious events

Applying for a Belgium tourist visa involves several steps.

1. First, figure out the­ Visa you're after.

Short-Stay Schenge­n (Type C) Visa: It's for visits no more than 90 days within half a year.

Long-Stay (Type­ D) Visa: If you need to stay more than 90 days.

2. Now, arrange­ all needed pape­rs.

• A Completed Visa Application Form: The Be­lgium embassy website has the­se.
• Passport: Keep it valid for thre­e months more than you intend to stay, with two e­mpty pages. Updated
• Passport-sized Photos: Typically, provide­ two, but stick to their rules for size and format.
• Trave­l Insurance: It should cover any medical costs up to €30,000 for your whole­ stay.
• Flight Itinerary: Show a return flight rese­rvation.
• Proof of a place to stay: Show a hotel booking, housing lease­, or a letter from a friend in Be­lgium.
• Proof you've got money: Rece­nt bank statements or payslips that show your finances are­ in shape.
• A Cover Lette­r: Tell why you're visiting and your travel plan.

3. Se­t up an appointment.

Time for a Visa Mee­ting: Get in touch with a Belgian diplomatic office in your country or book online­.

4. Go to your visa meeting.

Prese­nt Your Papers: Bring your filled-out application and all nee­ded documents. Biometrics: You may have­ to give fingerprints, depe­nding on where you're from.

5. Pay your Visa fe­e. Fee Amount:

This change­s depending on your nationality and visa type. Find the­ latest fee on the­ official website.

6. Wait for them to proce­ss it. How long will it take:

Usually 15 days, but it can be differe­nt. When they're busy or for some­ citizens, it may take longer.

7. Pick up your Visa.

You'll know whe­n it's ready. If they okay it, you can get your visa-stampe­d passport.

Extra Advice:

Start at least 3 months before­ your planned travel. Stay Informed: Che­ck for current info on requireme­nts and procedures from the Be­lgium office.

If you're unsure about starting the visa application process, you might find it helpful to connect with a visa expert.

They have extensive experience in handling visa applications and can provide personalized assistance to ensure everything is done correctly.

• Sufficient funds are required to cover the Belgium trip
• No criminal records
• Medical records are very necessary
• Valid documents
• Trip itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Hotel booking confirmation

Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Belgium for tourism purposes. Since Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa.

1. Valid Passport:
• Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
• Should have at least 2 blank pages.
• Issued within the last 10 years.
  
  
2. Completed and Signed Application Form:
• Download and fill the Schengen Visa Application Form (https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-application-form/).
• Sign the form in person (required for all applicants, including minors).
  
  
3. Recent Photos:
• Photo Specifications (below).
  
  
4. Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:
• Confirmed flight reservation or a detailed itinerary.
  
• Proof of onward travel (if applicable).
  
  
5. Travel Insurance:
• Minimum coverage of €30,000 (approximately ₹2,500,000).
• Policy should cover the entire Schengen Area.
  
  
6. Proof of Accommodation:
• Hotel reservation or confirmation.
• If staying with friends/family, provide a sponsorship letter and host's ID.
  
  
7. Proof of Financial Means:
• Bank statement (last 3 months) showing sufficient funds (approximately €45 per day, around ₹3,800).
• Income Tax Return (ITR) or proof of income (if employed).
  
  
8. Proof of Employment/Study (if applicable):
• Employment letter or NOC (No Objection Certificate).
• Student ID or bonafide certificate.

Additional Requirements (may be asked):

• Birth Certificate (for minors).
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
• Divorce/Death Certificate (if applicable).
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) (in some cases).

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• Must have 80% face coverage
• The facial expression must be neutral
• Eyes must be directed towards the camera and wide open. 
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

• Standard Processing Time:
• Typically around 15 calendar days from the date of your application.
  
  
• Extended Processing Time:
• Can take up to 30 to 60 days during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation or verification is required.
  
  
• Expedited Processing:
• Some embassies or consulates may offer expedited processing for urgent cases, though this service is not always available and may require an additional fee.
  
  
• eVisa Processing:
• If applicable, eVisa applications might have a shorter processing time, generally around 5 to 10 business days.

The fees for a Belgian Tourist Visa, also known as a short-stay Schengen visa, besides visa fee other fees might be applicable likely include:

1. Service Charge: Some visa application centres may charge an additional service fee, which varies depending on the centre.

2. Additional Costs: There may be extra costs for services such as expedited processing, courier services, or additional documentation.

These fees can vary slightly based on the currency exchange rate and any additional service charges applied by the visa processing centre or embassy.

It’s best to check the specific fees with the Belgian embassy or consulate where you will be applying.

