Belgium Tourist Visa From India: Eligibility, Documents, Steps & Fees

Planning a trip to Belgium from India? A Belgium tourist visa, also known as a short-stay Schengen visa, is your gateway to exploring the rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes of Belgium and other Schengen countries.

Whether you’re visiting for tourism, family gatherings, or business purposes, this visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Belgium tourist visa from India, including eligibility criteria, required documents, application steps, and fees.

By understanding the process and preparing your documents in advance, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free application experience. Let’s get started on your journey to Belgium.

A Belgium tourist visa, also known as a short-stay Schengen visa, allows individuals to visit Belgium for tourism, family visits, or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applicants need to provide documentation such as proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, sufficient financial means, and travel insurance. This visa also grants access to other Schengen Area countries during the stay.

To apply for a Belgium tourist visa from India, the following documents are required:

National Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond the planned journey, with at least two blank pages.

Application Form: Completed and signed application form with one recent colour photograph (5x3 cm) with a white background glued on the application form.

Passport Copies: Copy of the identity page of your passport and a copy of the most recent Schengen visa with stamps.

Travel Itinerary: A full, detailed itinerary of your trip.

Hotel Reservation: Copy of hotel reservation for the entire duration of the stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries.

Proof of Employment or Studies:

Financial Means: Proof of sufficient personal financial means, such as:

Parental Consent for Minors: For minors travelling with one parent or alone, a notary affidavit mentioning the consent of the parents must be submitted. This document needs to be apostilled.

Travel Insurance: Copy of travel insurance valid in Belgium (and other Schengen countries) with a coverage minimum of €30,000 or equivalent in Rupees. 

Flight Reservation: Copy of flight ticket reservation.

The photo specifications for a Belgium tourist visa from India are as follows:

These specifications ensure that the photograph meets the Belgium tourist visa requirements from India.

Step 1: Understand the Overall Visa Type

First things first, figure out the type of Belgium visa for Indians and check if you’re eligible for the same. Get a good grasp of the entire application process, including the required documents and fees. Gather all necessary documents and ensure they’re in English. Refer to the list of required documentation mentioned above for a detailed guide.

Step 2: Start Your Belgium Visa Application

Download the Belgium visa application form, fill it out completely, print it, and bring it along with all required documents to the Visa Application Centre. Remember, your electronically created visa application form is valid for 30 days. If you don’t schedule an appointment and visit the Visa Application Centre within this time, your application will be deleted.

Step 3: Book Your Visa Appointment

After completing the visa application form, you need to book an appointment at the VFS Application Centre to submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photo). You’ll receive an confirmation email and a letter from the Visa application centre for your Belgium visa appointment . If you’re travelling with family or a group, make sure to book separate appointments for each member.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees

Now, it’s time to pay the visa application fee. If you’ve downloaded and printed the form, bring it to the Visa Application Centre where you will pay the fee during your appointment.

Step 5: Visit the Visa Application Centre

Head to the VFS Visa Application Centre with your printed application form, all required documents, and the visa fee. Submit everything in person at one of the following centres:

Step 6: Track Your Application

You can track the status of your application using the VFS online application tracking tool. You’ll also receive an email notification once the Belgium Consulate makes a decision on your visa application.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport and Other Documents

Once a decision is made, you can collect your passport and documents from the Visa Application Centre, or opt to have them couriered to you for an additional fee. The following people are authorised to collect your documents:

Make sure anyone collecting on your behalf brings:

Here is how you can monitor your Belgium visa application status through VFS Global:

Belgium’s Immigration Office may grant a visa extension if the applicant proves the existence of serious personal reasons justifying the extension of the stay, or force majeure or humanitarian reasons preventing them from leaving the territory of the Schengen states.

The application for an extension of stay must be submitted to the municipal administration of the place of residence with the following documents:

The new visa granted is free if the extension of the stay is justified by force majeure or humanitarian reasons. Payment for the new visa amounting to 30 euros is needed if the extension of the stay is because of compelling personal reasons.

When applying for a Belgium tourist visa from India, you need to meet the following travel insurance requirements:

By meeting these requirements, you ensure your travel insurance is acceptable for the Belgium tourist visa application.

Securing a Belgium tourist visa from India may seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it’s a straightforward process.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—understanding the visa requirements, gathering necessary documents, booking your appointment, and tracking your application—you can navigate the process with confidence.

Remember, planning ahead and applying well in advance of your travel dates will help avoid any last-minute stress. With your visa in hand, you’ll be ready to explore the beautiful sights of Belgium and other Schengen countries, creating unforgettable memories.

Safe travels, and enjoy your European adventure!