The Belgium Tourist Visa (Schengen short-stay) process for Indian passport holders
Eligibility & Core Requirements
Confirm that Indian citizens must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Belgium for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option exists.
Specify passport criteria: issued within the last 10 years; valid for at least 3 months beyond departure; at least two blank visa pages.
Clarify permitted purpose: tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family only; paid work, business, long-term study, settlement, or migration strictly prohibited.
Describe proof of strong ties to India (stable employment, property, family), clear intent to return, and no history of Schengen overstays or serious violations.
Document Checklist & Required Evidence
Completed, printed, and signed Schengen visa application form from the official Belgian embassy portal (handwritten forms not accepted).
Original passport and photocopies of biodata pages, previous Schengen visas, and any old passports.
Two recent biometric-compliant photos (35×45 mm, white/light-grey background, taken within 6 months).
Detailed cover letter with purpose, travel dates, day-by-day itinerary, funding source, and return assurance.
Visa appointment confirmation from the authorized visa center (e.g., VFS Global).
Confirmed round-trip flights and proof of accommodation for every night (hotel bookings or host invitation with ID).
Schengen medical insurance (≥ €30,000 coverage for emergencies and repatriation, valid throughout the Schengen area).
Financial proof: bank statements (last 3–6 months, first and last three pages, bank-stamped), salary slips, and income tax returns (last 2 years).
Employment proof: leave sanction/NOC and contract; business registration and tax returns for self-employed; pension statements; student enrollment certificates.
Civil status documents: marriage certificate, minors’ birth certificates, parental consent letters.
Any additional documents per the latest Belgian embassy or visa-center instructions.
Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities
Permitted: tourism, leisure, visiting friends/family, cultural events, short non-degree courses (< 90 days).
Prohibited: paid employment, business activities, long-term/degrees studies, religious residency, settlement intent, or overstaying.
Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)
Only checklist items are accepted extraneous or missing documents risk rejection or delays.
Bank statements limited to recent months (first and last three pages).
Enhanced scrutiny of itinerary, accommodation, insurance validity, finances, and return intent.
Early application advised (15–45 days before travel) due to seasonal delays.
Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) required unless previously collected within 59 months.
Application involves online form completion and document uploads, followed by an in-person biometric appointment at an authorized center.
Application Submission Workflow
Complete and print the online application form; schedule an appointment at an authorized center (e.g., VFS Global).
Submit originals and photocopies per the checklist, provide biometrics, and track status online.
Collect passport in person or via courier upon approval; verify visa details immediately.
Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)
Pre-screen eligibility, recommend the correct visa type, and supply a tailored, up-to-date checklist.
Review, format, and translate documents to meet Belgian embassy and center standards.
Manage digital submissions, appointment scheduling, document uploads, reminders, and status tracking.
Proactively handle additional requests, policy updates, and reapplications to reduce refusal risk and delays.
Streamline the process and reduce client stress while clarifying that final visa approval rests solely with Belgian and Schengen authorities and cannot be guaranteed by any service.