Belgium Tourist Visa
There are many reasons why people travel to Belgium, such as its Renaissance architecture, mediaeval towns, rich cultural legacy, and iconic structures. Belgium offers a wide range of tourist attractions despite its small size, and tourists from nearby nations regularly come for quick visits to take in some of the nation's highlights. Bruges, with its medieval architecture, and the palaces in Brussels are two examples of them.
Belgium requires a Schengen Visa to enter the Schengen Zone, which it is a part of. Obtaining a visit visa is necessary if you wish to travel to Belgium. As a part of the Schengen area of the European Union, Belgium is subject to the same visa rules as other Schengen countries. This implies that the Schengen visa you use to enter the other 25 Schengen countries can also be used to enter Belgium.
Belgium Entry Requirements
You must give the following documents to the border authorities when you arrive at the airport in Belgium:
- Unless you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you must have a valid Schengen visa.
- Passport or any other legitimate travel authorization. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the length of time you want to spend in Belgium.
Your reason for visiting and the length of your stay in Belgium may also be questioned by the border officials.
What Are the Documents Required?
You will need to submit the below documents while applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa:
- Completed visa application form
- Photographs (as specified)
- Passport
- Copies of any previous visa, if applicable
- Language preference form. You may choose your application to be treated in English, German, Dutch or French.
- Schengen Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- A cover letter explaining your purpose of visit and details of the trip
- Your flight itinerary specifying the dates of entry and exit from Belgium
- Proof of accommodation like hotel bookings or any other document that shows your place of stay in Belgium
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, divorce certificate (whatever is applicable)
- Proof of having sufficient funds.
- For those who are employed, you will need your offer letter, bank statements for the last 6 months and income tax documents
- For those who are self-employed, you would need your company license, company bank statements for 6 months and tax documents
How Can AIS Overseas Help You?
AIS Overseas has been managing Schengen Visas for a long time. Our team will assist you:
- Determine which sort of visa is appropriate to apply for and advise you on the necessary paperwork
- Give you advice on the necessary finances to be presented.
- Complete the application forms.
- Examine your applications for a visa.
- Assist you in getting ready for a visa interview if one is necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
The government of Belgium joined the European border-free area in 1995 when it signed the Schengen Agreement. If you enter Belgium with a short-stay visa, you can also travel to other Schengen member states. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 countries.
There are three types of Schengen visas: short-stay, long-stay, and airport transit.
Short-stay visas allow for single or multiple entries and a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month validity period.
Long-stay visas are issued by the countries and are valid for periods exceeding 90 days.
Airport transit visa: This is required for individuals belonging to certain countries.
- Your passport must have a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Your passport must have a validity of a minimum of 3 months from the date that the applicant intends leaving the Schengen Area. OR If there are multiple entries, the date that the applicant intends leaving the Schengen Area for the last time.
- You can only apply within 3 months of the date of arrival in Belgium.
Apart from this you should submit:
- Completed visa application form
- Photographs (as specified)
- Passport
- Copies of any previous visa, if applicable
- Schengen Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- A cover letter explaining your purpose of visit and details of the trip
- Your flight itinerary specifying the dates of entry and exit from Belgium
- Proof of accommodation like hotel bookings or any other document that shows your place of stay in Belgium
- No objection letter-This letter is required to confirm your current status and inform the embassy that you have permission to travel. Usually, a letter of no objection is issued by the employer or school authorities.
A short-stay visa (Type C) costs €60 or INR 5,000 approximately.
|
Belgium Short-Stay Visa Application Type |
Visa Fee in Euro |
|
Belgium visa for adult travelers |
80 |
|
Belgium visa for children (6 – 12 years) |
40 |
|
Belgium visas for children (under 6 years) |
FREE |
An official processing period of thirty to forty days is given. Remember that in some circumstances, it may take far longer.
The Embassy or High Commission determines the location for filing. It's suggested that six to eight weeks are needed. For example, the South African High Commission requires four weeks to process in the United States; one month in the United Kingdom; and three weeks in Australia.
All applicants for a Schengen visa, with the exception of minors under the age of twelve, must present in person. The biometric data is kept for five years in the database.
By supplying biometrics, the identities of genuine candidates are protected. Those having biometrics have an easier time proving who they are and their current travel status.
A multiple-entry tourist visa to Belgium is available for one, three, or five years, and can be used for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Make a plan beforehand.
You must apply for a Belgian tourist visa as soon as possible. Applications for visas shall not be submitted to the equivalent consulate of a Schengen region 15 days before the member country's anticipated arrival date.
Make an appointment at the Belgian embassy that is closest to you.
Almost always, you have to schedule an appointment over the phone or online.
Complete your application and send it in.
The Belgian embassy that is closest to you should be visited, as you will need to submit the required documentation in person. To verify the purpose of your visit, you will be interrogated at the consulate and required to provide additional documentation.
Apply for a Visa
You will be notified by the relevant consulate when the visa is ready for pickup.
