Today, I gonna share my experience with applying for a Belgian visa. It was a bit of a process, but I made it through, and I am here to tell you all about it.
First things first, I went to this website, *, and created an account. That’s where you start the whole application process and book your appointment. Keep this site in mind, you will use it very often.
Then, I figured out which visa I needed. In my case, I just wanted to visit and see the sights, so I went for a tourist visa. If you’re planning to work or study, you’ll need a different type. It’s pretty straightforward, just make sure you pick the right one for what you’re planning to do.
Figure out where to apply
Next, I had to figure out where to apply. Turns out, you gotta go in person to either the Belgian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of the Consulates General—I heard there’s one in Atlanta. Since I’m closer to D.C., that’s where I headed.
I started gathering all the documents they asked for. They wanted all sorts of stuff to prove I wasn’t planning to just disappear into the Belgian countryside. I’m talking passport, photos, proof of where I’d be staying, flight details, bank statements—the whole nine yards. It felt like a lot, but hey, gotta follow the rules, right?
With my appointment booked, I showed up at the Embassy, documents in hand. The waiting was the worst part, but eventually, I got called in. They checked all my papers, took my fingerprints, and asked me a few questions about my trip. Nothing too intense, just making sure my story added up.
After the appointment, it was the waiting game. They say it usually takes about 15 days, but it can drag on to 30, especially when they’re swamped. I tried not to think about it too much, but let’s be real, I was checking the status online like every day.
Finally, the good news arrived—my visa was approved! I went back to pick up my passport, now with a shiny new visa inside. All in all, it wasn’t too bad. Just a lot of paperwork and waiting.
So, if you’re planning to visit Belgium, that’s pretty much what you’re in for. Start early, get your documents in order, and be patient. It’s all worth it in the end when you finally get to enjoy those Belgian waffles and fries in person!
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