What are the Belgium visa requirements for Indians?
Here are the Belgium tourist visa requirements for Indians:
Visa application form
Passport photo
Valid passport
Previous Schengen visa
Proof of travel purpose
Proof of financial means
Proof of mode of transport
Proof of accommodation
Travel insurance
Visa application form:
The Belgium visa application form is to be filled out online.
Passport photo:
One recent passport-sized photograph that meets Belgium's specific requirements (e.g., white background, no older than 6 months).
With flyaway consultancy, you cannot only upload your passport-size photo but also click the picture of yours using your smartphone or desktop camera. flyaway consultancy automatically adjusts the photo to meet the country's requirements without hassle.
Valid passport:
Original and a copy of passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages.
With flyaway consultancy, you cannot only upload your passport pictures but also take a picture of your passport using your smartphone or desktop camera.
Previous Schengen visa:
If available, submit a copy of your most recent Schengen visa.
Proof of travel purpose:
Provide a clear and concise cover letter outlining your personal information, the purpose of the visit, financial means and intent to return. Also, provide a travel itinerary.
flyaway consultancy will help you with a customizable cover letter during the application process, free of cost.
Proof of financial means:
The government needs proof of your capability to fund your stay. For this, you must submit bank account statements for the last three months, ITR acknowledgement for the last two years, payslips for the last 3 months, employer contract and employers statement on approval of holidays.
Proof of mode of transport:
Provide proof of roundtrip tickets and proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary, or car rental if you are travelling to several Schengen States.
flyaway consultancy provides flight reservations for free, allowing you to demonstrate your travel plans without any financial commitment.
Proof of accommodation:
Submit the proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Belgium. If invited, submit an invitation letter signed by the inviting person and duly notarised in Belgium.
flyaway consultancy provides hotel reservations for free, allowing you to demonstrate your travel plans without any financial commitment.
Travel insurance:
You must have travel insurance that is valid for all Schengen Countries. It should cover at least 30,000 or equivalent for all risks for the entire duration of the trip.
Note: Depending on the specific circumstances mentioned in the visa application, additional documents will be required. For example, you will need a sponsorship letter if your trip is sponsored.
What documents are required for minors applying for a Belgium tourist visa?
Minors applying for a Belgium visa must provide the following additional documents:
If the minor is travelling with only one parent, written consent certified by a public notary of the other parent or guardian, except in cases of a parent having sole custody or guardianship of the minor, in which case a court order or other proof of sole custody or guardianship must be provided;
If the minor travels alone (without parents), written consent, certified by a public notary, of both parents or guardians having custody or guardianship of the minor;
Copy of identification document(s) (with signature and photograph) of the parent(s)/guardians having custody/guardianship of the applicant.
Tip: Ensure that all documents are notarised and that you have originals and copies available at the visa appointment.
Can I apply for a Belgium Schengen visa without a confirmed flight booking?
Yes, you can apply for a Belgium Schengen visa without a confirmed flight booking. However, you will need to provide a flight itinerary or reservation that outlines your intended travel dates and destinations.
flyaway consultancy provides verifiable flight reservations for free, allowing you to demonstrate your travel plans without any financial commitment.
Can I apply for a Belgium Schengen visa if my accommodation is not confirmed?
Yes, you can apply for a Belgium Schengen visa without confirmed accommodation, but you still need to show proof of where you plan to stay. This can include temporary hotel bookings or an invitation letter from friends or family who will be hosting you.
The consulate requires this to ensure that you have arrangements in place for your stay. Even if your plans are not finalized, providing a reservation or written confirmation of your accommodation will satisfy this requirement during the visa application process.
flyaway consultancy provides verifiable hotel reservations for free, allowing you to demonstrate your travel plans without any financial commitment.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Belgium Schengen visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when applying for a Belgium Schengen visa. Additionally, the travel insurance must meet the following criteria:
The minimum coverage shall be 30,000.00.
The insurance shall be valid throughout the territory of the Schengen States.
It should cover the entire period of the persons intended stay or transit in the Schengen Area.
The travel insurance should cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death during the stay(s) on the territory of the Member States.
If applying for a multiple-entry visa, ensure your travel insurance covers your first trip and renew it as necessary for subsequent trips.
Approved insurance providers: Ensure the Schengen countries recognise your insurance provider. You can find a list of approved Indian travel insurance companies on the VACs website.
flyaway consultancy provides travel insurance that meets Schengen visa requirements at a minimal cost.
What are the Belgium visa photo requirements for Indians?
It is mandatory that your photograph meets the Belgium visa photo requirements mentioned below:
Size: 35 mm x 45 mm (width x height).
Head size: The head should occupy 70-80% of the photo.
Colour: The photo must be in colour and have a plain white or light grey background.
Face position: The applicant's face must be centred and looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
Eyes: Eyes should be open and clearly visible, without any reflections or obstructions.
Glasses: If you wear glasses, make sure the lenses are free of glare or reflections and your eyes are clearly visible. Avoid wearing tinted glasses.
