Visa Types
Belgium Visa Application Checklist
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through Belgium.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area. -
Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
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What Is Belgium Long Term Visa (Visa D)?
Overview
If you plan to visit Belgium for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a long stay visa (D Visa). All applicants must meet the following essentials while applying for the visa.For Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) Category, applicants need to appear in person at the visa application center to register their biometrics, including fingerprints and a live digital photo.
Resident applicants from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Maldives can submit their Visa D category application at VFS New Delhi center only. The passport will be returned to the applicant during submission, and the Belgium Embassy New Delhi will directly contact the applicant once the Visa is processed. Applicants should carry photocopies of all passport pages at the time of submission.
Important Requirements:
- Passport should have at least two blank pages.
- Passport should be valid for 12 months.
- Applications are only accepted within 3 months of the requested date of arrival.
For the submission of the visa application and collection of passports, the following options are available:
- Applicant in person.
- Third-party collection of documents or passports is not allowed, except for:
- Immediate Family Members (Parents, Children, Spouse).
- A person collecting on behalf of Government officials if authorized on the Government letterhead.
- Red Carpet Representatives if authorized on the Company’s letterhead.
If anyone from the mentioned categories comes to collect the passport, they must bring the following documents:
- Original Government ID card
- Original ICR
- Original authorization letter from the applicant
It is also necessary to mention the applicant’s personal address on the covering letter for couriering the passport. The passport will not be sent to travel agencies’ addresses as directed by the Embassy.
Please Note:
- New slots for visa appointments are released on the 1st Monday of every month for upcoming month appointments (For East and North Zone).
For Business Applicants:
- If a business applicant wants to receive the passport at their office, it must be mentioned in the covering letter, and the applicant’s office address should be included in the courier request form.
For Application Withdrawal:
- In cases of application withdrawal, the passport must be collected from VFS Global only.
For Seaman Applicants:
- Seaman applicants can personally collect their passports from VFS Global or have them couriered to their residential address.
For Legalizations:
- Courier service is not mandatory for legalizations.
Personal Appearance Exemptions:
- Applicants for Long Stay Visa-D below 6 years of age.
- Schengen short-term visa C applicants below 12 years of age.
- Schengen short-term visa C applicants who have registered their biometric fingerprints data and live photograph with any Schengen member state not longer than 59 months ago. If uncertain, it is advised to opt for personal appearance again.
- Long Stay Visa-D applicants who have registered their biometric fingerprints data and live photograph with a member state of Belgium not longer than 10 years ago. If uncertain, it is advised to opt for personal appearance again.
Key Points for Belgium Visitor Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Belgium?
To visit Belgium, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Belgium visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application forms for short stay and long stay visas must be filled out online and submitted to the VFS Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Belgium visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visitor visa, you can stay for up to 90 days.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Belgium?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 01-07-2024)
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DURATION |
VISA FEES IN EUROS |
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Short Term Visa |
90 |
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Children between 6-12 years |
45 |
To obtain more information about fee, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Determine the appropriate visa type and check your eligibility before proceeding with the application.
- Familiarize yourself with the required documents, processing time, and applicable fees.
- Ensure that your application adheres to the guidelines for your specific visa category, and if necessary, arrange for translations of non-English documents prior to submission.
- When you are prepared to apply, you can download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and bring the completed form along with the necessary documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- After filling out the visa form, you must schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken.
- Upon booking the appointment, you will receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter.
- If you are applying as part of a family or group, each member must book their own individual appointment.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will be required to pay the visa application fee.
- If you choose to download and print the form, you can make the payment at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. The visa fee must be paid at the Centre.
- At the Visa Application Centre, you will need to personally submit your completed visa application form. Upon arrival, you will go through the process.
- Once your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre, you will receive an email update. If email access is not convenient for you or if you prefer more detailed tracking information, you may have the option to receive updates via SMS directly to your phone. Check with the specific Visa Application Centre you visited to see if this service is available.
- Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online. To access this service, use the Reference Number found on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name.
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you can retrieve your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you by courier for an additional fee.
Passport collection can be done by the applicant themselves, except in specific cases:
- Immediate family members (parents, children, spouse) can collect on behalf of the applicant.
- Government officials can collect if authorized on official government letterhead.
- Red Carpet Representatives can collect if authorized on the company's letterhead.
Those collecting the passport must bring the following documents:
- Original government ID card
- Original ICR
- Original authorization letter from the applicant
The covering letter for couriered passports must include the applicant's personal address. The passport will not be couriered to travel agency addresses unless directed by the Embassy/Consulate.
For business applicants wishing to receive the passport at their office, the covering letter should mention the office address, and the courier request form should reflect the same.
In cases of application withdrawal, the passport must be collected from VFS Global only.
Please confirm the available options for document collection with the Visa Application Centre during their opening hours.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a comprehensive document checklist for applying for a visa to visit (Visa C) Belgium(Holiday, visit friends/family, attend a wedding etc.) visitor visa to Belgium across different categories. Documents to be provided by all visa applicants must be Original.
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned journey.
- Completed Application Form: Fill out the visa application form completely and accurately. Include a recent color photograph that meets the specified requirements.
- Copy of Passport and Previous Schengen Visa: Provide a copy of the identity page of your passport and any previous Schengen visa with stamps.
