Belgium is a nation in Western Europe and is also referred to as the Kingdom of Belgium. To visit this nation, you must apply for a visa for Belgium beforehand, as no visa on arrival is applicable to Indian citizens.

Additionally, because Belgium is a part of the Schengen region of the European Union, its visa requirements are the same as those of the other Schengen countries. As a result, you can enter Belgium using the same Schengen visa you need to visit the other 25 Schengen nations. Also, as of 2025, you will require travel insurance to enter Belgium, so it will be a great idea to buy one during your visa application.

Yes. Indians do need a visa to travel to Belgium.

No. Visa on arrival is not applicable for Indians in Belgium.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for a Belgium (Schengen) visa and must cover at least 30,000 euros for any emergencies (illness, accidents, etc.) during your stay. The insurance policy should cover your entire trip, including the day of arrival and departure, and must be valid across all Schengen countries.​

Ensure that you meet the following conditions before applying:

• A valid passport with a minimum of three months' validity beyond the intended stay.

• Proof of travel purposes, such as accommodation details, travel itinerary, or an invitation letter.

• Sufficient funds to support your stay in Belgium.

To visit Belgium, you need to produce a few documents as requirements for a Belgium visa to ensure your validity and legal aspects. Nevertheless, a few of the documentation that you must have are –

• A duly filled visa application form
• Passport
• Photographs (as specified on the official website)
• Copies of previous passports (if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient funding
• A duly filled language form. There, you can specify your preference for English, German, Dutch, or French to process your application.
• Schengen Travel Insurance with a USD 29,790.72 minimum level of protection
• A cover letter outlining the itinerary and your reason for travelling
• Your flight schedule with dates of entry and departure from Belgium
• Evidence of your lodgings, such as hotel reservations or any other document demonstrating where you will be staying in Belgium
• Birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree (whatever is applicable)
• If you're working, you'll need your offer letter, six months' worth of bank statements, and your income tax returns
• You would require your business licence, six months' worth of company bank statements, and tax records if you are self-employed

The steps for application for Indian citizens are:

Register on the Official Belgium Visa Website:

The first step for all applicants is to create an account and register on the official Belgium visa website. Whether applying for a short stay or a long stay, this is mandatory for the primary applicant or head of the family.

Complete and Submit the Belgium Visa Application Online:

After registering, fill out the online visa application form thoroughly. Ensure you provide all required information before submitting the application.

Receive and Confirm Your Belgium Visa Application by Email:

Once submitted, a confirmation email with a copy of the visa application will be sent to the email address associated with your account. Review it for accuracy.

Book Your Biometrics Appointment via VFS Global:

Once you've completed the online visa application on the official portal, you will be directed to the VFS Global system to book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre. After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. 

Ensure you select the correct category for your visa appointment, as incorrect bookings will lead to rejection, and the visa fee is non-refundable.

Print the Application and Visit the Visa Application Center:

Print your completed visa application and bring it, along with all required supporting documents, to the designated visa application centre.

Submit Biometrics at the Visa Application Center:

At the visa centre, authorities will take your photograph and if required, your fingerprints for biometric data (applicable for both short and long-stay visas).

Pay the Belgium Visa Fees for Indians:

After submitting your documents and biometrics, you need to make payment of the applicable Belgium visa fees. Then, your application will be forwarded to the Belgian Embassy or Consulate for standard visa processing.

Track Your Belgium Visa Application Online from India:

You can monitor the status of your visa application through the tracking feature on the official website, using your application reference number.

Typically, processing a visa request takes up to 15 working days. But there are a number of variables that can affect this. For example, when there are numerous applications at the embassy, it occasionally takes up to 30 days. In certain rare circumstances, Belgian Schengen visas' processing time can reach 60 days.

• You must show the following identification to the border officers when you arrive at the airport in Belgium:

• A current Schengen visa unless you're a citizen of a nation without visa requirements.

• Passport or another legally valid form of identification. Here, it is essential to note that your passport should have a minimum of three months extra validity than the length of time you want to spend in Belgium.

• Apart from those, the border guards may also inquire about the nature of your trip and how long you want to stay in Belgium.

• Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. English is also widely spoken.

• Belgium has a temperate climate, so pack accordingly based on the season. Summers are mild, while winters can be chilly and wet.

• Belgium is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and world-renowned chocolates and beers. It's also home to many international institutions, making it a diverse and multicultural hub.

If your Belgian visa application is rejected, you will receive a rejection letter explaining the reason(s) for the denial. Common consequences of visa rejection include:

No Refund of Visa Fee:

Unfortunately, the visa processing fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Impact on Future Applications:

A rejection may affect future applications if not addressed correctly. It's important to carefully review the reasons provided and rectify them before reapplying.

Right to Appeal:

You have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days from the date of rejection. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Immigration Office in Belgium. If you believe the refusal was unjust, this is your opportunity to present additional documentation or correct any mistakes​.

To avoid rejection of your Belgian visa application from India, ensure that you submit a complete application with all required documents. Incomplete submissions are a common reason for denial, so double-check that everything is included, including your passport, financial proof, and travel insurance.

Additionally, demonstrating financial stability is crucial. Include recent bank statements or proof of sponsorship to show you can support yourself during your stay. Highlight your ties to India, such as employment or family connections, to assure the visa officer that you intend to return after your visit. By addressing these key areas, you can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a visa​.

A Schengen Short Stay Visa (C Visa) cannot be extended beyond 90 days unless under exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies. For a long-stay visa (Type D), you will need to apply for a residence permit once you’re in Belgium, which will allow longer stays.

As mentioned earlier, according to recent updates, to travel to Belgium, it is mandatory to have travel insurance. So there is a legal demand for an insurance policy to enter the country. Apart from that, international travel insurance can help you protect against unnecessary monetary flow during an unfortunate occasion on your trip.

For instance, leading online travel insurance providers provide benefits such as medical emergencies, personal accidents, loss of passport and baggage, accidental death and disability, etc.

It is undeniably true that Belgium is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. There are also employment opportunities, and the education standards are also renowned. 

So, if you are planning to visit this country or apply for a visa to Belgium, keep the documents and check all the prerequisites to decrease the chances of visa rejection.

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Applying for a Belgian visa may seem complex, but being well-prepared and understanding the requirements can simplify the process. Ensure you submit all necessary documents and follow the guidelines for a successful visa application. With a valid visa, you’ll soon be ready to explore the historic cities, charming villages, and beautiful landscapes of Belgium!