Belgium, often described as “great things come in small packages,” is a country full of surprises despite its compact size of just over 30,000 sq km. Not only does it boast several tourist attractions, but it also hosts one of Europe’s most advanced economies. Suppose you’re planning a visit to Belgium and need a visa. In that case, this definitive guide will provide you with essential information on the Belgium visa application process, various visa types, required documents, fees, and much more.

What is a Belgium Visa?

A Belgium visa is an official endorsement that grants individuals from non-EU nations, not on Belgium’s visa exempt list, permission to enter and stay in Belgium. Depending on your purpose of visit, there are four major visa categories: Visa A, C, and D, each with distinct permissions and validity periods. You can choose the visa type that aligns with your travel needs. Belgium visas are typically stamped in your passport and require specific documents according to regulations.

How to Obtain a Belgium Visa?

The visa application process may differ from one country to another. To obtain a Belgium visa from India, you must determine the appropriate visa type for your visit. Different visas have varying document requirements by the Belgian embassy’s guidelines. Applying for a Belgium visa is now exclusively online, as offline applications have been discontinued. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Create an account on the embassy’s website.
2. Log in and complete the Belgium visa application form online with your details.
3. Book your Belgium visa appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), Belgium Embassy, or Consulate.
4. Receive the copy of the application form via email after submission.
5. Attend the visa appointment for biometric data submission, the required documents and your Schengen visa Belgium application form.
6. Pay the fees and any additional service charges at the designated location.

All short-term visa types share these steps, with fees and required documents variations. Accurate documentation and appointment management are crucial, as errors can delay visa approval or lead to rejection. For a smoother application process in India, consider professional visa services.

Belgium Visa Types

Belgium visas can primarily be categorized into four based on the duration of the visit:

1. Visa A – Airport Transit Visa: Required for travelers spending time within a Belgian airport during transit.
2. Visa C – Short-term Visa (Schengen Visa): This visa allows you to enter Belgium and stay for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. Types of short-term visas include:

• • Belgium Tourist Visa: For tourism purposes, including sightseeing and events like Tomorrowland.
  • Belgium Business Visa: Necessary for business conferences, meetings, or other professional reasons.
  • Belgium Visitor Visa: For family visits, participation in sporting and cultural events, short study courses, marriage, cohabitation, and more.

1. Visa D – Long-term Visa: Issued for stays exceeding 90 days, such as work, business, study, and family reunion. This includes the Belgium Student Visa for educational purposes, which can be either long or short term.

Indian passport holders do not require Visa A for transit in Belgium. However, depending on the purpose and length of stay, they will need either a Type C or Type D visa.

Required Documents for Belgium Visa

The documentation needed varies depending on the type of Belgian visa. Generally, the following documents are required for a Schengen visa Belgium (Type C):

• Valid Passport
• Covering Letter detailing your information, purpose, and duration of stay
• Travel itinerary
• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel medical insurance covering €30,000
• Proof of financial capability
• For a long-term visa (Type D), additional documents such as a work permit, proof of admission to an educational institution, marriage/civil partnership or birth certificates (if applicable), medical certificate, and a certificate indicating no criminal records may be required.

Belgium Visa Photo Requirements

For both visa types, you need two identical photos complying with Belgium’s visa photo size regulations:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Color: Colored
• Head centered
• Taken within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid white or grey
• 85% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Non-thick framed prescription glasses allowed
• Headgear allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

Belgium Visa Fees

Visa fees vary based on visa type, number of entries, duration, and additional services. Fees are payable during the appointment and may include service charges at registered visa application centers.

W

Where to Apply for a Belgium Visa?

Visa applications must be completed online. However, document submission can be done at the Belgian embassy/consulate or through visa application centers. You can book a visa appointment through the embassy/consulate via email or at any Visa Application Center across India. Embassies are located in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Belgium Visa Processing Time in India

Processing times vary but usually take up to 15 working days. It can extend to 30 days during high application volumes and exceptionally up to 60 days in rare cases. To ensure a timely visa, apply at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date, within a 3-month window before travel.

Checking Belgium Visa Status

After your visa application is submitted, you can check their status through various methods:

• You can email the Belgian embassy or consulate with your passport number and details.
• Check the Belgium visa status online by entering your passport number, tracking ID, and last name on the visa application center’s website.
• If using third-party visa services, call them and provide your passport number for tracking.