Tourist visa
Tourist visa for Belgium to visit the capital of the European Union
Whether it's to discover the Grand-Place in Brussels, stroll through the medieval streets of Bruges, taste the famous Belgian chocolates or explore the European institutions, Belgium is a destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. But for those from non-Schengen countries, simply wanting to travel is not enough: you need a tourist visa.
A tourist visa, also known as a short-stay visa (type C), is a document that allows foreign travelers to stay in Belgium for a maximum of 90 days. It is mainly intended for people wishing to visit the country for tourism, to visit relatives or to attend a cultural or professional event. This visa does not authorize work or settlement in Belgium: it is designed for temporary stays only.
However, obtaining a tourist visa is not a simple formality. You need to prove that you intend to leave at the end of your stay, have sufficient financial resources, travel insurance and, in some cases, a letter of invitation from a host in Belgium. Poorly prepared applications can be quickly rejected.
A travel dream that can quickly turn into an administrative ordeal
Obtaining a tourist visa for non-EU nationals, the biggest obstacle to obtaining a tourist visa is demonstrating guarantees of return to the country of origin. There are both objective and subjective criteria. The objective criteria are clear: prove that you have the financial means (an amount is defined by the authorities) for the duration of the trip, travel insurance and local accommodation. The objective criteria that come into play are much more complicated to meet, as the certainty that the traveler will leave before the visa expires.
This is where many applications fail. The authorities base their decision on a number of factors to determine whether an applicant presents a risk of remaining in the country: his or her professional, family and financial situation, and even the stability of his or her country of origin. A student without a stable job, a single person with no strong family ties, or a resident of a country in crisis may find their application rejected if their file is not solidly documented, even if they meet all the legal requirements.
This criterion frustrates many travelers, as it makes refusals difficult to anticipate. Good intentions aren't enough: you have to be convinced that you'll come back home after your stay.
Common pitfalls when applying for a tourist visa
Many travelers find themselves denied a visa for reasons that are often avoidable. Here are some common mistakes:
- Insufficient proof of income: Failure to provide an adequate amount of financial resources or to clearly justify how you will support yourself during your stay.
- Missing or incomplete documents: Omit documents such as proof of accommodation, use of a guarantor, return ticket or valid insurance.
- Suspicion of non-return: If the authorities have the slightest doubt that you will return to your home country at the end of your stay, they may reject your application.
