Belgium Schengen Visa for Qatari Citizens: Complete Application Guide for 2023

Planning an enchanting journey from Qatar to the heart of Europe? Your search ends here! This thorough guide is your perfect partner for securing the Belgium Schengen Visa.

Visa procedures might seem intimidating, but rest assured! We have prepared an easy-to-follow guide with detailed steps and expert advice, ensuring your Belgian adventure planning is smooth and worry-free.

At iVisa, we aim to make visa applications as straightforward as possible. Our easy online platform, experienced guidance, and user-friendly mobile app are crafted to make your dream trip to Belgium a reality.

Do Qatari citizens need a Schengen Visa for Belgium?

Yes, Qatari citizens require a Schengen Visa to visit Belgium. Despite Qatar being one of the wealthiest nations, its citizens are not currently on the list of countries with visa-free access to the Schengen area.

What is a Belgium Schengen Visa for Qatari nationals?

A Belgium Schengen Visa for Qatari nationals is an official travel document allowing its holder to enter, stay, and move within Belgium and the other 26 countries that comprise the Schengen area. Qatari citizens require this visa as they are not currently part of the nations granted visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.

There are several types of Schengen Visas offered by Belgium to Qatari nationals, categorized based on the purpose of travel:

1. Tourist Visa: This visa is issued for leisure trips, sightseeing, and experiencing the culture and history of the country.

2. Business Visa: For individuals intending to engage in business-related activities, attend meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.

3. Visitor Visa: This visa type is for individuals who intend to visit family or friends residing in Belgium or any other Schengen country.

4. Student Visa: Granted to individuals wishing to study, train, or conduct research in a Belgian educational institution.

5. Transit Visa: Issued to those who must pass through Belgium to reach a non-Schengen country.

6. Cultural, Sports, Film Crew, or Religious Visa: Individuals visiting Belgium for cultural or sports events, film shootings, or religious purposes.

Remember, it's essential to apply for the correct type of visa that corresponds to your intended purpose of travel to ensure a successful application process.

Benefits of a Belgium visa for Qatari citizens

A Belgium Schengen Visa brings multiple benefits to Qatari citizens, transforming their European travel dreams into reality:

1. Travel across the Schengen area: One of the key advantages is the freedom to travel across 26 countries in the Schengen area with a single visa. This includes countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many others.

2. Multiple entries: Depending on the visa type, a Belgium Schengen Visa may permit multiple entries, allowing you to leave and re-enter the Schengen area as needed during the visa's validity.

3. Flexibility in stay duration: The visa generally allows a stay of up to 90 days Per Entry within 180 days in the Schengen area.

4. Ease of application: With us, the application process is relatively smooth and efficient, and you can complete the entire process online.

5. Opportunity for extended travel: While the Schengen Visa is short-stay, you may apply for a national visa or residence permit if you wish to stay longer.

6. Various visa types: Depending on the purpose of the visit, different visa types like tourist, business, student, transit, or cultural visas can be applied for.

7. Access to cultural diversity: The visa allows you to experience Belgium's rich cultural, historical, and natural beauty and the rest of the Schengen countries.

8. Business opportunities: If you're traveling on a business visa, it opens up avenues to build international networks, attend meetings, seminars, and establish or grow business ties within the Schengen area.

Qatar passport holders must apply for the correct type of Belgium Schengen Visa for their travel purpose.

Belgium Schengen Visa: Eligibility criteria for Qatari citizens

To apply for a Belgium Schengen Visa as a Qatari citizen, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria:

1. Purpose of visit: Applicants should clearly state their purpose of visit. This could be for tourism, business, studying, cultural events, medical reasons, etc.

2. Valid passport

3. Travel health insurance: Applicants should have valid travel health insurance covering any medical emergency with hospital care and returning to their home country. The insurance should cover expenses of at least 30,000 euros.

4. Proof of accommodation: Proof of hotel booking or a letter of invitation from the host in Belgium is needed.

5. Financial sustenance: Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay in Belgium. This could be bank statements, proof of income, or a sponsorship letter.

