How to Renew Your Indian Passport in Belgium

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The process to renew your Indian passport in Belgium takes 15-30 working days and needs good planning. Indian citizens living in Belgium should know the renewal steps to keep their travel documents valid.

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Belgian passport rules require your current passport to remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date. Your Indian passport allows you to stay in Belgium up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Updated documentation helps maintain your legal status.

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This detailed guide explains the steps, documents and key points to renew your Indian passport in Belgium. You'll find everything from the original application to collecting your passport. The information prepares you properly for each step of the process.

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Requirements for Indian Passport Renewal in Belgium

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The Indian Embassy in Brussels provides multiple passport renewal options. You should know the specific requirements and services before starting your Indian passport renewal process in Belgium.

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Validity considerations for renewal

Several conditions make your current Indian passport eligible for renewal. You can apply if your passport expires within a year or has been expired up to three years. Adult passports remain valid for ten years while minors under 15 get five-year validity.

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Your passport needs renewal in these cases:

• Empty passport pages
• Changes in your appearance
• Removal of Emigration Check Required stamp
• Lost or damaged passport

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Types of passport renewal services available

The Indian Embassy's passport renewal options match different needs:

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Standard Passport Booklets:

• 36-page normal booklet
• 60-page jumbo booklet

Special Categories:

• Minor passports (up to 15 years)
• Short Validity Passport (SVP)

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A €15 courier charge applies to all passport services on top of these fees.

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Belgium-specific regulations for Indian citizens

Belgian rules require specific conditions for passport renewal. Temporary visa visitors can only access passport services if their passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.

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Passport processing takes three to four weeks. Delays can happen if:

• You need extra clearance from a passport office
• Central processing raises document concerns
• Your photos don't meet quality standards

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Belgian addresses aren't allowed on Indian passports. You can get an exception by proving:

• No permanent address exists in India
• You have permanent residence status in Belgium

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The Embassy lets you submit applications in person or through close family members like your spouse or blood relatives. Family members must bring an authorization letter and photo ID that proves their relationship. The Embassy accepts applications from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM on working days. You can collect documents between 4:00 PM and 4:45 PM.

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Essential Documents Needed for Indian Passport Renewal

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The first step to renew your Indian passport in Belgium requires proper documentation. Here's what you need to submit.

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Primary identification documents

Your current passport is your main identification document. You must present it at the counter during submission. You also need:

• Four passport-size photographs (5.0 cm x 5.0 cm) with white background
• One photo attached to your application form
• Additional photos submitted loose without staples or signatures

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Address and residence proof in Belgium

Belgian residence status verification requires:

• Original Belgian Residence Permit (show at counter)
• A photocopy of your Residence Permit
• Utility bills to prove address (telephone, water, or electricity)

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Additional supporting documents

Your specific situation determines which documents you must submit:

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For Minors (under 18 years):

• Birth certificate copy
• Parents' passport copies
• Parents' resident card copies
• Joint declaration from both parents
• Parents' marriage certificate copy

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For Name Changes:

• Marriage certificate (to add spouse name)
• Original divorce decree/death certificate (for widows/divorcees)
• Two newspaper advertisements (one in India, one in Belgium) announcing name change

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Document translation and authentication requirements

Foreign documents need specific authentication:

• Official documents need translation into English or Belgian national languages (Dutch, French, or German)
• Authorized translators must complete all translations
• Indian documents require attestation from:
  • State Government's General Administration
  • Ministry of External Affairs' Attestation Cell in New Delhi

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Note that all original documents need self-attested photocopies. The Embassy doesn't authorize any agents for document processing. You must submit documents personally or through immediate family members with proper authorization.

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Step-by-Step Application Process at Indian Embassy in Belgium

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Start the online application process through the Indian Embassy's official portal after collecting all your documents. A step-by-step approach will give a smooth processing of your passport renewal request.

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Create an account on the Indian passport portal

The Passport Seva portal at portal3.passportindia.gov.in is your first stop. You need to register a new account with your simple details. Your login credentials will give you access to the application dashboard.

