The Belgium Schengen visa application form is a document that contains all your personal information. This document must be submitted to the Belgian embassy, including a host of other documents, in order to obtain the visa. This article contains information about the Belgian Schengen visa, the application process, fees, and processing time. Please keep reading to know more.
Belgium At A Glance
Belgium is a country in Western Europe known by its official name, the Kingdom of Belgium. The capital of the country is Brussels which is also one of the capitals of the European Union. The country is an economic powerhouse in Europe, boasting a population of more than 11 million people. Belgium has a very rich history dating back several centuries when it came under the influence of different rulers such as the French, Austrians, Spanish, and Dutch Kingdoms.
These countries left their imprint on the country that has transformed the area into bustling cities with diverse cultures and architecture. One fascinating thing about Belgium is that it has many canals, with Brugges the city with the most canals in Europe. The canals give the country a spectacular look, with boats found almost everywhere in city centers. Every year millions of people visit the country to explore and enjoy the brilliant sights and sounds.
You can do the same if you have a Schengen visa. With fairytale castles, museums, canals, and exhibition centers all over the place, there is so much to see and do in Belgium's cultural melting pot.
Belgium Schengen Visa
The Schengen visa issued by Belgium is for visitors coming from non visa exempt countries. Belgium officially became a Schengen nation in 1995 and is also a European Free Trade area. Visitors can come to Belgium with Schengen visas issued by Belgian embassies or embassies of other Schengen countries as long as the visa has not expired and the holder has not exceeded the number of days allowed in the zone. Schengen visas are valid for 180 days, and visitors can stay for 90 days but not a day more.
Furthermore, this visa is not for economic activities or long term study but only for short term engagements like the following.
Transit: Visitors traveling to other countries can make brief stops in Belgium for a few days before continuing their journey with this visa. Kindly note they q transit visa is not required if you remain in the airport while waiting for your flight.
Tourist: Schengen tourist visa allows visitors to enter and enjoy the sights and sounds of Belgium. They can travel to any part of the country they choose to enjoy their holidays.
Business: Professionals, employees, and investors can enter Belgium for business engagements of a non commercial nature. Non commercial engagements are activities that will not earn the person financial remuneration for any service rendered. The business visa can be used to attend meetings, seminars, negotiations, fairs, etc.
Medical Care: Patients coming to Belgium for medical care may do so with a Schengen visa, especially if the medical procedure will not last more than 90 days.
Visit: Persons with friends and family in Belgium can visit and stay with them for some time as long as they are not engaged in any kind of work during their stay.
Official Visit: Delegations, envoys, or persons traveling to Belgium for an official assignment may apply for a visa.
Cultural Exchange: A cultural Exchange Visa is a special visa for persons coming for social events like religious events, sports, cultural expos, etc. It is also open to film crews with projects to shoot in Belgium.
These visa forms are available for Schengen visas and are issued by Belgian embassies worldwide. Only eligible applicants will get visas to travel.
When Should I Submit My Belgium Schengen Visa Application?
It is best to submit your application at least 6-8 weeks before you travel. This is because it is more than likely the embassy will call you in for an interview, and interviews are scheduled at least a week or more before your documents will be processed. If you apply early to the embassy or a visa application center, chances are that you will get the visa before the day you plan for the trip.
Visa Application Documents
Here are the documents the embassy will request of you
Completed visa application form
Two recent passport photographs
A signed cover letter
Proof of financial means
Round Trip Itinerary and flight reservation
Visa fee receipt
Invitation letter, if necessary
Copies of previous visas, if any
Travel health insurance
Valid passport
Civil status certificate
When filling out the Belgium Schengen visa application form, please ensure you take your time to avoid mistakes and cross check for errors before submitting it along with other documents.