Belgium is a beautiful country, known for its medieval towns, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. It is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world, including Indians. If you are an Indian citizen who is planning to visit Belgium, you will need to obtain a visa before you can enter the country. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Belgium visa for Indians.
The article will cover the eligibility criteria for the Belgium visa, the different types of visas available for Indians, the application process, visa fees, and processing time. We will also discuss what you need to do once you have obtained your visa and answer some frequently asked questions. Whether you are planning to visit Belgium for tourism, business, or study purposes, this article will help you navigate the visa application process and make your trip to Belgium hassle-free.
Key Takeaways
- Indian citizens need a visa to enter Belgium for any purpose, including tourism, business, and study.
- There are different types of visas available for Indians, including short-stay visas and long-stay visas.
- To obtain a Belgium visa, Indian citizens need to meet certain eligibility criteria, submit the required documents, pay the visa fees, and follow the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for Belgium Visa for Indians
To apply for a Belgium visa, Indian citizens must meet certain eligibility criteria. The following subsections outline the requirements for obtaining a Belgium visa.
Passport Validity Requirements
Indian citizens must have a valid passport that is issued within the last 10 years and has at least two blank pages. The passport must also be valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay in the Schengen area. If the passport does not meet these requirements, the visa application may be denied.
Financial Sustenance
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Belgium. The amount of financial sustenance required may vary depending on the purpose of the visit, the length of stay, and other factors. Applicants may be required to provide evidence of financial support, such as bank statements, income tax returns, or sponsorship letters.
Purpose of Visit
Applicants must have a valid reason for visiting Belgium. The purpose of the visit must be clearly stated in the visa application. The most common reasons for visiting Belgium include tourism, business, education, and family visits. The supporting documents required for the visa application may vary depending on the purpose of the visit.
Previous Travel History
Applicants must have a clean travel history and must not have been refused entry into any country in the past. If the applicant has a previous travel history, they may be required to provide evidence of their previous travel, such as previous visas and entry/exit stamps.
Types of Belgium Visas for Indians
If you are an Indian citizen planning to visit Belgium, you will need a visa to enter the country. There are different types of visas available depending on the purpose of your visit. Here are the types of Belgium visas for Indians:
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is for those who plan to visit Belgium for leisure or tourism purposes. The visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and cannot be extended. To apply for a tourist visa, the applicant needs to provide a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, travel itinerary, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Business Visa
A business visa is for those who plan to visit Belgium for business purposes such as attending conferences, meetings, or training sessions. The visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and cannot be extended. To apply for a business visa, the applicant needs to provide a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a letter from the employer stating the purpose of the visit, and proof of accommodation.
Student Visa
A student visa is for those who plan to study in Belgium. The visa is valid for a maximum of one year and can be extended for the duration of the course. To apply for a student visa, the applicant needs to provide a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Belgium, proof of financial support, and proof of accommodation.
Work Visa
A work visa is for those who plan to work in Belgium. The visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and can be extended up to six months. To apply for a work visa, the applicant needs to provide a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a letter of invitation from the employer in Belgium, proof of financial support, and proof of accommodation.
Application Process for Belgium Visa
Applying for a Belgium visa for Indian citizens is a straightforward process that involves several steps. This section will outline the different steps that an applicant must follow to obtain a Belgium visa.
Visa Application Form
The first step in applying for a Belgium visa is to fill out the visa application form. The form can be downloaded from the official website of the Belgian Embassy in India. It is important to provide accurate and complete information in the application form, as any errors or omissions could result in delays or even rejection of the visa application.
Appointment Scheduling
After filling out the visa application form, the applicant must schedule an appointment with the Belgian Embassy to submit the application and supporting documents. The appointment can be scheduled online through the official website of VFS Global, the visa application center for Belgium in India. It is recommended to schedule the appointment well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
Document Submission
The applicant must submit several documents along with the visa application form. These documents include a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation in Belgium, proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the stay in Belgium, and other supporting documents depending on the purpose of the visit. It is important to provide original documents or certified copies of the documents.
Visa Interview
In some cases, the Belgian Embassy may request an interview with the applicant to assess the visa application. The interview is usually conducted on the same day as the document submission. During the interview, the applicant may be asked questions related to the purpose of the visit, the itinerary, and other relevant information. It is important to answer the questions truthfully and confidently.
Visa Fees and Processing Time
Consular Fees
Applicants are required to pay a consular fee when submitting their visa application. The fee for a short-stay visa (type C) for Belgium is EUR 80 for Indian citizens. The fee covers the administrative costs of processing the visa application. The consular fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is denied.
Processing Duration
The processing time for a Belgium visa for Indian citizens takes around 15 days. Applicants are advised to apply for their visa well in advance of their intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time. It is important to note that the processing time may be longer during peak travel periods and holidays.
Once the visa application has been processed, the applicant will be notified by email or SMS. The applicant can then collect their passport and visa from the visa application center where they submitted their application. It is important to bring the original receipt issued at the time of submission when collecting the passport and visa.
Post-Visa Procedures
After obtaining a Belgium visa, there are a few post-visa procedures that Indians must follow to ensure a smooth travel experience. These procedures include visa collection, travel insurance, and customs regulations.
Visa Collection
Once the visa application is approved, the applicant will receive a notification to collect their visa. The visa can be collected from the visa application center or through a courier service. It is important to note that the applicant must collect their visa within 15 days of receiving the notification. The applicant must carry their passport, visa fee receipt, and the notification letter while collecting the visa.
Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for all Indian visitors to Belgium to have travel insurance. The travel insurance must cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation in case of an emergency. The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of the stay in Belgium and must cover the entire Schengen area.
Customs Regulations
Indian visitors must adhere to the customs regulations while entering and exiting Belgium. The customs regulations prohibit the import and export of certain items such as drugs, weapons, pornography, and counterfeit goods. Visitors must declare all their belongings, including cash, while entering and exiting Belgium. The maximum amount of cash that can be carried is 10,000 euros or its equivalent in other currencies.
Belgium Visa for Indians: FAQS
What are the requirements for an Indian citizen to apply for a Belgium tourist visa?
To apply for a Belgium tourist visa, Indian citizens must have a valid passport, a completed and signed national Belgian visa application form, and a recent color photograph with a white background. They must also provide proof of payment of the contribution covering administrative costs or proof of exemption. Additionally, they should have travel medical insurance that covers the entire Schengen area, including Belgium.
How much is the visa fee for Indian applicants seeking to travel to Belgium?
The visa fee for Indian applicants seeking to travel to Belgium is EUR 80. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid when submitting the visa application.
What is the processing time for a Belgium visa application in India?
The processing time for a Belgium visa application in India is approximately 15 days. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date to avoid any delays.
Which documents are necessary for an Indian citizen to apply for a Belgium work visa?
Indian citizens who wish to apply for a Belgium work visa must have a valid passport, a completed and signed national Belgian visa application form, a recent color photograph with a white background, and a work permit issued by the Belgian authorities. They must also provide proof of payment of the contribution covering administrative costs or proof of exemption.
Does an Indian citizen need a Schengen visa to enter Belgium for short stays?
Yes, Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to enter Belgium for short stays. Belgium is a member of the Schengen Area, so Indian citizens must have a Schengen visa to enter the country for tourism or business purposes.
Are medical certificates required for Indian citizens when applying for a Belgium visa?
Indian citizens do not need to submit a medical certificate when applying for a Belgium visa. However, they may be asked to provide one if the Belgian authorities have concerns about their health or if they are applying for a long-term visa.
Please check: Indian Visa for Singaporeans