8 Things to Know Before Your Belgium Visa Application

Thinking of an exciting trip to Europe? Belgium is a wonderful place that offers historical cities, chocolates that are known all over the world and beautiful medieval architecture. Are you going to Brussels to get your waffles or Bruges to go on those canal walks? Before you pack your bags, you must first take one important step, which is to apply for Belgium visa. Knowing how it works beforehand may save you time, stress, and increase your chances of being accepted.

There are a few things to remember, such as selecting the right type of visa, visiting your biometric appointment. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed or not, we have narrowed down the important steps you must know before submitting. This guide, coupled with a well-developed Belgium visit visa checklist will make your application process very smooth and easy.

Here are the 8 Things to Know before Your Belgium Visa Application

1. Identify the Correct Visa Type

The first and the foremost thing is that you need to determine what kind of visa is permissible during your visit. Are you going on vacation, to see relatives or go to a business meeting? Belgium provides various Schengen short-term visas, and it is essential to take the right one. Making applications under a wrong category may result in delays or even rejection. Before filling the application form, take your time and learn each type and compare it with your travel reason. 

2. Apply Well in Advance

Application of your Belgium visa is very important in terms of timing. Although the normal processing time is 15 working days, delays may arise depending on the demand or during public holidays or when the documents are not provided. Just to be at the safer side, be sure to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before the date of departure. Such a buffer of time may enable you to overcome unforeseen problems without the pressure of having to rebook your flights or hotel rooms. 

3. Gather All Required Documents

Ensure that you carry important documents such as valid passport, recent photos, flight details, hotel reservations and bank statements in your file. You can be asked to submit other documents such as invitation letters or employment documents depending on the type of visa you are using. Make sure all of your paperwork is in order and that nothing is missing. An organized bunch of documents will likely give you a chance of a successful and fast application.

4. Confirm Your Accommodation Details

Among the prerequisites, it is required to provide evidence of the place you will be residing in Belgium. This may be hotel booking, Airbnb booking, or a letter by a family or friend which you are staying with. Make sure that you have accommodation according to the travel dates indicated in your itinerary. In case you are not sure on your final plans it is advisable to make refundable reservations and revise your documents in case your plans change in future. 

5. Get Valid Travel Insurance

The insurance should at least cover the cost of medical care of at least 30000 euros and it should remain valid in the Schengen area. In choosing your travel insurance, ensure it has emergency hospital treatment, medical repatriation and cover the entire period of your stay. Applications that lack proper travel insurance are immediately declined, so do not overlook this step.

6. Show Proof of Financial Means

You must demonstrate your ability to support yourself in Belgium.This includes the latest bank statements, proof of income and even a letter of your employer. In case you are being sponsored by another person, attach the financial documents of the sponsoring party and a signed sponsorship letter. Visa officers would like to know that you will not have any financial difficulties when you are travelling and that you can afford to come back home after visiting the country. 

7. Attend the Visa Appointment in Person

Once you have made your online application, or used a visa service provider, you will be requested to make a biometric appointment. This appointment is associated with fingerprinting and a photo. In other cases, the visa officer is free to ask you questions concerning you’re travelling plans.  Be honest and be direct and retain original documents and photocopies. Your presence in the appointment is a crucial component of the procedure and must not be neglected.

8. Be Honest and Accurate in All Information

The visa applications are scrutinized and any wrong or contradictory information may lead to the application being rejected. Ensure that all the information you give either in your form, documents or during your interview is 100 percent true and consistent. There is a risk of long-term travel restriction by attempting to conceal information or lay exaggerations. It is always better to give true documentation even when your situation is complicated. Being open is very far in the visa application process.

Conclusion

The process of applying to a Belgium visa might appear to be a complex process, however, with sufficient information at hand, and some planning, the process is made very simple. The easier the whole process will progress the more time and attention you dedicate to preparing your documents. Do not forget that your visa is not only a stamp, it is your key to finding the culture, history, and cities of Belgium. 

Make sure that you have all the requirements by using a credible Belgium visit visa checklist that covers all the requirements like insurance and flights. Being a careful planner and detail freak, you will be ready to go to Belgium without a hassle. Also, arrange your documents and begin your journey to a memorable European vacation.