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Fill the online application form correctly

The online application form needs your careful attention. You must print the completed form to submit it with your supporting documents. Make sure to verify these details:

• Personal information that matches your current passport
• Your Belgian address
• Contact details with mobile number and email

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Schedule your appointment

The Embassy's online scheduling system lets you book your appointment. Here are some vital points:

• You can book appointments two months ahead
• Available times are 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM on working days
• Each family member needs a separate appointment
• Your appointment confirmation email must be shown at the Embassy

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The Embassy processes urgent requests in genuine emergencies like death or serious illness of immediate family members. These cases need proper documentation such as death certificates or hospital records.

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What Happens After Submission: Timeline and Tracking

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The Indian Embassy in Belgium starts a systematic process right after you submit your passport renewal application. A clear understanding of timelines and tracking methods will help you manage your expectations better.

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Processing times for standard applications

Your standard passport renewal application usually takes three to four weeks to process. The timeline might get longer due to these factors:

• Pending police verification reports
• Problems with your submitted photographs
• Need to get additional clearance from passport offices

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Track your passport application status

You can track your application progress through these steps:

1. Visit the Passport Seva Portal (www.passportindia.gov.in)
2. Enter your Application Reference Number
3. Check immediate status updates

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You can file an appeal through the PSP portal if your application gets rejected. Just select 'Log appeal' from the homepage and follow the steps.

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Collection procedure for your new passport

Your new passport collection works this way:

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Collection Timing:

• Come between 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM on working days
• You don't need a prior appointment
• Bring your submission receipt

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Important Collection Steps:

1. Hand over your old passport for cancelation
2. The Embassy will cancel your old passport
3. You'll get both your new and canceled old passport together

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Special Considerations:

• Your old passport's valid visas stay active
• Your new passport has an endorsement that confirms your old visas' validity
• The Embassy gives you both passports at once

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You can get help during the process from:

• Embassy website's FAQ section
• Contact details on the official portal
• Passport services section's latest updates

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Keep tracking your application and save copies of all documents you submit. Complex cases might take longer than the standard timeline.

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Conclusion

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Getting your Indian passport renewed in Belgium looks complicated, but good preparation makes it easier. You need to focus on collecting documents, filing your application and tracking how it moves along.

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The process usually takes three to four weeks, so start early if you plan to travel. Make sure you keep copies of everything you submit and check your application status on the Passport Seva Portal regularly.

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The core team at the Indian Embassy processes thousands of passport renewals each year in a streamlined way. The Embassy's official website has answers to most questions about your renewal. You can also contact their passport services section directly.

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A renewed passport works as your travel document and identity proof during your Belgian stay. After you get your new passport, keep both the old and new ones in a safe place. Your old passport's valid visas can still be used.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Renew Indian Passport in Belgium

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Q1. What documents are essential for renewing an Indian passport in Belgium?

To renew your Indian passport in Belgium, you'll need your current passport, four passport-size photographs, a photocopy of your Belgian Residence Permit, and utility bills as address proof. Additional documents may be required based on your specific circumstances.

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Q2. How long does it take to renew an Indian passport in Belgium?

The standard processing time for Indian passport renewal in Belgium is typically three to four weeks. However, this timeline may extend in cases requiring additional clearance or if there are issues with submitted documents.

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Q3. Can I renew my Indian passport online while in Belgium?

While you can't complete the entire process online, you can start by filling out the application form on the Passport Seva portal. After submitting the online application, you'll need to schedule an appointment at the Indian Embassy in Belgium to complete the process in person.

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Q4. What are the fees for renewing an Indian passport in Belgium?

The fees vary depending on the type of passport. A standard 36-page passport costs €60 plus €2 ICWF surcharge, while a 60-page jumbo passport is €75 plus €2 ICWF surcharge. There's an additional €15 courier charge for all passport services.

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Q5. Can I track the status of my passport renewal application?

Yes, you can track your passport renewal application status online. Visit the Passport Seva Portal, enter your Application Reference Number, and you'll be able to see real-time updates on your application's progress.