Getting a visa is the first step if you are considering traveling to Belgium from Mumbai. Regardless of the travel purpose, Mumbaikars are not allowed to enter the territory of the target country without a visa. Although the visa rejection rate for Belgium is relatively high, it is still the most famous and traveled country in the European region.
Therefore, this article highlights the details of a Belgium visa from Mumbai including the requirements, the application process through the consulate, and certain frequently asked questions.
Belgium as a Schengen Country
Officially known as the Kingdom of Belgium, the country is famous for its Renaissance architecture, medieval towns, culture, history, and landmarks. It lies in Northwestern Europe surrounded by countries including Luxembourg, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Moreover, Belgium is a member of the Schengen Area, allowing friendly movement of goods and people within the region. This is because the zone has zero internal borders and only one external border connecting it to the rest of the world.
So, if you have a visa to Belgium, you can also travel to the rest of the 28 Schengen countries easily.
Belgium Visa from Mumbai: Basic Information
A Belgium visa is a document or permit allowing Mumbaikars (non-EU/EEA citizens) to enter, travel, and stay in the country for a specific period. The most common and frequently used visa type is a Schengen visa, fulfilling the visa policies of the Schengen Area.
As a result, this visa is valid for travel within all the Schengen countries for almost 90 days during six months.
Types of Belgium visas
A Belgium visa is further categorized into various types depending on the stay duration and the purpose of your visit. For instance,
Short-stay visa (Schengen or Type C visa)
As indicated by the name, this visa type is used for short-term purposes when traveling to Belgium. Generally, it follows the validity rule of 90/180, meaning you can stay in Belgium for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Also, note that it is non-extendable and you need to return to your country before your visa expires.
Furthermore, it has the following subcategories.
- Tourist visa
- Visit visa for family and friends
- Business visa
Long-stay visa (National or Type D visa)
On the other hand, a Type D visa is suitable if your stay duration exceeds 90 days. Usually, it is valid for almost six months to one year, however, you can also extend it considering the reason for traveling to Belgium.
Besides, you can use a National visa for the following subclasses.
- Student visa
- Family reunification visa
- Work visa
Transit or Type A visa
Lastly, as a traveler from Mumbai, you can use a Type A visa to pass through Belgium on your way to a non-Schengen country. Depending on the visa rules, it is valid for up to 48-72 hours and may or may not allow you to leave the transit area.
Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai
After identifying the available visa types, it is the right time to locate the facility in Mumbai through which you can apply for a visa. Therefore, if you want to submit your application for a Belgium visa from Mumbai, you need to visit the Consulate General of Belgium located in Mumbai.
Moreover, this is the primary facility for visa applications for the residents of Mumbai and the surrounding regions.
What is the role of the Belgian Consulate General?
The Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai is responsible for the following aspects,
- Processing visa applications
- Promoting Belgian interests in the region
- Providing consular services
Jurisdictions of the consulate
The following Indian states and union territories come under the jurisdiction of the Belgian Consulate General.
| Goa | Maharashtra | Gujarat |
| Madhya Pradesh | Chattisgarh | Daman and Diu |
| Dadra | Nagar Haveli |
In addition, applicants from other Indian regions can apply for a Belgium visa through the Embassy of Belgium located in New Delhi or other designated consulates.
Contact details of the consulate
Furthermore, the following details will help you contact the officials at the consulate for visa queries.
Location: TCG Financial Centre, 7th floor C-53, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), 400098 Mumbai, India
Phone number: +91 81088 31020
Email address: mumbai.visa@diplobel.fed.be
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 15:00
What Are the Requirements to Apply for a Belgium Visa from Mumbai?
The following are some of the general documents required for an application for a Belgium visa from Mumbai.
Passport
The first requirement is your Indian passport which should be valid for at least three months ahead of your stay in Belgium. Moreover, before submitting it to the authorities, make sure that it contains two blank pages to affix the visa stamp.
Application form for a Belgium visa
Surprisingly, the visa application form when traveling to Belgium is available online and you need to print it after completing the given details. For this purpose, visit the website of ‘VisaOnWeb’ and log in or create an account.
If you are a first-time visitor, you need to create an account. After that, this will lead you to a new page where you have to select the option of ‘new electronic visa application form’.
