Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms, Filling and Process in 2024 Belgium
Belgium welcome total 104 countries visa free or visa on arrival and about 9.3 million tourist visit every year.
Travelling to Belgium, with its rich historical heritage, architectural marvels, and gastronomical delights, requires navigating the visa application process. The introduction of the e-visa simplifies this procedure, making it more accessible and efficient for international travellers. This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about applying for a Belgium e-visa, presented in an easy-to-follow format.
What is a Belgium e-visa?
Like many other countries, Belgium has embraced the convenience of electronic visa processing. An e-visa is an electronic authorisation or visa obtained online, streamlining the application process by eliminating the need to visit a consulate or embassy in person for certain visits.
Who can Apply for a Belgium e-visa?
Applicants for short-stay visas (up to 90 days) for purposes such as tourism, family visits, cultural or sports events, and business trips can benefit from applying for an e-visa, provided their country is eligible for this option. For long-stay visas or other specific visa types, applications must be made directly to the relevant Belgian embassy or consulate.
What are the different types of Belgium e-visas?
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can enter Belgium visa-free for stays up to 90 days within 180 days, provided they are not employed during their visit. Several other countries also enjoy visa-free access under bilateral or multilateral agreements. For a complete list, please refer to the official Belgian authorities.
Schengen Visa
Visitors from countries not on the visa-free list require a Schengen visa to enter Belgium. As Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, a single visa allows travel within all 26 Schengen member states for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Common Schengen Visa Types
- Schengen Tourist Visa: Ideal for sightseeing and leisure travel.
- Schengen Business Visa: This visa is designed for business meetings, conferences, and other commercial activities (without paid work).
- Schengen Transit Visa: Certain nationalities must transit through a Schengen airport even if they remain within the international zone.
- Schengen Visitor Visa: Issued for visiting family or friends residing legally in a Schengen country.
- Schengen Cultural Visa: Facilitates entry for cultural activities, sports events, or filmmaking.
- Schengen Medical Treatment Visa: Required for receiving medical treatment in a Schengen country.
Belgium-Specific Short-Stay Visa Categories (Category C)
- Belgium Airport Transit Visa: Mandatory for some nationalities connecting through a Belgian airport.
- Belgium Business Visa: Needed for business meetings, unpaid training, or business events (excluding employment). Requires additional documentation compared to other Category C visas.
- Belgium Tourist Visa: This is for international tourists visiting Belgium for sightseeing.
- Belgium Visitor Visa: This is for visiting family or friends in Belgium (requires an invitation letter).
Required documents for Belgium e-visa.
The required documents for a Belgium e-visa application can vary slightly depending on your circumstances. However, here are the most common documents you'll likely need to have scanned copies of for your online application:
Essential Documents:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Belgium and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Passport Photo: A recent digital passport photo meeting the specified size and format requirements outlined on the Belgium visa website.
- Proof of Accommodation: This could be a hotel reservation confirmation, hostel booking confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a host in Belgium.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Documentation (bank statements, payslips, etc.) showing you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Belgium. The specific requirements may vary, so check the official website for details.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Proof of valid travel medical insurance covering the entirety of your stay in Belgium, with a minimum coverage amount specified by Belgian regulations (check the latest information on the visa website).
- Round-trip Flight Tickets: Confirmation of your booked flights demonstrating your entry and exit from Belgium.
Additional Documents (might be required depending on your situation):
- Employment Letter: If you're employed, a letter from your employer stating your position and salary.
- Proof of Onward Travel: This could be a flight ticket or other documentation showcasing your travel plans for leaving the Schengen Area after your stay in Belgium (especially if you're not flying out from Belgium).
- Means of Transport: Proof of how you'll enter Belgium (car, train ticket, etc.)
- Previous Visas (if applicable): Copies of any previous Schengen visas you hold.
How do I fill out the Belgium e-visa application form?
Filling out the Belgium e-visa application form is a structured process that requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and accurate:
1. Gather Necessary Documents
Before you start, have all the necessary documents, including your passport, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and any other documents supporting your visa application.