Headwear: Headwear is not allowed unless it is for religious reasons. In such cases, the face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and the edges of the face must be visible.
Tip: Ensure your photos meet these requirements exactly, as failure to do so can lead to delays or rejection of your application.
What is the minimum bank balance required for a Belgium tourist visa?
While Belgium does not have a fixed minimum bank balance requirement, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen Area. A general guideline is to show a minimum balance of around 60-70 per day of stay, translating to approximately 1,800 to 2,100 for a 30-day stay.
You can demonstrate your financial stability by providing recent bank statements and pay slips. If you are being sponsored, your sponsor will need to provide a sponsorship letter along with their financial documents, such as bank statements and proof of income, to show that they can support your stay.
What can I do if my bank balance fluctuates significantly?
If your bank balance fluctuates significantly, its important to provide additional context to avoid raising concerns with the visa officer:
Provide explanations: If there are large deposits or withdrawals, include a brief explanation in your cover letter. For instance, if a large deposit is from a property sale or an annual bonus, mention this.
Submit additional proof: Provide other financial documents, such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, or property documents, to demonstrate overall financial stability.
Tip: Be transparent about your financial situation and ensure all documents are in order to avoid suspicion or delays.
Can I show multiple sources of income to strengthen my Belgium visa application?
Yes, you can show multiple sources of income to strengthen your visa application. Apart from the pay slips, bank statements and ITR, you can include proof of income from investments, rentals, or other sources. If someone else is sponsoring your trip, include their financial documents along with a sponsorship letter.
Tip: Clearly list and explain all income sources in your cover letter to provide a comprehensive view of your financial situation.
Are income tax returns mandatory for a Belgium visa application?
Yes, income tax returns (ITR) for the past two years are generally mandatory when applying for a Belgium visa. The ITR documents help demonstrate your financial stability and regular income, which are crucial for proving that you can support yourself during your stay in Belgium and will return to India after your visit.
What should I do if I havent filed income tax returns for the past two years?
If you haven't filed income tax returns (ITRs) for the past two years, this may pose a challenge for your visa application. However, you can take the following steps to address the situation:
Provide a cover letter: Write a cover letter explaining why you havent filed ITRs. Common reasons might include recent employment, income below the taxable threshold, or being a dependent.
Submit alternative documents: Include other financial documents that prove your income and financial stability, such as bank statements, salary slips, or investment documents.
Sponsor's ITR: If someone else is sponsoring your trip, submit their ITRs along with a sponsorship letter to strengthen your application.
I am a housewife with no independent income. What are the documents I can submit to get my Belgium visa approved?
Being a housewife with no independent income is not an issue as long as you clearly demonstrate that your financial needs during the trip will be met. You can do so by providing the following documents to support your Belgium visa application:
Sponsorship letter: Obtain a sponsorship letter from your spouse or a close family member who will sponsor your trip. The letter should clearly state the relationship between you and the sponsor and their commitment to covering your travel expenses.
Sponsors financial documents: Submit your sponsors bank statements, income tax returns, and salary slips as proof of financial support.
Proof of relationship: Depending on your relationship with the sponsor, include a copy of the document (like a marriage certificate) that establishes your relationship with your sponsor.
Proof of shared assets: If applicable, provide documents showing jointly owned property or bank accounts, which further prove your financial stability.
I am unemployed. Can I still get a Belgium tourist visa?
Yes, you can get a Belgium visa even if you are unemployed.
However, in addition to bank statements, you must provide additional documentation to demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your stay. These can include:
Proof of passive income: Submit documents showing regular income from passive sources, such as ITR, rental agreements, dividend statements, or interest income from investments.
Property or investment documents: If applicable, provide proof of ownership of assets that generate passive income, such as property deeds or investment certificates.
What financial documents are required by businessmen to apply for a Belgium visa?
If you are a businessman, you can demonstrate financial stability by showing the following documents:
Business financial statements: Submit the latest financial statements of your business, such as profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and bank statements, covering at least six months.
Company registration documents: Provide copies of your business registration documents, including your GST certificate, company PAN card, and incorporation certificate.
Business tax returns: Include your businesss income tax returns for the past two years to demonstrate financial health and stability.
Invitation letter: If travelling for business purposes, include an invitation letter from your Belgian business partner or the organisation you will be visiting. The letter should outline the purpose and duration of your visit.
Tip: In your cover letter, clearly link your business activities to the purpose of your visit to establish the legitimacy of your trip.
How can a retired individual succeed in applying for a Belgium Schengen visa?
If you are retired, you can succeed in your Belgium visa application by demonstrating that you have sufficient funds and a clear purpose for your visit. Heres what to include:
Pension statements: Provide your pension statements for the past six months as proof of a steady income stream.
Bank statements: Submit bank statements showing a healthy balance and consistent pension credits.
Proof of savings or investments: Include documents showing savings or investments that contribute to your financial stability, such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, or property ownership.
