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

Last Update: 13-08-2024

Belgium Tourist Visa for India

⚡Quick Summary

Visa on Arrival

Not available for Indian citizens. Must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.

Documents Required

  1. Passport
  2. Application form
  3. Passport copies
  4. Travel itinerary
  5. Hotel reservation
  6. Proof of employment/studies
  7. Financial means
  8. Parental consent for minors
  9. Travel insurance
  10. Flight reservation.

Processing Time

15 to 30 working days

Visa Fees

  • VFS Appointment Fees: €30 (₹2,782)
  • Embassy Fees (12+ years): €80 (₹7,114)

Introduction

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.

Table of Contents


  1. What is Belgium Tourist Visa?
  2. Eligibility Criteria for Indians to Obtain Belgium Tourist Visa
  3. Steps to Apply for a Belgium Tourist Visa from India
  4. Belgium Tourist Visa Processing Time from India
  5. Belgium Tourist Visa Fees from India
  6. How to Track Belgium Tourist Visa Application from India?
  7. Can I Extend the Validity of Belgium Tourist Visa from India?
  8. Travel Insurance Requirements for a Belgium Tourist Visa from India
  9. Conclusion
  10. FAQs

What is Belgium Tourist Visa?

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.

Is There a Visa for Indians in Belgium Upon Arrival?

No, Belgium does not offer a visa on arrival for Indian citizens. Indians must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Belgium. The application should be submitted at the Belgian consulate or visa application centre in India.

Eligibility Criteria for Indians to Obtain Belgium Tourist Visa

Documents Required for Belgium Tourist Visa from India

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:

  • Letter from the employer stating your income and vacation days allowed, or
  • Copy of registration in the commerce register or as a partner in a company, or
  • Certificate from the school stating your vacation days allowed (for students).

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

  • Copy of an updated passbook,
  • Recent three-month bank statement,
  • Income tax papers,
  • Salary slips,

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.

Photo Specifications for Belgium Tourist Visa from India

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


  • Size: The photograph must be 5 cm x 3 cm.
  • Recent: The photo must have been taken within the last six months and should reflect the current appearance of the applicant.
  • Colour: The photo must be in colour.
  • Background: The background should be white and plain.
  • Quality: The photo must be clear, sharp, and of high quality, without any marks or creases.
  • Head Position: The head should occupy 70-80% of the photograph, with the face centred and clearly visible.
  • Expression: The applicant should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, or other facial expressions are not acceptable.
  • Glasses: If glasses are worn, the eyes must be clearly visible, and there should be no reflections or glare on the lenses. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are not allowed.
  • Headgear: Headgear is not permitted except for religious reasons. Even then, the face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and from ear to ear.
  • Attire: Avoid uniforms or colours matching the background. Wear normal, everyday clothing.

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

Steps to Apply for a Belgium Tourist Visa 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:


  • Ahmedabad: 08:00-17:00
  • Bangalore: 08:00-17:00
  • Chandigarh: 08:00-17:00
  • Chennai: 08:00-17:00
  • Cochin: 08:00-17:00
  • Goa: 08:00-17:00
  • Hyderabad: 08:00-17:00
  • Jalandhar: 08:00-17:00
  • Kolkata: 08:00-17:00
  • Lucknow: 08:00-17:00
  • Mumbai: 08:00-15:00
  • New Delhi: 08:00-17:00
  • Puducherry: 08:00-17:00
  • Pune: 08:00-17:00

Choose your application centre based on the Right Jurisdiction

Belgium Consulate/Embassy in IndiaStates/Territories Covered

Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai

Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Puducherry

Embassy of Belgium, New Delhi

Assam, Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar and Chandigarh

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:


  • The applicant
  • Immediate family members (parents, children, spouse)
  • Authorised representatives with an official government letterhead or department correspondence
  • Company representatives with an authorization letter on company letterhead and an official company ID card

Make sure anyone collecting on your behalf brings:


  • Original Government ID card
  • The original ICR (Invoice cum Receipt) document
  • An authorization letter from you

Belgium Tourist Visa Fees from India

Visa TypeFee TypeAmount

Schengen Visa (Type - C)

VFS Appointment Fees

€ 30 (₹ 2,782/-)

Embassy Fees (up to 6 years old)

No Fees

Embassy Fees (6-12 years)

€ 40 (₹ 3,557/-)

Embassy Fees (12+ years)

€ 80 (₹ 7,114/-)

How to Track Belgium Tourist Visa Application from India?

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


  1. Go to the VFS online application tracking page.
  2. Input the application reference number that is present on your invoice issued by the VFS Visa Application Centre.
  3. Fill in your date of birth.
  4. Input captcha and click on ‘Submit’.

Tracking Belgium Tourist Visa Application

Can I Extend the Validity of Belgium Tourist Visa from India?

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:

  • a copy of the passport 
  • a letter explaining the reasons for requesting the extension of the stay;
  • documentation demonstrating the existence of compelling personal reasons, force majeure or humanitarian reasons;
  • proof that the applicant has taken out Schengen medical travel insurance valid for the entire duration of the stay, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

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.

Travel Insurance Requirements for a Belgium Tourist Visa from India

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


  • Coverage Amount: The travel insurance must provide a minimum coverage of €30,000 (or equivalent in Indian Rupees) for medical expenses, including emergency hospitalisation and repatriation.
  • Validity: The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries.
  • Recognized Insurance Providers: Ensure that your travel insurance is from a company recognized by the Schengen authorities. You can find a list of approved travel insurance companies in India on the official VFS Global website or the Belgian consulate's website.

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

Conclusion

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!

FAQs

How much bank balance is required for a Belgium tourist visa?

You need to show that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Belgium. Generally, you should have around INR 3,00,000 per applicant for the entire period of your stay in Belgium. This can be proved with recent bank statements, salary slips, or other financial documents.

Can I convert my Belgium tourist visa into another visa?

No, you cannot convert a Belgium tourist visa into another type of visa while in Belgium. If you wish to stay longer for other purposes, you must return to India and apply for the appropriate visa from there.

How can Indian citizens apply for a Belgium tourist visa from India?

To apply for a Belgium tourist visa, fill out the visa application form, gather all required documents, book an appointment at the VFS Visa Application Centre, and submit your application in person. Pay the visa fee and provide biometric data during your appointment.

Can Indian citizens travel to other Schengen countries with a Belgium tourist visa?

Yes, Indian citizens with a valid Belgium tourist visa can travel to other Schengen countries. The Belgium visa allows you to visit any country within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

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