The Belgium Tourist Visa (Schengen short-stay) process for Indian passport holders

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.