2. Visit the Belgium Visa Application Website
Access the official website or portal where Belgium e-visa applications are processed. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Start a New Application
Select the option to start a new visa application. Choose the type of visa you are applying for, such as a tourist visa, business visa, or transit visa, based on the purpose of your visit.
4. Fill in Personal Information
Fill in your details as per your passport, including names, birth details, nationality, and contact info. Specify your travel document information, employment status, and trip details, including visa type, dates, and funding. Ensure all data matches your passport and provide financial support details for your stay.
5. Review and Submit
Carefully review all the information you've entered for accuracy. Upload any required supporting documents, then submit your application.
6. Pay the Visa Fee
Follow the instructions to pay the visa application fee. This fee is non-refundable, and the amount depends on the visa type and applicant's nationality.
7. Track Your Application
After submission, you can track the status of your application through the website where you applied.
8. Receive Your Visa
Once your application is approved, you will receive your e-visa electronically or be instructed to collect it.
Remember to apply well before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing. Keep copies of all submitted documents and correspondence regarding your application.
Steps to fill out the E- visa Application form
To streamline the process of applying for a Belgium e-Visa, follow the outlined steps below. Each step corresponds to a section of the application form, guiding you through the required information.
1. Applicant Information
- Surname(s)
- Enter all surnames as they appear in your passport. If your passport lists only one name, enter it here as your Surname.
- Surname at Birth (if applicable)
- First Name(s)
- Enter all first names as they appear in your passport. If your passport lists only one name, enter it here as your First Name.
- Date of Birth
- Enter your Date, Month, and Year of birth. If the day or month is unknown, enter the information exactly as it appears in your passport.
- Place of Birth
- Enter the current name of the place where you were born.
- Country of Birth
- Enter the current name of the country where you were born.
- Current Nationality
- Enter your nationality as listed in your passport.
- Sex
- Select your sex as listed in your passport: Male, Female, or Unidentified.
- Marital Status
- You can choose from Single, Married, Separated, Divorced, Widow(er), Cohabitant, or Registered Partnership.
- National Identity Number (if applicable)
- Other Nationalities (if applicable)
Extended Minor (if applicable)
- Detail the status of individuals born with mental deficiencies, explaining the extended minority and custody arrangements.
2. Travel Document Information
- Document Type
- Select the type of travel document you will use (e.g., Ordinary Passport, Diplomatic Passport, etc.).
- Document Number
- Date of Issue
- Valid Until
- Note that your passport/travel document must have at least six months of validity beyond your arrival date in Belgium.
- Issued By
- Indicate the authority that issued your travel document.
- Issuing Country
3. Home Address
When filling out the Home Address section of your application, it's essential to provide detailed and accurate information to ensure smooth communication and processing. Here's how you should approach each field:
- Street Number: Start by entering the number of your residence as it appears on your official documents. This might include any apartment or unit number if applicable.
- Postal Code: Provide the postal or ZIP code associated with your home address. This code is crucial for mail delivery and identifying your residential area.
- City: Enter the name of the city where you reside. Ensure the spelling is correct and matches the name as recognised officially or commonly used.
- Country: Specify the country of your residence. This should be the country where you currently live, regardless of your nationality.
- Telephone Number: Include a landline telephone number if available. This number should have the country code, area code (if applicable), and local number, ensuring it can be dialled directly from abroad.
- Mobile Number: Provide your mobile phone number, including the country code. Ensure this number is active and accessible, as it may be used for essential communications regarding your application.
- E-mail Address: Enter a valid e-mail address where you can receive correspondence. This email should be checked regularly, as it will be a primary method of communication for updates on your application or additional requests for information.
4. Current Occupation
For the "Current Occupation" section, you'll detail your employment or educational status as follows:
- Current Occupation: Specify your job title or role.
- Type: Define whether it's a job, study, or other occupation.
- Name: Enter the name of your employer or educational institution.
- Street: Provide the street address of your place of employment or study.
- No: Input the building number or specific identifier at the address.
- Postal Code: List the postal code for the address provided.
- City: Mention the town where your occupation is located.
- Country: For this application, indicate the applicable country.
