Belgium Visa Guide

Belgium is the land of waffles, chocolates, and Tintin comics! It may be a small country, but it is certainly a mighty one, as it has a lot to offer. There are so many popular places to visit in the country, and among them, you need to include Brussels, which is home to the iconic Atomium and the beautiful Grand Place. Brussels is the vibrant capital of Belgium and a definite must-visit city after getting your Belgium visa.In Belgium, you can also visit Bruges, fondly known as the "Venice of the North." It is famous for its canals, medieval architecture, and enchanting atmosphere. After getting your Belgium visa from India, you can also visit the university town of Leuven and the diamond district of Antwerp. You can also explore Ghent, which is home to stunning architecture, historic sites, and a vibrant nightlife, and visit the Ardennes, a haven for nature lovers. So, if you are interested in exploring this beautiful European country, scroll below to learn about Belgium visas, Belgium visa appointments, and how to plan a Belgium visa from India.

To visit Belgium, you need a Schengen visa since Belgium is a part of the Schengen area. Follow these steps to apply for the visa:

• You will need to book an appointment for a Schengen visa to proceed with your application
• From the website, you can download the application form and fill it out correctly
• After filling out the form, submit all the required documents
• You will be called for an interview once your documents are accepted
• It may take up to 15 days or more for a response to your visa application

We have a comprehensive Schengen visa guide here which provides detailed information about the visa, how to apply, types of visa and more.

You can check out the website to track your Belgium visa application. For this, you need to log in to the official website by filling out your visa application number and travel document number.

Depending on your purpose of travel, you can choose the type of Belgium visa you need.

1. Tourist visa
2. Transit visa
3. Study visa
4. Work visa

This kind of Belgium visa is very popular, annually, several tourists go to the country for tourism. While searching for tourist visa for Belgium, you will come across Schengen visa, that is because Belgium is a part of Schengen Area. Do not get confused between Belgium Schengen visa and a Belgium tourist visa, they are the same.

Documents for tourist visa

• Passport with minimum two blank pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Proof of funds

Tourist visa validity

A Belgium tourist visa is valid for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period (6 months). If you want to stay for a longer duration, you need to apply for a long-stay visa.

Processing time for tourist visa

The processing time for Belgium visas for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

If Belgium is not your final destination but you have a layover here, you may be required to apply for a Belgium Airport Transit Visa before you can board another flight to reach your destination country. This is also applicable to those visiting by sea. Please visit the official website for detailed information.

For the purpose of taking another ship to its non Schengen destination country, seafarers shall be required to apply for a Belgium Transit Visa when they have to disembark at one of the seaports.

Documents for transit visa

• Passport with minimum two blank pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos
• Travel medical insurance
• Onward flight/sea reservation to next country
• Proof of funds

Processing time for transit visa

The processing time for Belgium visas for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

Duration of a Belgium transit visa

For the airport transit Schengen visa, you are allowed to stay for up to 24 hours. However, you are not allowed to leave the transit area. For seafarers, the transit visa may allow you up to a five-day stay in the Schengen area prior to leaving for the next non-Schengen country.

To study in Belgium, you need a student or study visa if you are an international student. You do not require a student visa if you belong from the EU or EEA and live in one of the Schengen countries

Documents for study visa

• Passport with minimum two blank pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Proof of funds
• Proof of payment of university fees
• Invitation letter from the university
• High school diploma
• Proof of English language proficiency

Study visa validity

Depending on the type of course you take, your student visa in Belgium will be valid. You can extend the visa as per the course. The stay duration for a normal multiple entry is 90 days.

Processing time for study visa

The processing time for Belgium visas for Indians takes up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

If you are travelling to Belgium for work or business purposes, you must have a work visa. This rule applies to all citizens outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway. For such visas, you require a long-stay Belgium visa. 

Documents for work visa

• Passport with minimum two blank pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Proof of funds 
• Employment details like contract or a letter from the employer 

Work visa validity

A work visa is valid for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period (6 months). If you want to stay for a longer duration, you need to apply for a long-stay visa.

Processing time for work visa

The processing time for Belgium visas for Indians takes up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.