6. Flight itinerary: A confirmed round-trip reservation is needed.

Please note that the criteria can vary slightly based on the specific type of Schengen Visa you're applying for.

How long can Qatari citizens stay in Belgium?

With a Schengen Visa, Qatari citizens can stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days Per Entry within 180 days. This applies regardless of whether the visa is single-entry or multiple-entry.

The Schengen Visa for Belgium allows multiple entries, double entries, or a single entry, depending on the decision made by the Belgian authorities during the visa application process.

A Multiple Entry visa typically grants flexibility for travel, permitting the visa holder to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times within its validity period, which can range from 180 days to 5 years after issued. However, the total duration of stays in the Schengen area must be at most 90 days within 180 days.

The final decision regarding the type of visa and its validity depends on various factors, including the applicant's travel history, the purpose of the visit, supporting documents, and the assessment made by the Belgian embassy or consulate handling the visa application.

If Qatari citizens wish to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, they must apply for a long-stay national visa or a residence permit in Belgium. It's important to note that overstaying a Schengen Visa can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area, so respecting the granted duration of stay is essential.

How to apply for the Belgium Schengen Visa in Qatar?

To facilitate a seamless application process for your Belgium visa from Qatar, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Fill in your personal and travel details on our online visa form or through our user-friendly app. Ensure all the information is correct to avoid any complications.

• Step 2: Pay the iVisa service fee using any accepted payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or PayPal. Note that the government visa fee will be paid during your interview.

• Step 3: Complete the remaining sections of our simplified application form, following the step-by-step manual we sent you via email, and upload a scanned copy of your passport and a photo before submitting the information for expert review.

Once our team has reviewed your application and documents, we will send you the finalized form to sign. You'll also receive a checklist of documents to bring to the mandatory visa interview. Rest assured; we will arrange this interview appointment on your behalf.

• Step 4: Attend the interview at the nearest Belgian Consulate, Embassy, or Visa Application Center (VAC). Remember to carry all the required documents, including the completed and signed application form.

Our straightforward process simplifies your Belgium Schengen Visa application, letting you focus on planning your exciting journey ahead.

What is the cost of the Belgium Schengen Visa in Qatar?

When you apply with us, the cost of the Belgium Visa consists of two parts:

iVisa standard processing takes up to 30 days and costs USD $332.99 excluding the government fee. This fee covers full support from our experts and a step-by-step manual to help you complete the application form and prepare for your interview.

Government processing: The Belgian Immigration Office can take up to 60 days to decide, but it may take longer, depending on the situation. Applying for a Schengen Visa at least two months before your trip is recommended . The government visa fees are about US$85 must be paid during your appointment (half-price for children between 6 and 12 and free for children under six). Note: This price may vary depending on the embassy you visit.

You won’t need to pay the government fee if you are:

• A child or a spouse of an EU citizen.

• A student, pupil, or postgraduate student with educational or vocational purposes traveling with teachers.

• Under 25 years old and a representative of a non-profit organization wishing to participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events hosted by non-profit organizations.

Belgium Schengen Visa required documents for citizens from Qatar

To apply for a Belgium Schengen Visa, applicants need to provide the following documents:

1. Visa application form: Filled out and signed.

2. Recent photos: Two recent passport-size photographs that meet the Schengen Visa photo criteria.

3. Valid passport

4. Travel medical insurance: Proof of a health insurance policy that covers the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies and repatriation for medical reasons.

5. Cover letter: A letter explaining the purpose of the visit and the itinerary.

6. Flight itinerary: Details of your round-trip flight bookings.

7. Proof of accommodation: This could be a hotel reservation, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host residing in Belgium.

8. Proof of financial means: Recent bank statements, proof of income, or a letter of sponsorship to show that you can cover your living and travel expenses during your stay.