- E-mail: Enter the work or school email address, if available.
- Telephone Number: Provide the contact number for your occupation, including any country or area codes.
This streamlined approach ensures you concisely cover all necessary details about your current occupation.
5. Visa Information
- Visa Type
- Indicate whether you are applying for an Airport Transit Visa or a Short Stay Visa.
- Primary Purpose(s) of the Journey
- Specify the purpose of your travel (e.g., Tourism, Business, Visiting Family/Friends).
- Additional Information on the Purpose of Travel
- Member State(s) of Destination
- Member State of First Entry
- List the Schengen Member State you will enter first if not directly arriving in Belgium.
- Number of Entries Requested
- Select One, Two, or Multiple entries.
- Duration of the Intended Stay or Transit
- Indicate the number of days you plan to stay in the Schengen area.
- (First) Intended Date of Arrival in the Schengen Area
- (Last) Intended Date of Departure from the Schengen Area
Means of Transport
- Specify the means of transport you will use to travel to Belgium (e.g., Car, Airplane, Train, Boat).
6. References
In the "References" section for your host or accommodation details, you'll provide the following information concisely:
- Type: Specify the nature of your reference, such as a hotel, hostel, or personal host.
- Name: Enter the full name of the host or the accommodation facility.
- Street: Provide the street name where the accommodation or host is located.
- No: Input the specific number or identifier for the building or residence.
- Postal Code: List the postal code corresponding to the host's or accommodation's location.
- City: Mention the city where your accommodation or host resides.
- Country: Indicate the respective country of your accommodation or host.
- Telephone Number: Provide a contact number for your host or accommodation, starting with the country code.
- E-mail: Enter the email address to contact your accommodation or host directly.
This format allows for a straightforward, organised presentation of your hosting or accommodation reference.
Organisation Information
- Type of Organization: Specify the nature or sector of the organisation offering support, such as educational, non-profit, governmental, or corporate. This gives context to the relationship and the basis for the financial guarantee.
- Name of Organization: Provide the full legal name of the organisation. This should match the name as registered or recognised by authorities, ensuring there are no discrepancies in identification.
- Organisation Address: Enter the complete physical address of the organisation, including street number, city, postal code, and country. This address should be where the organisation conducts its operations or its headquarters.
- Contact Details of Organization: List essential contact information, including the organisation's main telephone number and a general or specific email address. This information is vital for communication between the visa authorities and the organisation.
Contact Person
- Name of Contact Person: Identify the individual within the organisation who will serve as the point of contact. This person should be able to represent the organisation in matters related to the visa application and financial guarantee.
- Contact Information: Provide detailed contact information for the individual, including their direct telephone number, mobile number, and email address. This ensures that the visa authorities can reach out for verification or further details regarding the financial support.
Relation Between Applicant and Organization
- Highlighting the relation involves explaining the relationship between the visa applicant and the organisation. It’s important to clarify the basis of the financial support, whether it’s an employment relationship, scholarship, or other sponsorship forms. This helps establish the credibility and motive behind the organisation's support.
Tips for completing the application form.
- Carefully Review Instructions: Before starting your application, thoroughly review the form instructions to grasp each section's requirements fully.
- Ensure Accuracy: Ensure that all the information you enter is precise and consistent with the documents you plan to submit alongside your application.
- Be Concise: Offer clear and direct responses, ensuring you include all necessary details without missing any required information.
- Conduct a Final Check: Before submitting your application, meticulously go over it to confirm there are no errors or missing information.
How long does it take to process a Belgium e-visa?
The processing duration for a Belgium visa is influenced by various factors, including the specific visa category and the applicant's nationality.
- Normal processing time: Generally, the processing time for a Belgium visa falls within a conventional timeframe, designed to thoroughly assess your application under the usual circumstances.
- Rush processing time: An expedited service is available for those who require their visa application to be processed more quickly than the regular timeframe. This option significantly reduces the processing time for an additional fee, catering to those with more urgent travel plans.
- Super Rush processing time: A priority service can be selected for the most pressing visa applications. This premium option aims to minimise the processing time to the shortest window possible, typically by the next business day, in exchange for higher fees.
