Overview
Belgium, a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, offers a unique travel experience.
Why Visit Belgium?
- Historic Cities: Explore the medieval city of Bruges, the vibrant capital of Brussels, and the elegant city of Ghent.
- Art and Architecture: Admire the masterpieces of Flemish and Dutch masters in museums like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
- Delicious Food and Beer: Indulge in Belgian chocolates, waffles, and a wide variety of beers.
- Beautiful Landscapes: Discover the picturesque countryside, charming villages, and stunning coastline.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April-May): Enjoy mild weather and blooming flowers.
- Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.
- Autumn (September-November): Experience beautiful fall foliage and cultural events.
- Winter (December-February): Enjoy Christmas markets and winter sports in the Ardennes.
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: Approximately 11.5 million
Things to Know Before Visiting:
- Visa Requirements: Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Belgium.
- Language: Dutch, French, and German are the official languages, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Etiquette: Belgians value politeness and punctuality.
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
Must-Visit Cities:
- Brussels: The capital city, known for its historic Grand Place, the Royal Palace, and the European Parliament.
- Bruges: A medieval city with beautiful canals, historic buildings, and charming squares.
- Antwerp: A vibrant city with a rich history, world-class art museums, and a thriving diamond industry.
- Ghent: A historic city with a beautiful medieval center, stunning architecture, and a lively atmosphere.
Get ready to be enchanted by the beauty and charm of Belgium!
Identify your Visa Type
A Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa Category C) is the ideal choice for those visiting Belgium for leisure, sightseeing, or holidays. To be eligible, you must demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as a job, property, or family.
Documents Required
Begin Your Application
Documents Required
The documents you need will depend on your employment status. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Valid Passport:
- Must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
- Valid for at least 3 months from your intended departure date.
- Completed Visa Application Form: Download the form from the Visa on Web (VOW) portal and complete it accurately.
- Two Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Meeting the specifications mentioned below.
- Proof of Accommodation:
- Hotel reservations, hostel bookings, or a letter of invitation from a host in Belgium.
- Proof of Travel: Round-trip flight tickets or itinerary.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements for the last three months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in Belgium.
For Employed Individuals:
- Employment contract / Appointment Letter from Company
- Leave letter from employer / NOC Letter from Employer
- Salary slips for the last three months
- Bank statements of the last 6 months
- Travel Insurance
For Self-Employed, Business Owners, and Government Employees:
- Business registration certificate / GST Certificate / Shop Enlistment Certificate / Trade License etc. only for Business and Self Employed
- Income tax returns of the last 3 years Individual and/or Business
- NOC Letter / Leave Sanction Letter for Govt. Employees, or from the non travelling business partner
- Travel Insurance
For Retired Individuals:
- Pension certificate / PPO Certificate / Pension Passbook
- Bank statements of the last 6 months or proof of regular income
- Travel Insurance
For Housewives:
- Spouse’s employment documents (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate, if travelling with Spouse
- Proof of financial support from spouse
- Travel Insurance
For Unemployed Individuals:
- Affidavit of support from a sponsor
- Sponsor’s bank statements for the last six months
- Travel Insurance
Once you have collected the necessary documents, you can begin your application process:
- Download the visa application form from the Visa on Web (VOW) portal.
- Complete the form accurately and carefully.
- Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Photo Specifications
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Quality: High-quality, sharp focus, no ink marks or creases
- Face: Full face, non-smiling, with a neutral expression
- Background: Plain, light-colored background
- Lighting: Even lighting, no shadows or reflections
- Headwear: Not allowed unless for religious reasons, and the face must be fully visible
- Glasses: Permitted, but avoid tinted lenses and ensure eyes are clear
Do you need Appointment Assistance?
We can help you schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide your fingerprints and digital photo. This is known as biometric information.
Submission Process
When you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to:
- Submit your completed visa application form.
- Provide your original passport and a photocopy.
- Pay the visa application fee and VFS service charges.
Optional Services Offered by VFS Global:
- Courier Charges: Have your passport returned to you by courier after the visa decision is made.
- SMS Charges: Receive updates on the progress of your application via SMS.
- Premium Lounge: Enjoy access to a comfortable lounge with refreshments while you wait for your appointment.
- Printing Charges: Get assistance with printing your application form if needed.
Processing Timeline
A decision on your visa application will typically be made within 15 working days from the date it is submitted to the Embassy/Consulate. However, it can take up to 60 calendar days in some cases.