In these uncertain times, people everywhere are looking for ways to protect themselves. Having a passport is an important step to ensuring your safety, but having a second is always a good idea. If you are traveling abroad and need to obtain a visa, there are two questions you should ask yourself: what country do you want to get it from? And where do. Indian Visa for Belgian Citizens
Reasons for the Visa Restrictions
There are a few reasons as to why Indian nationals are not able to visit Belgium or Austria on tourist visas:
-Belgium and Austria maintain a bilateral visa agreement with India, which means that nationals of both countries do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days. However, because of the restrictions listed below, Indian nationals are only able to apply for a tourist visa at their respective embassies in Delhi or Mumbai.
-The Belgian authorities have stated that they will only issue visas to persons who can provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Belgium. This requirement is based on the fact that Belgium has a high cost of living and tourists are expected to be responsible for at least part of their expenses.
-Both countries also place restrictions on the number of visitors each country is allowed to receive per day. As a result, Indian nationals are not eligible for tourist visas if they plan on arriving in Belgium or Austria via air or rail, unless they hold an EU passport.
EU Travel Permit
Belgium is a member of the European Union and therefore offers Indian citizens visa-free travel. Austrian citizens must apply for a visa at their nearest Belgian embassy or consulate. The application process can take up to three weeks, but no passport photo is required. Indian nationals should carry a valid passport, a visa application form, and two passport-sized photos. Indian Visa for Austrian Citizens
Belgian and Austrian Passports
Belgian and Austrian passports are valid for a maximum of 90 days within the Schengen Area. Indian citizens must have a visa to enter Belgium and Austria. The Belgian Embassy in New Delhi is responsible for issuing visas to Indian nationals, while the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi is responsible for issuing visas to Austrian nationals. To apply for a Belgian or Austrian visa, Indian citizens must submit an application form, two passport-style photographs, proof of citizenship (a copy of your ID card or resident permit), and a fee payment.
Final Thoughts
Belgian citizens can apply for an Indian visa at the Indian embassy in Brussels. Austrian citizens can apply for an Indian visa at the Indian embassy in Vienna. Both embassies have information about the visa application process and what to expect. Belgian and Austrian citizens should note that their visa applications may take some time to be processed, so they should allow enough time before their planned travel date.