Home/from/India/to/Belgium
🇮🇳India
🇧🇪BelgiumIN-BE

India to Belgium visa requirements

Indian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa to visit Belgium for tourism. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option, and ETIAS does not apply to Indian nationals. Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, and India is not on the Schengen visa-exempt list. An Indian citizen holding an ordinary passport must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Belgium for tourism. This allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Applications are filed online via VisaOnWeb and submitted in person at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre, where biometrics (10 fingerprints and a photo) are captured. The handling fee is EUR 90 plus a VFS service charge. Standard processing is 15 calendar days but can extend to 45 days in complex cases. ETIAS, which launches in Q4 2026, applies only to visa-exempt nationals and therefore does NOT replace the visa requirement for Indian travelers; they continue to need a full Schengen visa. From October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) also registers biometric data at the Schengen external border for all non-EU travelers, including Indian visa holders.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double or multiple (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 + VFS service charge (~INR 2,750)
consular fee only
Processing time
15 calendar days (up to 45 in complex cases)
standard track
Validity
As granted, within the 90/180 rule
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm visa type and gather documents
Choose the Schengen Type C tourism visa. Prepare a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure with 2 blank pages, photos, travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000, itinerary, accommodation, and proof of funds.
· Type C· Tourism
/02
Complete the online application on VisaOnWeb
Create an account at visaonweb.diplomatie.be, fill in and electronically submit the short-stay application form, then print the confirmation.
· VisaOnWeb· Online form
/03
Book a VFS Global appointment
Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, etc.).
· VFS Global· Appointment
/04
Attend in person for biometrics
Visit the VFS centre to submit documents and provide biometrics (10 fingerprints and a photograph). Required for all applicants aged 12 and over.
· Biometrics· In person
/05
Pay fees and track the application
Pay the EUR 90 handling fee plus the VFS service charge. Track the status online using your passport number and surname.
· EUR 90· Tracking
/06
Collect passport and travel
Collect the decision and passport (or use courier). On arrival at the Schengen border, complete EES biometric registration.
· Collection· EES
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
India -> Belgium · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid 3+ months beyond return date with 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted VisaOnWeb application form (printed)
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation in Belgium
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (approx. EUR 95 per day)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredEmployment / business / financial proof and return ties
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose of travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedDay-by-day travel plan or hotel bookings
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: FPS Foreign Affairs Belgium - Visa if you live in India
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa handling fee (adult)EUR 90Paid in INR at the embassy exchange rate; non-refundable
Visa fee (children 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are free
VFS service chargeINR 2,750Per application, inclusive of GST
Optional courier returnINR 760Optional add-on service, inclusive of GST
Total estimateEUR 90 + INR 2,750EUR 90 + INR 3,510incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended / complex cases
Up to 45 days
Applies when additional scrutiny or documents are needed; apply well in advance.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
India is not a Schengen visa-exempt country
Indian passport holders have no visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen Area, so a visa is mandatory for any short stay.
High
/02
ETIAS does not apply to Indian nationals
ETIAS is only for visa-exempt travelers; Indians must still obtain a full Schengen visa even after ETIAS launches.
High
/03
Tourism is a short-stay (Type C) purpose
Sightseeing, family visits and leisure fall under the 90/180-day Schengen short-stay visa.
Medium
/04
Biometrics required at application and EES at border
Fingerprints and photo are taken at VFS, and EES registers biometrics again at the Schengen external border.
Medium
/05
Belgium issues via a single Schengen visa valid area-wide
The visa lets the holder travel across all Schengen states, not only Belgium.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
India to Belgium route verified
Confirmed via the Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs (India) and EU EES/ETIAS portal that Indian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa; ETIAS (Q4 2026) does not apply to visa-required Indian nationals.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Belgium?
Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Belgium for tourism. There is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival.
Does ETIAS apply to Indian travelers?+
How long can I stay in Belgium on this visa?+
How much does the Belgium Schengen visa cost?+
How long does processing take?+
Where do I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the India passport

See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.