With your Belgium tourist visa in hand, you’re ready to embark on a journey through this historically rich and culturally diverse country. Whether you’re savoring Belgian chocolates, admiring medieval architecture, or strolling along picturesque canals, Belgium has something to enchant every traveler. Plan your trip carefully, ensuring all documents and requirements are in order, and enjoy an unforgettable Belgian adventure.

Belgium, with its captivating history influenced by Dutch, Spanish, French, and Austrian rule, beckons travelers worldwide. This picturesque country attracts over 16 million tourists annually, offering a wealth of cultural treasures. If you’re dreaming of experiencing Belgium’s charm, you’ll need a Belgium tourist visa. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information to obtain your tourist visa hassle-free.

What is a Belgium Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa for Belgium is an essential endorsement required for travelers wishing to explore this enchanting country. Belgium is a Schengen state, and while any Schengen visa allows entry, if Belgium is your primary destination, you must apply for the visa through the Belgian embassy.

This short-term visa allows you to engage in various activities during your stay, including visiting family, sightseeing, attending cultural events, and enjoying leisure activities. It grants you permission to enter Belgium and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. You must apply for this visa no more than 3 months before your intended travel date.

How to Obtain a Belgium Tourist Visa?

Obtaining a Belgium tourist visa can be intricate, especially when it comes to the required documents. This guide simplifies the process, making it straightforward. You can apply for a Belgium tourist visa through the Belgian embassy in your home country, Belgian consulates, or visa centers authorized by Belgium. Here are the key steps:

1. Determine where you should apply for your visa.

2. Gather the necessary documents to meet the embassy’s visa type requirements.

3. Create an account on the online visa application platform.

4. Complete the Belgium tourist visa application form with your details.

5. Choose your preferred visa appointment date, time, and location.

6. Upon confirmation, you’ll receive a copy of your application form via email.

7. Print the application form and attend your appointment at the designated visa application center, embassy, or consulate. Pay your Belgium tourist visa fees at this stage.

8. Once submitted, your application will be processed by the embassy. You can track your application’s status during this period.

Please note that if there’s a need for document verification or additional proof, you might be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. The accuracy of your application is crucial, as mistakes can lead to delays or rejection. To ensure a smooth and swift process, consider using the services of a professional visa agency.

Eligibility for Belgium Tourist Visa

To apply for a Belgium tourist visa from India, keep the following eligibility criteria in mind:

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended travel date and have at least 2 blank pages.
• Your visit must be for tourism purposes only, excluding work, business, and other activities.
• A Belgium visa is required if Belgium is your sole destination or if you’re spending the majority of your travel period in Belgium among multiple Schengen destinations.

When You Receive Your Visa

Once your visa application is approved, you’ll receive your visa either by courier or for self-pickup, depending on your preference. Keep the following in mind upon receiving your Belgium tourist visa:

• Double-check the visa’s expiration date and verify all details for accuracy.
• The tourist visa is short-term, valid for 180 days from the issue date.
• Avoid exceeding your allowed stay in Belgium to prevent adverse consequences.
• Always carry copies of your passport and visa while in the country.
• As this is a tourist visa, working in Belgium is prohibited, and your visit should be solely for tourism purposes.
• Selling goods or services is not permitted on a tourist visa.

Documents Required for Belgium Tourist Visa

The necessary documents for your visa application may vary based on your country, visa type, and duration of stay. Here are the documents typically required for a Belgium tourist visa:

• Passport: It should have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months from your intended travel date. Passports issued over 10 years ago are not accepted, and old passports should be attached.
• Belgium Tourist Visa Application Form: Duly filled and signed.
• Covering Letter: Addressed to the Belgian embassy/consulate, including your basic details, purpose, duration of the visit, and the person bearing expenses.
• Travel Itinerary/Documents: Day-wise flight and travel itinerary, confirmed flight tickets, proof of accommodation.
• Travel Insurance: Medical travel insurance covering expenses up to €30,000.
• Proof of Occupation: Depending on your employment status:
  • Employed: Employment contract copy, employee ID card copy, a letter from your employer granting leave for the travel period, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your company.
  • Self-Employed: Copy of the business license and copy in the commerce register or as a partner in a company.
  • Student: Letter granting leave for the travel period, proof of admission, and NOC from your institution.
  • Retired: Pension statement of the latest 6 months and a copy of the retirement letter/relieving letter.
• Financial Documents: Personal bank statements for the last 3 months, an updated passbook showing sufficient funds, or income tax papers/salary slips (if employed). For self-employed individuals, income tax statements from the last 3 years or Form No. 16.
• Passport Photos: Meeting specifications such as dimensions (35mm X 45mm), colored, centered head position, taken within the last 3 months, solid white or grey background, 80% face coverage, neutral facial expression, eyes directed towards the camera, non-thick framed or prescription glasses allowed, headgear permitted for religious reasons, and facial hair permitted.

Belgium Tourist Visa Processing Time

The standard processing time for a Belgium tourist visa is 15 working days. However, processing times can vary based on several factors. In cases with a high volume of applications or sensitive applications, it may take up to 30 days. In exceptional circumstances, it could even extend to 60 days. Therefore, plan your application keeping processing times in mind, as applications cannot be submitted more than 3 months before your intended travel date.

Belgium Tourist Visa Fees

The Belgium tourist visa fees consist of handling fees and potentially other service fees, depending on factors like the application method and the applicant’s type (e.g., student, minor, diplomat). For adults, the visa handling fee is €60. Additionally, if you submit your documents at a Belgium visa application center, you’ll need to pay a service charge at the center. The total fees can also vary based on urgency, the number of entries allowed, visa duration, and other considerations.

After Submission

After submitting your visa application, you can track its status using various methods:

• If you submitted your documents to the Belgian embassy or consulate, you can track the status by contacting them via email.
• For applications through a visa application center, use your last name and passport number or a tracking ID (if provided) to track the status through their website.
• If you’re using a visa agency’s services, provide your name to them for tracking.