Then, select the visa type to get the correct visa form.
After that, fill out the given sections of the application form, agree to the terms and conditions, and provide the captcha to submit to the authorities.
Photographs
Moreover, you also need to have two passport-size pictures fulfilling the Schengen photo requirements. For instance, this includes a size of 35*45mm, white background, HD quality, 70-80% of the face visibility, etc.
Flight reservation
Furthermore, your trip to Belgium will be incomplete without demonstrating your travel plans. This requires you to submit a flight reservation document, obtained through RFV Travels at the best price. Besides, it will help you showcase your flight number, travel dates, times, airport name, IATA codes, 6-digit PNR, etc.
Proof of accommodation
Other than that, you also need a confirmation of your hotel booking, a rental contract, or an invitation letter from the host in Belgium. This will serve as proof of accommodation, representing that you have managed your stay in the target Schengen country.
Cover letter
In addition, a cover letter should also accompany your Belgium visa application when applying from Mumbai. This document allows you to include information such as the reason for the trip, stay duration, and intended activities to convince the visa officer.
Moreover, you can get this document from coverletterforvisa.com at a minimal price.
Travel health insurance
Another mandatory requirement for a Belgian Schengen visa is proof of travel health insurance. It should cover medical and travel expenses with a coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros. For example, this includes
- Hospitalization,
- Surgery,
- Accident,
- Repatriation,
- Evacuation,
- Luggage loss,
- Flight cancellation, etc.
Moreover, it must be valid for the entire Schengen Region.
Proof of financial resources
Besides, your stay in Belgium requires you to have sufficient financial means to manage your expenses. For this purpose, you can submit a bank statement, salary slip, income tax return, or sponsorship letter.
Furthermore, you must have at least 75-100 euros per day to bear costs related to food, transportation, and accommodation.
Previous visas
If applicable and required, you need to submit copies of your previous Schengen visas or other expired or lost passports to show your travel history.
Purpose of visit
Also, note that you must have additional documents as well other than the general requirements listed above. For this purpose, you need to submit supporting documents in reliance with the reason for visiting Belgium. For example,
- An invitation letter from the Belgian company for a business visa
- Admission or enrollment confirmation for a student visa
- Detailed travel itinerary or a return ticket for a tourist visa
Proof of employment
Lastly, the following are the documents required by the Belgian Consulate to showcase your employment status.
- Letter from your current employer mentioning your position, salary, and leave approval, if you are employed
- For self-employed individuals, a business license and financial statements are required
- A pension slip from the last six months if you are a retired individual
Applying for a Belgium Visa from Mumbai- Simple Guide
Follow the steps mentioned below to submit your visa application to travel to Belgium from Mumbai.
Step 1:
Identifying the visa type is the first step that you have to complete before starting the process officially. This requires you to visit the website of VFS Global and make the choice.
Step 2:
Then, amass the required documents considering the chosen visa type and make sure to recheck them before submission. Similar is the case with the visa application form.
Step 3:
After that, book your visa appointment to submit your documents, application form, and biometric data. For this purpose, you can take the help of the Consulate General or the online portal of the visa application center.
Step 4:
Once scheduled and confirmed, you need to visit the application center to submit your application. On the same day, the officials will ask you to pay the visa fee. So, keep the specific amount in your pocket to avoid any delays.
Step 5:
Moreover, the second last step is to wait for the processing time, which is 15 working days generally but can be extended. Meanwhile, you can also track the status of your application through VFS Global.
Step 6:
Lastly, you can collect your passport when notified once your application is approved. Make sure to verify the visa details before leaving the center.
FAQs
- Is it possible to apply for a Belgium visa from Mumbai online?
Though you can fill out the application form for a Belgium visa online (as stated above), you need to visit the consulate or application center in person to submit your documents and provide biometric data.
- Can I visit other Schengen countries with a valid Belgian visa?
Yes. A Belgian visa allows you to travel to the rest of the Schengen countries within the validity of the visa.
- Can I apply for a Belgian visa if I reside outside the Consulate General’s jurisdiction?
It depends on the area of your residence. If you are a resident of Mumbai or nearby regions, you need to submit your application to the Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai. Alternatively, Delhi residents have to submit their visa applications to the Belgian Embassy in New Delhi.
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