Retirement proof: Provide a copy of your retirement certificate or letter from your previous employer confirming your retirement status.
Travel itinerary and accommodation: Clearly outline your travel plans and accommodation arrangements in Belgium.
Sponsor's documents: If a family member is sponsoring your trip, include a sponsorship letter and proof of their financial capacity to support your stay.
How can I show strong ties to India when applying for a Belgium tourist visa?
To convince the consular officer that you will return to India after your trip, you need to demonstrate strong ties to your home country. This can done by providing the following documents:
Employment proof: If employed, provide a letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and approved leave. Mention that your job will be waiting for you upon return.
Property ownership: Submit documents proving ownership of property or real estate in India, such as a house or land. This applies to anyone, including retirees, housewives, or unemployed individuals, as property ownership demonstrates strong roots in India.
Family ties: Show family ties by providing marriage certificates or birth certificates of your dependent children. This is particularly relevant for housewives or those not employed, as showing your family responsibilities reinforces your commitment to returning home.
Educational commitments: If you are a student, include a letter from your educational institution confirming your enrollment and the date of your return to continue your studies.
The more evidence you provide of your ties to India, the stronger your case for returning home after your trip.
How can I prove the purpose of my trip when applying for a Belgium tourist visa?
You can prove the purpose of your trip by providing the following documents:
Tourism: Hotel reservations, a detailed travel itinerary, and return flight tickets.
Business: An invitation letter from a company or business partner in the Schengen Area, along with details of meetings or conferences you plan to attend.
Family visit: An invitation letter from your host in the Schengen Country, along with their proof of residence and relationship to you.
Tip: Be as specific as possible in your cover letter, detailing the activities and plans during your stay to strengthen your application.
Do I need a cover letter for my Schengen visa?
Yes, a cover letter is typically required for a Schengen visa application. Make sure that it includes:
Personal information: Your name, address, and passport number.
Purpose of visit: A detailed explanation of why youre visiting (tourism, business, family visit).
Itinerary: Your travel dates, accommodation, and places you plan to visit.
Financial means: State how youll finance your trip and attach supporting documents.
Intent to return: Explain your ties to your home country, ensuring youll return after your trip.
flyaway consultancy will help you with a customizable cover letter during the application process, free of cost.
Ill be staying with a friend in Belgium. Do I need an invitation letter?
Yes, if youre staying with a friend in the Schengen Area, you will need an invitation letter from them.
A Schengen invitation letter is a document provided by someone you plan to visit in the Schengen Area, stating that they invite you and will accommodate you during your stay. The letter should typically include:
Your friends information: Name, address, and a copy of their passport or residency permit.
Accommodation details: Confirmation that they will host you during your stay.
Relationship: A brief explanation of your relationship with the host and the purpose of your visit.
Can I apply for a Belgium Schengen visa if I am currently residing in a country other than India?
Yes, you can apply for a Schengen visa from a country other than India if you are legally residing in that country. You will need to provide proof of legal residency, such as a residence permit or visa, along with your application.
Tip: Ensure that your residency status in the country where you are applying is valid for at least three months beyond your planned return to India.
What should I do if my passport is set to expire soon, but I need to apply for a Belgium visa?
If your passport is set to expire soon, it is advisable to renew it before applying for a Belgium visa. To apply for a Schengen visa, it is mandatory that your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
What if I only have one empty page left in my passport, but my passport has not expired?
If your passport has only one empty page left, it may suffice for the visa to be issued. However, it is important to note that immigration authorities at your destination might require additional empty spaces for entry and exit stamps.
Recommendation: It is advisable to renew your passport if you have limited blank pages remaining. An Indian passport renewal through the 'Tatkal' (express) service typically takes around 3 days.
Can I apply for a Belgium visa if I have overstayed on a previous visa?
Yes, you can apply for a Belgium visa if you have overstayed on a previous visa, but you must be prepared to explain the circumstances of the overstay and provide evidence that it was unintentional or unavoidable.
A clear and honest explanation, along with supporting documents (such as medical records if the overstay was due to health reasons), can help mitigate the negative impact of a previous overstay.
How do I get a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
To obtain a multiple-entry Schengen visa, particularly under the new rules favourable for Indian nationals, follow these steps:
Establish a travel history: First, obtain and lawfully use two Schengen visas within the previous three years.
Apply for a multiple-entry visa: After meeting the above condition, apply for a multiple-entry visa, which can be valid for up to two years initially. If you use this visa correctly, you can then apply for a five-year multiple-entry visa.
Ensure passport validity: Ensure your passport has sufficient validity to cover the entire duration of the multiple-entry visa you seek.
Provide strong justifications: Your application should include reasons for needing multiple entries, such as frequent business trips, family visits, or ongoing travel requirements.
Use the Cascade Regime: The Visa Code Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 governs the issuance of Schengen visas. Under the EU's "cascade" regime, Indian nationals can progress from a two-year visa to a five-year visa, enjoying travel rights similar to visa-free nationals if all conditions are met.
For more detailed guidance, visit the European External Action Service.