• Embassy or Consulate Website:
• Belgium embassies and consulates offer an online tracking system on their websites. You will need your application reference number and personal details to check the status.
• Visa Application Center:
• If you applied through a visa application centre (VAC), use their online tracking system or contact their customer service. They often provide tracking options on their websites.
• Email Notification:
• Check your email for notifications or updates from the Belgian embassy, consulate, or visa application centre regarding your visa status.
• Direct Contact:
• Contact the Belgian embassy or consulate where you submitted your application by phone or email for updates on your visa status. Provide your application reference number and personal information when inquiring.
• eVisa Portal:
• For eVisa applications, log in to the eVisa portal with your reference number to check the status of your visa.

Step 1: Book an Appointment

• Why Book an Appointment?
1. Ensures a dedicated time slot for your application submission.
2. Reduces waiting time at the application center.
3. Recommended by the Belgium Embassy, Consulates, and VACs.
   
   
• Where to Book an Appointment:
1. Belgium Embassy in New Delhi
2. Belgium Consulates in India (Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru)
3. Visa Application Centers (VACs) (multiple locations across India)
   
   
   
• How to Book an Appointment:
  
  
1. Online Booking:
• Visit the official website of the Belgium Embassy, Consulate, or VAC.
• Navigate to the "Book an Appointment" or "Schedule a Visit" section.
• Fill in the required details (name, contact info, passport number, etc.).
• Choose a suitable date and time slot.
• Confirm your appointment.
  
  
2. Phone Booking:
• Call the dedicated phone number for the Belgium Embassy, Consulate, or VAC.
• Provide the required information to the representative.
• Schedule a suitable date and time slot.
  
  
3. In-Person Booking (at some VACs):
• Visit the VAC in person during their working hours.
• Meet with a representative to schedule an appointment.

• Walk-in Services (if available)

1. 1. Check with the VAC: Confirm if walk-in services are available for Belgium Tourist Visa applications.
   2. Note: Walk-in services might have limited capacity and may not be recommended for peak travel seasons.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Required Documents:
• Ensure you have all the necessary documents (listed in the initial response).
• Arrange them in the order specified by the Embassy, Consulate, or VAC.
  
  
• Attending the Appointment:
• Arrival Time: Reach the application center at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Verification: Present your appointment confirmation and government-issued ID.
• Submission: Hand over your application and supporting documents to the representative.
  
  
• Biometric Data Collection:
• Fingerprint Scanning: Required for applicants aged 12 and above.
• Process: A quick and non-intrusive process.
• Note: In some cases, fingerprint scanning might be waived for individuals with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.
  
  
• Application Review:
• The representative will review your application for completeness and accuracy.
• You may be asked to provide additional information or clarify certain details.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

• Fees Associated:
1. Visa Fee:
• Adults (18-59 years): €60 (approximately ₹5,000)
• Children (6-12 years): €35 (around ₹2,900)
• Children under 6 years: Free
  
  
2. Service Fee (if applying through a VAC):
• Typical Range: ₹500-₹1,000
• Varies depending on the VAC
  
  
• Payment Methods:
1. Cash (at some VACs)
2. Credit/Debit Card
3. Demand Draft (in favor of the Embassy, Consulate, or VAC)

• Belgium Embassy in New Delhi:
• Address: 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 42428000
  
  
• Belgium Consulates in India:
• Mumbai: Express Towers, 10th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021; Phone: +91 22 66386000
• Chennai: 214, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600006; Phone: +91 44 28278824
• Bengaluru: 8th Floor, Manipal Centre, Dickenson Road, Bengaluru - 560042; Phone: +91 80 41322800
  
  
• Visa Application Centers (VACs):
• Locations: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
• Operated by external service providers (e.g., VFS Global, TLScontact).

• Apply for your visa at least 2 weeks prior to your planned trip to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Ensure all documents are in English, French, German, or Dutch. If not, provide a certified translation.
• The embassy or consulate may request additional documents or an interview.
• Your passport will be returned to you once the application is processed.

Here are Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Insufficient or unclear documentation.
• Inadequate proof of financial means.
• Unclear travel plans or itinerary.
• Previous visa rejections or deportations.
• Security concerns.

• Online Tracking: Available through the VAC's website (if applied through a VAC).
• Phone/Email Inquiry: Contact the Embassy, Consulate, or VAC directly.

• In Person: Collect your passport from the submission location.
• Authorized Representative: Can collect on your behalf with a signed authorization letter.
• Courier Service: Available at some VACs (additional fee applies).

Need more clarity on Belgium visa? check out helpful resources below

• Belgium Visa Requirements
• Belgium Business Visa Requirements
• Belgium Work Visa Requirements
• Belgium Visit Visa Requirements