India e-Visa for Belgium Citizens

India remains one of the most enchanting destinations for travelers worldwide, and citizens of Belgium are no exception. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the golden beaches of Goa and the bustling tech hubs of Bengaluru, India offers a sensory experience unlike any other. However, before you can sip chai in Jaipur or practice yoga in Rishikesh, there is one crucial administrative hurdle to cross: the visa.

In recent years, the Government of India has revolutionized its immigration process, making it significantly easier for Belgian nationals to visit. Gone are the days of booking physical appointments and waiting in lines at the Indian Embassy in Brussels. Today, the Indian Electronic Visa (e-Visa) allows you to secure your travel authorization from the comfort of your home.

This extensive guide answers every question you might have about the India e-Visa for Belgium citizens, covering eligibility, costs, document requirements, and expert tips to avoid rejection.

Do Belgian Citizens Need a Visa for India?

The short answer is yes. Citizens of Belgium are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Republic of India. Belgium is not on the list of countries that are exempt from visa requirements.

However, the good news is that Belgians are fully eligible for the Indian e-Visa system. This digital platform streamlines the application process, eliminating the need for physical paperwork or consulate visits for most travelers. Whether you are traveling for tourism, business, or medical treatment, the e-Visa is the fastest and most convenient route.

Can a Belgian Citizen Apply for an Indian Visa on Arrival?

No, Belgian citizens are NOT eligible for the standard "Visa on Arrival" (VoA).

It is a common misconception to confuse the e-Visa with the Visa on Arrival.

• Visa on Arrival (VoA): This facility is currently restricted to nationals of only three countries: Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.
• e-Visa: This is what Belgian citizens must apply for. It is a pre-travel authorization. You must apply for and receive this visa via email before you board your flight to India. If you arrive in India without an approved e-Visa (or a regular paper visa), you will be denied entry and deported.

What Are the Required Documents for an Indian e-Visa Application for Belgian Citizens?

To ensure a seamless Indian e-Visa application process, you must have your documents digitized and ready. The Indian government is strict about file formats and clarity.

1. Valid Passport:

• You must hold a standard Belgium passport. Diplomatic or Official passports are not eligible for the e-Visa.
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in India.
• It must have at least 2 blank pages for the immigration stamps.

1. Passport Bio Page Scan:

• Format: PDF.
• Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 300 KB.
• Content: It must show your personal details, photo, and signature clearly.

1. Digital Photograph:

• Format: JPEG.
• Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 1 MB.
• Specifications: A square image with a clear white background. Do not wear glasses or uniforms.

1. Additional Documents (For Specific Visas):

• Business: A scan of your business card and a formal letter of invitation from the Indian company.
• Medical: A letter from the Indian hospital on its official letterhead detailing your treatment plan.

What Are the Allowed Purposes of Travel for a 30-Day Indian Tourist e-Visa?

The Indian 30 Days Tourist eVisa is strictly for short-term visits. You are permitted to engage in the following activities:

• Recreation and Sightseeing: Visiting monuments, traveling across states, and holidaying.
• Visiting Friends or Relatives: Casual visits to family or friends residing in India.
• Short-term Yoga: Attending a casual yoga program (not a formal degree course/student visa).
• Short-term Medical Treatment: While there is a specific Medical Visa, the Tourist visa allows for "short duration medical treatment" (e.g., Ayurveda retreats) provided it is not the sole purpose of a long-term stay.
• Voluntary Work: Short duration (less than 1 month) voluntary work that does not involve monetary payment.

Which Indian Airports Accept e-Visas on Arrival for Belgian Citizens?

You can enter India using an e-Visa through 29 designated international airports and 5 designated seaports.

Popular Airports:

• Delhi (DEL)
• Mumbai (BOM)
• Bengaluru (BLR)
• Chennai (MAA)
• Goa (GOI & Mopa)
• Hyderabad (HYD)
• Kolkata (CCU)
• Cochin (COK)

Designated Seaports:

• Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai.

