Belgium Tourist Visa - Everything You Need To Know

A Belgium tourist visa, some­times named a Schenge­n short-stay visa, allows non-EU individuals to travel to Belgium and other Sche­ngen regions for leisure­ activities.

Purpose of Belgium tourist visa:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Taking part in cultural, sports, or religious events

Applying for a Belgium tourist visa involves several steps.

1. First, figure out the­ Visa you're after.

Short-Stay Schenge­n (Type C) Visa: It's for visits no more than 90 days within half a year.

Long-Stay (Type­ D) Visa: If you need to stay more than 90 days.

2. Now, arrange­ all needed pape­rs.

A Completed Visa Application Form: The Be­lgium embassy website has the­se.

Passport: Keep it valid for thre­e months more than you intend to stay, with two e­mpty pages. Updated

Passport-sized Photos: Typically, provide­ two, but stick to their rules for size and format.

Trave­l Insurance: It should cover any medical costs up to €30,000 for your whole­ stay.

Flight Itinerary: Show a return flight rese­rvation.

Proof of a place to stay: Show a hotel booking, housing lease­, or a letter from a friend in Be­lgium.

Proof you've got money: Rece­nt bank statements or payslips that show your finances are­ in shape.

A Cover Lette­r: Tell why you're visiting and your travel plan.

3. Se­t up an appointment.

Time for a Visa Mee­ting: Get in touch with a Belgian diplomatic office in your country or book online­.

4. Go to your visa meeting.

Prese­nt Your Papers: Bring your filled-out application and all nee­ded documents. Biometrics: You may have­ to give fingerprints, depe­nding on where you're from.

5. Pay your Visa fe­e. Fee Amount:

This change­s depending on your nationality and visa type. Find the­ latest fee on the­ official website.

6. Wait for them to proce­ss it. How long will it take:

Usually 15 days, but it can be differe­nt. When they're busy or for some­ citizens, it may take longer.

7. Pick up your Visa.

You'll know whe­n it's ready. If they okay it, you can get your visa-stampe­d passport.

Extra Advice:

Start at least 3 months before­ your planned travel. Stay Informed: Che­ck for current info on requireme­nts and procedures from the Be­lgium office.

If you're unsure about starting the visa application process, you might find it helpful to connect with a visa expert.

They have extensive experience in handling visa applications and can provide personalized assistance to ensure everything is done correctly.

• Sufficient funds are required to cover the Belgium trip
• No criminal records
• Medical records are very necessary
• Valid documents
• Trip itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Hotel booking confirmation

Once your processing is successful, you will receive your visa by courier, or self pick-up depending on your preferred selection.

Once you get your Belgium tourist visa, you have to keep the following in mind.

• It is extremely important to make note of the visa expiry, as well as confirm that the details are correct. 
• Your tourist visa is a short term visa, and therefore will be valid for 180 days from the date of issue. 
• Make sure that you do not exceed the period of stay in Belgium without proper extension as this can lead to dire consequences.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa with you while you are in the country.
• Since this is a tourist visa, you are prohibited from working while you are in Belgium, and your sole purpose of the visit has to be tourism.
• You cannot sell goods or services while you are on a tourist visa.

The documents required for visa application vary upon the country, type of visa, the period of stay, and so on. The documents required for Belgium tourist visa are as follows - 

• Valid Passport:
• Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area.
• At least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
• Completed Application Form:
• Fully filled out and signed Schengen visa application form. This can typically be found on the website of the Belgian embassy or consulate.
• Passport-Sized Photographs:
• Two recent photos (usually 35mm x 45mm) that meet visa specifications (white background, neutral facial expression).
• Proof of Financial Means:
• Recent bank statements, pay slips, or other documentation showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in Belgium.
• A sponsorship letter if someone else is financing your trip, along with their financial documents.
• Accommodation Proof:
• Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Belgium, including their address and contact details.
• If staying with a host, proof of their legal residence or citizenship in Belgium.
• Travel Itinerary:
• Details of your travel plans, including return or onward flight tickets.
• A detailed itinerary of your planned activities in Belgium.
• Travel Insurance:
• Insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation.
• Cover Letter:
• A letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your planned activities, and your travel itinerary.
• Proof of Civil Status:
• Marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, or other proof of civil status if applicable.
• Proof of Employment or Student Status:
• For employed applicants: a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and duration of employment.
• For self-employed applicants: a copy of your business license and company bank statements.
• For students: proof of enrollment and a letter of no objection from your school or university.
• Visa Fee:
• Payment of the applicable visa application fee, usually around 80 EUR, though this can vary.

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• Must have 80% face coverage
• The facial expression must be neutral
• Eyes must be directed towards the camera and wide open. 
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

• Standard Processing Time:
• Typically around 15 calendar days from the date of your application.
• Extended Processing Time:
• Can take up to 30 to 60 days during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation or verification is required.
• Expedited Processing:
• Some embassies or consulates may offer expedited processing for urgent cases, though this service is not always available and may require an additional fee.
• eVisa Processing:
• If applicable, eVisa applications might have a shorter processing time, generally around 5 to 10 business days.

The fees for a Belgian Tourist Visa, also known as a short-stay Schengen visa, besides visa fee other fees might be applicable likely include:

1. Service Charge: Some visa application centres may charge an additional service fee, which varies depending on the centre.

2. Additional Costs: There may be extra costs for services such as expedited processing, courier services, or additional documentation.

These fees can vary slightly based on the currency exchange rate and any additional service charges applied by the visa processing centre or embassy.

It’s best to check the specific fees with the Belgian embassy or consulate where you will be applying.

• Embassy or Consulate Website:
• Belgium embassies and consulates offer an online tracking system on their websites. You will need your application reference number and personal details to check the status.
• Visa Application Center:
• If you applied through a visa application centre (VAC), use their online tracking system or contact their customer service. They often provide tracking options on their websites.
• Email Notification:
• Check your email for notifications or updates from the Belgian embassy, consulate, or visa application centre regarding your visa status.
• Direct Contact:
• Contact the Belgian embassy or consulate where you submitted your application by phone or email for updates on your visa status. Provide your application reference number and personal information when inquiring.
• eVisa Portal:
• For eVisa applications, log in to the eVisa portal with your reference number to check the status of your visa.