In the article, the author explores how to apply for a Schengen Visa, and discusses how it is that one can be granted.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to several European countries for up to three months without having to apply for a separate visa for each country. In order to qualify for a Schengen visa, you must be able to provide evidence that you will not be a burden on the host country and that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while in the EU. You may also need to pass a health check and demonstrate that you have no criminal record. Indian Visa from Belgium
How to get a Schengen Visa in Belgium and Austria
Belgium and Austria are both Schengen member states, meaning that citizens of these countries do not need a visa to travel to any of the other 27 Schengen countries. However, visitors from some non-Schengen countries (e.g. the United States) may need a visa if they are not visiting for tourism purposes.
To apply for a Schengen visa in Belgium or Austria, you will need to submit an application form at your nearest embassy or consulate. The application form can be downloaded from the respective embassy or consulate website. You will also need to provide documentation such as your passport, proof of residence in one of the Schengen countries (a valid ID card is usually enough), and a copy of your flight tickets. Please note that the application process can take up to 3 weeks, so be sure to submit all required documents well in advance of your planned trip.
Once you have submitted all required documents, you will receive a visa decision letter in return. If everything is in order, you will then be able to enter Belgium or Austria without having to worry about obtaining a visa beforehand.
Types of Schengen Visas
There are different types of visas that are valid for visitors to the Schengen area. A visa is not necessary for citizens of most countries who are travelling on a tourist visa. The following are the different types of visas that can be obtained in Belgium and Austria: Indian Visa from Austria
1. Tourist Visa: This visa is usually valid for up to six months and permits the holder to stay in any of the Schengen member states. Proof of travel must be provided, such as a passport or travel document.
2. Business Visa: Applicants need to have an appointment with their local embassy/consulate and must provide documentation proving their company’s existence, such as business registration documents or letters from clients/customers. Business visas allow for stays in both Belgium and Austria, but only for specific purposes (e.g., conducting business meetings, attending conferences).
3. Student Visa: This type of visa is granted to students who wish to study in one of the Schengen member states for a period of up to three months. Applicants must provide proof of financial support from their home country or institution, as well as documentation confirming that they will be studying full-time during their stay in Belgium or Austria.
4. Employment Visa: This type of visa allows holders to work in one of the Schengen member states for a period of up to twelve months without having to obtain a residency permit first. Applicants must provide evidence that they will be working legally
How long does it take to get a visa from abroad?
If you are a national of any of the following countries, you can generally obtain a visa on arrival in Belgium or Austria: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Malaysia Malta Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Panama Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russian Federation Saudi Arabia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam If you are not a national of one of these countries and require a visa to enter either country, you will need to apply for one before arriving. The application process depends on the country you are from and can take up to several weeks. You will need to provide proof of your identity (a passport or ID card), your travel plans and the purpose of your visit. Many people also require a health certificate. In some cases you may also be required to pay a fee.
Generally speaking it is quicker to obtain a visa from an embassy or consulate outside of Belgium or Austria than it is from within the two countries – although this does vary depending on where you apply and how busy the embassy or consulate is at that particular time. It usually takes about three working
Cost of the visa
When you are ready to apply for a Schengen visa in Belgium or Austria, you will need to visit the nearest embassy or consulate. The cost of a visa depends on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
A standard Schengen visa costs €60 for citizens of most countries. Nationals of some African countries and Afghanistan need to pay an additional €30 for a minor passport-type visa. If you are visiting family or friends in Belgium or Austria, the visa fee is waived. You can also get a six-month multiple-entry visa free of charge if you are travelling as part of an organised group (for example, on vacation).
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in either country, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. The cost of a long-term Schengen visa is €140 per year plus €25 per month for each month that you stay in Belgium or Austria.