Please note that additional documents, such as a marriage certificate, may be required depending on the specific type of visa you're applying for. All documents should be provided in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Belgium Visa passport requirements

For your visa application, your passport must meet the following criteria:

1. Issued within the last ten years.

2. Have at least two blank pages.

3. Remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.

Belgium Visa photo requirements

The photographs you submit for a visa application must adhere to these guidelines:

1. Photos should be recent (not older than six months).

2. The size should be 35mm x 45mm.

3. They should be taken against a plain, light-colored background.

4. Your face should be visible and occupy 70-80% of the photo.

5. You should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open.

6. Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons; even then, it must not cover the face.

You can get government-compliant passport photos online using our passport photo service.

Tips for a successful Belgium Schengen Visa application in Qatar

Applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa from Qatar can be a straightforward process when you apply with us. However, these tips can make it even easier:

1. Start early: It's best to start the application process before your intended travel date. The review process can take up to 15 days; in some cases, it may extend up to 60 days. Starting early gives you ample time to gather all required documents and rectify potential issues.

2. Understand the visa type: Ensure you understand the specifics of the visa type you're applying for and that it aligns with your travel plans. Applying for the wrong visa type can lead to rejection.

3. Consistent travel itinerary: Your travel itinerary should be consistent with the details provided in your application, including the purpose of the visit and the duration of your stay.

4. Well-prepared for the interview: Preparing for the visa interview thoroughly is crucial. Keep in mind that the visa officer is interested in knowing your genuine intention to visit Belgium and whether you'll return to Qatar after your trip.

5. Maintain a positive attitude: During the interview, maintain a positive and honest demeanor. Answer all questions to the best of your knowledge, and remember that the interview is just a standard part of the visa process.

6. Expert consultation: Our iVisa experts guide you through the process, review your application, and improve your chances of visa approval.

Remember, each application is unique, and what worked for one applicant may not work for another.

Common reasons for Belgium Schengen Visa refusals in Qatar

While applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa from Qatar is generally a straightforward process, there are instances where the application can be refused. Here are some common reasons:

1. Inadequate documentation: One of the leading causes of visa refusals is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Always double-check that you have provided all the required documents and that the information is accurate and up-to-date.

2. Inconsistent information: If there's any discrepancy between the information provided in your application and during your interview, the visa could be denied. It's essential to provide consistent and truthful information throughout the application process.

3. Invalid travel insurance: The Schengen Visa requires applicants to have valid travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 for emergency medical expenses and repatriation. Your visa could be refused if your insurance doesn't meet these requirements.

4. Insufficient proof of financial means: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Belgium. The visa application may be refused if you can't provide adequate proof of financial means.

5. Doubts about the intention to return: If the authorities are not convinced that you intend to return to Qatar after your trip, they may deny the visa. Proof of a stable job, family ties, or property in Qatar can help demonstrate your intention to return.

6. Incorrect visa category: If you apply for a visa category that does not match your purpose of travel, the application could be denied. Apply for the correct visa type corresponding to your travel purpose.

Remember, a visa refusal doesn't mean you are permanently barred from applying again.

My Belgium Schengen Visa was denied. What should I do?

If your Belgium Schengen Visa application was denied, it's natural to feel disappointed and uncertain about your next steps. We can help. Start with these steps to rectify the situation:

1. Understand the reasons for denial: When a Schengen Visa application is rejected, the Belgium embassy will provide a reason for the rejection. It is crucial to understand these reasons as they will guide your next steps.

2. Address the issues: Depending on the reasons for denial, you may need to provide additional documentation, modify your travel plans, or clarify information on your application.

3. Appeal the decision: If you believe the decision was made in error and you have substantial proof to counter the reasons provided for the denial, you have the right to appeal. The process and deadline for appeals vary, so you'll need to verify this information with the embassy.

4. Reapply for the visa: If the reasons for the denial are clear and unarguable, your best course of action is to correct the issues and reapply for the visa. Remember that you must pay the visa fee again when you reapply.

Remember, our team is always ready to assist you in understanding the application process and providing guidance on enhancing your chances of a successful visa application.

Need more information?

If you need more info about traveling to Belgium, don't hesitate to contact our customer support team anytime via online chat or email at [email protected].