Note: You can exit from any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP) in India, but your entry must be through one of the designated points listed above.

What Are the Photo Specifications for the Indian e-Visa Application?

The photograph is the most common reason for rejection. Follow these rules strictly:

• Format: JPEG
• Dimensions: Square aspect ratio. Minimum 350x350 pixels.
• Background: Plain white or light-colored background. No shadows or complex patterns.
• Face: Full face, front view, eyes open. The head should be centered and take up 70-80% of the image.
• Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling, no frowning).
• Attire: No uniforms. No glasses (spectacles) - glare on lenses often causes rejection, so it is safer to remove them.

What Are the Requirements for a Belgian ID Card Copy for an Indian Visa?

For the standard e-Visa application, you are NOT required to upload a copy of your Belgian National ID card.

• The only mandatory ID document is your Passport.
• However, if you are applying for a regular paper visa at the Indian Embassy in Brussels (Consular application), they may request proof of residence, for which your Belgian ID card copy would be necessary.
• Tip: Always carry your Belgian ID card with you during travel as a secondary form of identification, even if it wasn't used for the visa application.

What Types of Indian e-Visas Can Belgian Citizens Apply For Online?

India offers specific categories of e-Visas to cater to different travel needs. It is vital to apply for the correct category to avoid issues at the border.

• e-Tourist Visa: Available as 30-day (Double Entry), 1-year (Multiple Entry), or 5-year (Multiple Entry) variants.
• e-Business Visa: For establishing industrial/business ventures, sale/purchase/trade, attending technical meetings, or recruiting manpower.
• e-Medical Visa: For short-term medical treatment of the holder (patient).
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: For those accompanying a holder of an e-Medical Visa.
• e-Conference Visa: For attending a conference/seminar/workshop organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India.
• e-Ayush Visa: For treatment under the Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).

What Are the Prohibited Activities with an Indian e-Tourist Visa?

Violating visa conditions can lead to deportation or blacklisting. On a Tourist e-Visa, you strictly CANNOT:

• Work: You cannot accept employment or earn money in India.
• Journalism: You cannot engage in professional journalism, photography, or media work. (Requires a specific Journalist Visa).
• Preaching: Religious missionary work (Tablighi activities) is strictly prohibited.
• Protected Areas: You cannot visit restricted/protected areas (like parts of Ladakh, Sikkim, or Andaman & Nicobar Islands) without a separate Protected Area Permit (PAP), which is difficult to obtain on an e-Visa.

What Are the Stay Limitations for Belgians with a 1-Year or 5-Year Tourist e-Visa?

While the visa validity might be long (1 or 5 years), the continuous stay limit is strict.

• Validity: 1 Year or 5 Years from the date of grant.
• Continuous Stay: For Belgian citizens, the maximum continuous stay during each visit is 90 days.
• Note: This differs from US/UK/Canadian citizens who are allowed 180 days. Belgians must exit India before the 90th day.
• Re-entry: You can exit to a neighboring country (like Sri Lanka or Nepal) and re-enter to reset your 90-day count, provided you do not violate the overall terms of "bona fide tourism."

Can an Agent Help You Get a Visa?

Yes. “india-evisa.it.com” visa agencies and travel consultants offer services to assist Belgian citizens with the Indian e-Visa application.

• What they do: They review your documents, resize your photos to meet government specs, correct typos in your application, and submit the form on your behalf.
• Who needs them: Travelers who are not comfortable with technology, those who have had previous rejections, or those who find the official government portal confusing often use agents.

Conclusion

Visiting India is a journey of a lifetime. By securing your India e-Visa in advance and understanding the specific rules for Belgian citizens—like the 90-day stay limit and the ineligibility for Visa on Arrival—you ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your adventure. Check your passport validity, prepare your digital documents, and get ready to explore Incredible India!