Applying for your visa well before your scheduled travel date is recommended to mitigate any potential delays or the need for additional documentation.
Belgium E-Visa Processing Time Influences
- Visa Category: Processing times can vary by visa type, with some visas, like tourist visas, potentially taking longer than others, such as study or work visas.
- Applicant's Country of Origin: The processing time may be extended for applicants from specific countries, subject to extra security verifications or diplomatic factors.
- High Demand Periods: Expect longer processing times during peak travel seasons, such as holidays and summer vacations, due to a higher volume of applications.
What is the cost of a Belgium e-visa application form?
The fee for a Belgium e-visa varies based on factors like visa type, applicant's nationality, and chosen processing speed. You are advised to utilise the Belgiam e-visa fee tool to determine precise fees.
Advantages of the Fee tool:
- Prevents Fee Missteps: Ensures you pay your visa fees and pay the appropriate amount.
- Enhances Transparency: Offers clarity throughout the visa application procedure.
- Budget Planning: Assists in financial planning for your visa application.
- Time Efficiency: Provides a quick and accurate fee estimate.
Validity and extension of Belgium e-visa.
For Belgium e-visa holders, extending your stay beyond the visa's expiry may be feasible under specific conditions, mainly for continuing education, work commitments, or family reunification.
Conditions for Visa Extension in Belgium
- Valid Reason: You need a compelling reason for the extension, such as ongoing academic programs, work engagements, or uniting with family in Belgium.
- Application Procedure: Submit your extension request to Belgian immigration authorities before your e-visa expires.
- Required Documentation: Support your application with relevant documents, including proof of continued studies, employment contracts, or evidence of family ties in Belgium.
- Processing Period: The time it takes to process extension requests can vary. Applying well before your e-visa's expiry date is advisable to avoid legal issues.
It's crucial to adhere to the specific requirements and timeline for a successful visa extension in Belgium.
What should I do if my Belgium e-visa is denied?
You can reapply or challenge the decision if your Belgium e-visa application is denied. Understanding why your application was rejected is essential to decide how to proceed effectively.
Steps to Follow After a Visa Rejection
- Analyse the Rejection Notice: Start by thoroughly examining the notice of rejection from the embassy or consulate to grasp the specific reasons for your visa denial.
- Evaluate the Possibility of an Appeal: If you believe the denial was due to a misunderstanding or incorrect information, consider appealing the decision.
- Rectify Any Issues: In cases where the rejection stemmed from inadequate or missing documents, ensure these are corrected or completed before reapplying.
- Consult Professionals: Getting advice from immigration lawyers or visa consultants can offer crucial insights and help you effectively reapply or appeal.
Navigating a visa rejection carefully by addressing the stated reasons can improve your chances of success in future applications.
How can I track the status of my application form?
For Belgium e-visa applicants, the process to monitor the application status is streamlined and accessible online, enabling applicants to stay updated on their application progress.
Steps to Track Belgium E-Visa Application Status
- Access the Belgium E-Visa Portal: Navigate to the website of the Belgium visa application centre.
- Input Tracking Information: Use the application number you received when you submitted your e-visa application.
- View Application Status: Log in to view the real-time status of your e-visa application, including whether it is still under review, has been approved, or was rejected.
This digital tracking feature ensures transparency and ease for applicants, allowing them to plan accordingly based on the progress of their visa application.
Conclusion
From understanding eligibility and required documents to navigating the application process and tracking your status, this resource empowers you to embark on your Belgian adventure confidently. So, pack your bags, embrace Belgium's cultural tapestry, and savour the delectable treats that await—your visa journey is simplified!
FAQ's
The Belgium visa application form is completed online by visiting the Belgium e-visa website.
Belgium e-visa offers one type: Short-stay visa (up to 90 days) for tourism, business trips, or visiting family/friends. For longer stays, work, or study, apply through a Belgian embassy/consulate.
You will need a passport, photos, proof of travel insurance, accommodation details, financial proof, and additional documents specific to your visa type.
Processing typically takes a few days but can vary. Apply well in advance to avoid delays.
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