Belgium Transit Visa for Indians

No, not all Indian travellers need a Belgium Transit Visa. If you stay within the airport's international transit area during your layover and do not plan to enter Belgium, you might be exempt.

However, if you wish to leave the transit area and explore the airport during your layover, a Transit Visa is available for Indians travelling to Belgium.

The Belgium transit visa is for travellers who wish to enter the Schengen zone solely to change their mode of transportation. This visa facilitates transit without the need for a full Schengen visa. It is specifically designed for individuals who intend to transit through Belgium to reach their final destination.

However, certain individuals are exempt from the transit visa requirement in Belgium. So, if you fall under any one of these categories, you will not need a transit visa for Belgium:

Holder of diplomatic passports.

Possessor of valid uniform visas or residence permits issued by a Schengen Member State or national long-stay visas.

Holder of residence permits issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino, or the USA.

Holder of valid visas or residence permits for any Schengen area, EU, or EEA country.

Holder of valid visas for Japan, Canada, or the USA or returning from these countries with a valid visa in place.

An individual with family ties to EU, EEA, or Switzerland citizens.

Flight crew members on active duty are nationals of a Contracting Party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO).

Also Read: Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Belgium

No, Indian citizens cannot get a Belgium Transit Visa on arrival. If you need a transit visa, you must apply for it at a Belgian embassy or consulate beforehand.

If you think you will have to stay in the transit area for a considerable amount of time before heading to your next destination, make sure you apply for a transit visa for Belgium before your trip.

Generally, transit visa travellers are kept from leaving the airport premises. However, exceptions apply if:

Your originating country is within the Schengen, European Economic Area (EEA), or the European Union (EU).

You belong to a nation with a visa exemption arrangement with the Schengen Area.

You possess a Schengen tourist visa.

Amongst the different types of Belgium visas for Indians, Belgium offers two distinct transit visas tailored to travellers' specific needs:

Airport Transit Visa: This visa permits you to remain in the international zone of Belgian airports during layovers between flights, facilitating seamless travel to your onward destination.

Transit Visa for Seafarers: Designed for seafarers, this Schengen visa enables brief disembarkation from ships at Schengen seaports within Belgium.

However, it restricts travellers from leaving the designated Schengen seaport, even if an overnight stay in Belgium is necessary.

You cannot apply for a Belgium transit visa online. However, you can do so very straightforwardly at your nearest Belgian embassy or Consulate.

Follow these steps to apply for transit visa Belgium from India:

Schedule an Appointment: Contact the Belgian embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment. If there is no Belgian embassy or consulate in your city, you may need to find out where visa submissions are outsourced. This could be to the embassy or consulate of another city or a visa application centre in your city.

Fill Out the Application Form: Obtain the Belgium transit visa application form online through the embassy/consulate website or by picking up a physical copy from their offices.

Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your Belgium transit visa application. These typically include your passport, photographs, proof of travel itinerary, and any other specific requirements outlined by the embassy or consulate.

Attend Your Appointment: Be present at your appointment and bring all required documents. Arriving on time is essential, and you should be prepared to provide any additional information requested during the appointment.

Pay the Visa Fee: Ensure you have the necessary funds to pay the visa fee. This fee may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Check with the embassy or consulate for the current fee structure.

Useful Links:

Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, India

Consulate of Belgium in Mumbai, India

High Commission of Belgium in Bengaluru

Gathering all the necessary documents specified by the Belgian Embassy is crucial when applying for a transit visa. Detailed and accurate documentation enhances your chances of visa approval.

Below are the required documents for an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) and a Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers.

Requirements for Airport Transit Visa (ATV):

Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the application form, available for printing from the embassy's website.

Two Passport Photos: Provide two identical recent photos, one to attach to the application form and one to bring to the embassy or consulate.

Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages for visa affixation.

Proof of Final Destination: Present proof of your flight ticket reservation to your ultimate destination and any required visa for that destination.

Travel Insurance: Obtain a travel insurance plan covering emergencies such as sudden illness, injuries, and evacuation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Visa Fee Payment Proof: Provide proof of payment of the €80 transit visa fee.

Requirements for Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers:

Visa Application Form: Fill out and sign the application form as required.

Two Recent Photos: Provide two photos adhering to Schengen visa photo specifications.

Passport: Ensure your passport was issued within the last ten years and is valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen zone. If necessary, bring a copy of your passport's data pages.

Inviting Shipping Company Letter: Obtain a letter from the inviting shipping company in the Schengen country confirming your disembarkation plans.

Seaman's Book: Provide the original and a copy of your Seaman's book.

Travel Insurance: Obtain travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen zone countries, covering emergencies.

Flight Reservation: Provide a flight reservation if applicable.

Employment Contract: Bring your employment contract with the ship or navigation company.

Visa Fee Payment Proof: Provide evidence of payment of the €80 transit visa fee.

[Note: Accurately compiling the required documents for your Belgium transit visa application is crucial to prevent discrepancies or potential rejections. Additional documents may be necessary depending on your application and individual profile.]

To secure a Belgium Transit visa, a payment of €80 (₹7,244 approx.) is required for the visa processing.

[Note: The application fees are subject to revision and can also change due to inflationary reasons. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the applicable fees with consulate or embassy officials before you plan to apply for your transit visa.]

After carefully scrutinising the applications, the Belgium Embassy usually takes 10-15 days to grant a Belgium Transit Visa.

However, processing times may vary depending on factors such as your profile, purpose of visit, and embassy workload. Due to these variables, it is crucial to apply for the Belgian transit visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to ensure timely processing.

Follow signs for "Flight Connections" or "Transit Area." This is a secure zone that separates arriving and departing passengers.

Show your passport and valid transit visa to airport immigration officials. They might ask about your onward flight details.

Enjoy the airport amenities like restaurants, shops, or rest areas. Remember, you cannot leave the transit area without a transit visa.

Keep an eye on departure boards or ask airport staff for gate information for your connecting flight.

Unexpected events can disrupt any trip, and Belgium is no exception. While you might be prepared for the delicious food and beautiful sights, medical emergencies, trip delays, or lost luggage can throw a wrench in your plans. Travel insurance helps protect you financially from these unforeseen circumstances.

Imagine falling ill and needing medical attention in Belgium. Healthcare costs can be high, and overseas travel insurance can help cover these expenses, giving you peace of mind to focus on recovery.

Additionally, travel insurance can reimburse you for the inconvenience if your flight gets cancelled or your luggage goes missing.

Having travel insurance from Tata AIG allows you to enjoy your Belgian adventure without the worry of financial burdens. It is a small investment that offers significant protection.

As an Indian traveller travelling to a European country with a layover in Belgium, you will need to apply for a Transit Visa before your trip.

Although the Belgium transit visa is temporary in nature, it permits a brief stay in the Schengen area. The duration of the visa varies based on whether you are applying for an Airport Transit Schengen visa or a Transit Schengen visa for Seafarers.

Airport Transit Schengen Visa permits a 24-hour stay exclusively within the transit area of the Schengen airport without permission to exit. The Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers enables a stay of up to five days in the Schengen area before departing for a non-Schengen country.

The information provided on this page is subject to change depending on immigration laws and policies. It is recommended that you stay updated regarding such changes and confirm the details through an official source before proceeding further.