India visa for Belgian citizens
Belgian citizens can apply online for an Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical or conference categories) on the official Government of India site before travelling.
Check the official site before you travel. imptpune.in is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas. Visa rules change: confirm on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
| Status | e-Visa available |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical, conference), applied for online |
| Where to apply | indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa) |
| Processing | Set by the Government of India: check the official site |
| Arrival | At an airport or seaport designated for e-Visa arrivals |
Belgian passport holders can obtain an Indian e-Visa for tourism, business or medical visits. You apply entirely online through the official government portal. Once approved, the electronic travel authorisation is sent by email. Print it and carry it with your passport. On arrival at a designated airport or seaport, proceed to the e-Visa counter for biometrics. The process avoids visiting an embassy.
What the e-Visa means
The Indian e-Visa allows Belgian citizens to enter India for short stays without a paper visa sticker in the passport. It covers tourism, business trips, medical treatment and conferences. You must apply before departure; there is no visa-on-arrival for Belgian nationals except through the e-Visa system.
The e-Visa is linked electronically to your passport number. When you arrive, immigration officers verify it at the counter. You cannot extend or convert an e-Visa while in India. If you need a longer stay or a different purpose, you must apply for a regular visa from the Indian embassy in Belgium.
Before you travel
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least a few days before your flight. You need a digital photo and a scan of your passport bio page. The application asks for travel dates, accommodation details and your purpose of visit. Fill in exactly as per your passport; errors cause delays.
After submitting, pay the fee online. The processing time varies; check the official site for current timelines. Once approved, you receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by email. Print this document. You must present it along with your passport at check-in and on arrival in India.
Arriving in Indian cities
Fly into one of the e-Visa-designated airports, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa or Ahmedabad. Some seaports are also authorised. At the airport, follow signs for the e-Visa counter. Have your printed ETA and passport ready.
At the counter, an immigration officer takes your fingerprints and a photograph. This is the biometric enrolment. After clearance, you receive an entry stamp. You can then collect your luggage and proceed to customs. The process is similar at all major Indian airports.
Staying longer or working
The e-Visa is for short stays only. If you plan to work, study, volunteer or stay beyond the e-Visa period, you need a different visa category. Apply for an Employment Visa, Student Visa or other appropriate visa at the Indian embassy in Brussels or the consulate in Antwerp before travel.
For business activities beyond attending meetings, such as setting up a branch office, a Business Visa is required. Check the official site of the Indian embassy in Belgium for the full list of visa types and application procedures. Rules change; always verify before applying.
How to apply for the e-Visa
- Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and start a new e-Visa application.
- Upload a recent passport-style photograph and a scan of your passport bio page.
- Complete the application form with your travel details and personal information.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Wait for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to be emailed to you.
- Print the ETA and carry it with your passport when you travel.
- On arrival at an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport, proceed to the e-Visa counter for biometrics.
Documents to carry
- Valid Belgian passport with at least six months validity
- Printed copy of the e-Visa approval (ETA)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation in India
- Sufficient funds for your stay
Belgian citizens: questions
Can Belgian citizens get a visa on arrival in India?
No. Belgian passport holders must apply for an e-Visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Belgian nationals at Indian airports.
How long can a Belgian citizen stay in India on an e-Visa?
The e-Visa permits a continuous stay for a period specified on the official site. Check indianvisaonline.gov.in for the current maximum stay duration.
Do Belgian children need an e-Visa for India?
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs a separate e-Visa. Apply for each child using their own passport.
Can a Belgian citizen extend an e-Visa while in India?
No. The e-Visa cannot be extended, converted or re-issued within India. If you need a longer stay, you must leave and apply for a regular visa.
What if my e-Visa application is rejected?
Reasons vary. You can reapply after correcting the issue, or apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy in Belgium. Check the official site for guidance.
Where will you stay in Pune?
Koregaon Park for a first visit, Viman Nagar for the airport, Hinjewadi or Kharadi for work. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Photo on Pexels.