- Detailed Itinerary: Prepare a comprehensive itinerary of your trip, including the dates, places you plan to visit, and the purpose of your visit.
- Hotel Reservation: Submit a copy of your hotel reservation for the entire duration of your stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries.
- Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate your ability to cover the costs of your trip by providing proof of financial means. This can include bank statements, income tax papers, employment letters, or student certificates, depending on your circumstances.
- For Minors Traveling Alone or with One Parent: If you are a minor traveling alone or with only one parent, you must provide a notary affidavit that includes parental consent for the trip. This document should be apostilled.
- Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance that is valid in Belgium and other Schengen countries. The coverage should be a minimum of 30,000 Euros or an equivalent amount in rupees.
- Flight Ticket Reservation: Submit a copy of your flight ticket reservation to show your planned travel dates.
- Additional Information: Provide additional details about your family background, income, and ties to your home country. This information helps demonstrate your intention to return after your visit.
- Submit old passport with previous trips if available.
- Additional documents may be required by the Embassy.
- Submit your application at least 1 month before the planned travel date.
- Applications can be submitted up to three months in advance.
- Visa fee is non-refundable if the visa is denied.
- Change of purpose or visa extension is not allowed; a new application is required.
- Visit the website http://www.vfsglobal.com/Belgium/India/ for appointment scheduling information.
Purpose of Visit Documents:
This visa is for individuals visiting Belgium for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or participating in cultural or sports events.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Detailed itinerary of your trip.
- Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation for the entire stay in Belgium.
- Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the trip.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
This visa is for individuals traveling to Belgium for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or negotiating contracts.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Invitation letter from the Belgian company or organization stating the purpose of the visit, duration, and financial responsibility.
- Detailed itinerary of the business activities.
- Proof of business registration or employment.
- Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the trip.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
This visa is for individuals seeking medical treatment in Belgium, including consultations, specialized treatments, surgeries, or rehabilitation.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Medical certificate or letter from a recognized medical institution in Belgium confirming the need for treatment.
- Detailed treatment plan and appointment letters.
- Proof of financial means to cover the medical expenses.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
This visa is for individuals intending to pursue short-term courses, language programs, or research projects in Belgium.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Belgium.
- Proof of payment of tuition fees.
- Detailed study plan and course schedule.
- Proof of financial means to cover the living expenses and tuition fees.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
This visa is for individuals visiting their immediate family members who are residents or citizens of Belgium.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Proof of relationship with the family member in Belgium (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).
- Invitation letter from the family member in Belgium, stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the visit.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
This visa is for individuals traveling to Belgium on official government business, diplomatic missions, or international organizations.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Official invitation letter from the Belgian government, organization, or diplomatic mission.
- Detailed itinerary of the official visit.
- Proof of employment or official position.
- Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the visit.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
This visa is for individuals participating in sports, cultural, or religious events in Belgium, such as festivals, exhibitions, competitions, or religious ceremonies.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Invitation letter or event participation confirmation from the organizer in Belgium.
- Detailed itinerary of the event and activities.
- Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the visit.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
This visa is for individuals transiting through Belgium to reach their final destination, with a short stopover in Belgium's airports or seaports.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the planned journey.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent color photograph as per specifications.
- Valid visa or residence permit for the final destination, if required.
- Proof of confirmed onward travel tickets.
- Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the transit.
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment letter, property ownership, or family commitments.
Note: Please note that the document requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the embassy or consulate where you apply. It is recommended to consult the official website of the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the specific requirements for each type of visitor visa.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documentation.
Applicants are requested to fill the online application form in Capital/Block letters only.
Belgium Online Long Term Visa Application Form: (Visa D)
Remember that this is a general outline, and the actual visa application form may have additional sections or require specific information depending on the type of visitor visa you are applying for. It is crucial to refer to the official visa application form provided by the official website of Belgium Embassy or Consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Belgium visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Determine the type of visa: Identify the purpose of your visit to Belgium and determine the appropriate visa type, such as a tourist visa, business visa, or family visit visa. Each visa type has specific requirements and documents needed.
- Gather required documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your visa application. This may include a valid passport, completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of travel itinerary, accommodation details, financial documents, travel insurance, and any additional documents specific to your visa category.
- Complete the visa application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. You can usually download the form from the website of the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in India. Ensure that all the required fields are filled in, and attach the necessary documents as mentioned in the form.
- Schedule an appointment: Contact the VFS Global or the Belgian Embassy/Consulate to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. The appointment can be booked online or through the designated visa application center. It is important to book the appointment well in advance, as there may be a waiting period for available slots.
- Submit your application: Visit the Visa Application Center or the Belgian Embassy/Consulate on the appointed date and time. Bring the completed visa application form along with all the required documents. Submit your application at the designated counter and pay the applicable visa fee.
- Biometric data collection: In some cases, biometric data such as fingerprints and a photograph will be collected at the Visa Application Center. Follow the instructions provided by the staff and provide the necessary biometric information.
- Track your application: After submitting your application, you can track the progress of your visa application online using the reference number provided. This will allow you to stay updated on the status of your application and know when a decision has been made.
- Collect your passport: Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified to collect your passport. You can either collect it in person from the Visa Application Center or choose to have it delivered to your preferred address through a courier service. Make sure to bring the necessary identification and collection receipts when picking up your passport.