Belgium

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 in Belgium and throughout Europe, for life and death emergencies
• Dial 101 for local police
• Dial 112 or 100 for ambulance
• Dial 112 or 100 for fire department
• Dial 1813 for suicide prevention in Dutch Language
• Dial 0800-32-123 for suicide prevention in French Language
• Dial +32-0-2-648-40-14 for suicide prevention in English language
• Dial 1712 for domestic violence
• Dial 116000 for child protective services
• Dial +32-2-811-4000 for the U.S. embassy

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. Police routinely monitor protestors and demonstrations.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Monitor the embassy website for demonstration alerts. 
• Demonstrations and strikes can affect travel, including public transport. 

Crime

• Low-level street crime is common. Crimes include robberies, smash and grab car theft, purse snatching, stealing electronics, and pickpocketing. These are common in major cities, in public areas such as restaurants, the Brussels metro at night, buses and trams, and all train stations.
• Thieves often operate in teams, by bumping into or shoving the target, especially in crowds. Be alert to distractions.
• Theft from vehicles is common. Always drive with your windows up and the doors locked. Thieves sometimes target cars stopped at traffic lights. Thieves may smash the window and grab valuables.
• Use parking garages when possible. If you must use street parking, look for a spot near a streetlight. Do not leave anything visible on the seats, floor, or dashboard.
• Theft of bags on trains has increased, particularly the Brussels-Amsterdam route. Thieves often target light bags placed overhead. Keep bags with cash, valuables, and travel documents close to you, rather than on the overhead shelf on trains.
• Carry only a minimal amount of cash, credit cards, and necessary personal identification.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial and romance scams are common in Belgium. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Confidence schemes, in which friends, family, or others receive a message that a U.S. citizen traveler is stranded in Belgium and in need of funds to pay for customs fees are also common in Belgium. U.S. citizens have lost tens of thousands of dollars in scams in Belgium.

Check ATMs or other machines for skimmers or removeable readers. When possible, use bank ATMs. In bars and restaurants, have the card swiped in front of you and do not let it be taken away.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 101.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

The Belgian Commission for Financial Assistance to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence provides financial compensation, under specific circumstances, for victims of crime and for those who have suffered injuries and consequent losses caused by such incidents.

The Commission also provides for dependents or immediate family members of homicide victims.

 For more information:

• Dial 32-2-542-7208
• Dial 32-2-542-7218
• Dial 32-2-542-7224
• Dial 32-2-542-7229, or
• Dial 32-2-542-7244
• E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Visit the Ministry of Justice website (French and Dutch only).

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

• Dial 101 for report crimes to the local police.
• Dial 112 for all other emergencies.
• Dial +32-2-811-4000 contact the U.S. embassy. 
• Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Signal jammers are strictly prohibited in Belgium.
• Drones, satellite phones, handheld radios. and walkie-talkies are allowed. Users should check official drone maps for “no fly zones” prior to operating a drone. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. 
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Belgium seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Drugs and controlled substances

Belgian law prohibits possession and trafficking of drugs and controlled substances, including some that may be legal in the United States.

• Review information on controlled substances.
• Individuals who violate Belgium’s drug laws may face penalties including prison sentences.
• Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• In Belgium, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may result in your immediate arrest and detention. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood (.05 percent Blood Alcohol Content) and zero tolerance for any detectable level of illicit drugs.
• Foreign drivers caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol, will be asked for a mandatory on-the-spot deposit of 1,260 euros.  If you do not pay this fee, the police can impound your vehicle.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Belgium.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Belgium prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible public transportation (trains and buses); information, and communication of movement or access.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in older buildings without elevators, historic city centers with cobblestones, bridges, and narrow streets.
• Accessibility is common in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Brussels has better accessibility for people with disabilities than other cities or villages in Belgium. Smaller towns and villages may not have as many accessible resources.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• CDC Belgium Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. The responsiveness of emergency services is generally excellent.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Belgium.  If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers in Belgium accept cash or credit card payments.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require a deposit or guarantee of payment from an insurance company before admitting or providing treatment to a patient. Final cost of treatment is sent by post or email six to eight weeks after patient discharge.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• As a non-resident tourist, you are legally responsible for any medical expenses you incur in Belgium.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available throughout Belgium. The large university hospitals can handle most medical problems.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics have similar basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require a deposit or guarantee of payment from an insurance company before admitting or providing treatment to a patient. payment
• U.S. citizens have filed some complaints about business practices. They have expressed concern about high prices and collection methods from some hospitals in Belgium. Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.  
• Medical staff may speak little or no English though most facilities have English speakers who can help provide translation.
• Generally, hospitals are appropriately staffed throughout the day and night.
• Patients may be required to cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are accessible and available, though they tend to be concentrated in larger urban centers. 

Prescription medications

Equivalents for most, but not all, U.S. medications are available through local pharmacies with a prescription from a Belgian physician.

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products to ensure the medication is legal in Belgium.
• If you are traveling and your medicine contains a substance referred to in the Royal Decree of 6 September 2017 regulating narcotic and psychotropic substances, you will need an official accompanying document proving that you were prescribed these medicines as part of a medical treatment. To find out which medicines are targeted by this Belgian legislation, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice or consult this list of substances.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Belgium to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Medically Assisted Reproduction (ART) is permitted and regulated. Belgium has clear laws that cover how these treatments and related procedures are managed (the Law on Medically Assisted Reproduction and Embryo/Gamete Regulation).
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Belgium with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Belgian courts.
• Under current law, the birth mother is the legal mother, regardless of the genetic parents. Establishing legal parenthood typically requires adoption. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Although some tap water may be hard or high in minerals like calcium, it is strictly regulated and safe to consume.  
• Bottled water and beverages are also safe. Be mindful to ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants only serve bottled water for a fee. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Belgium.
• Review the CDC’s Air Quality page, for information about common air pollutants.
• Review EPA’s AirNow, for information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance
• Review our Medicine and Health page, for general health information

Travel and transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Belgium’s road network is generally well-built and maintained.
• Adequate lighting exists on major highways, but on rural roads it is often insufficient or nonexistent.
• Dial 02-286-3040 for roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available in English from Touring Mobilis. 
• Dial 02-642-6666 for Belgian police will also provide information on road conditions.
• Dial 101 by phone within Belgium for police emergencies. Emergency services are efficient and responsive.
• Dial 112 for all other emergencies.

Traffic laws 

• Adults, aged 18 and older with a valid U.S. driver’s license are permitted to drive in Belgium while a tourist or short-term visitor.
• Traffic coming from the right generally has priority at uncontrolled intersections, even if it comes from a smaller street.
• The maximum speed limit on Belgian highways is 72 miles (120 kilometers) per hour but is not always posted.
• The maximum speed in urban areas is 30 miles (50 km) per hour, but in central Brussels it is 19 miles (30 km) per hour.
• Belgian police strictly enforce speed limits, but many people still drive faster than allowed. Saying you didn’t know the speed limit will not stop you from getting a large fine. If you can’t pay the fine right away, your car may be taken by the police.
• There are many speed cameras, and tickets are often sent by mail.
• Belgian police also conduct breath analysis checks for alcohol use, particularly at night and during major holidays. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood (.05 percent Blood Alcohol Content).
• You must use your seat belt while driving in a vehicle. The use of cell phones while driving is illegal in Belgium and if stopped, you will be given a citation and issued a fine.

Bicycles and rules

Cycling is very common in Belgium, for both recreational and more traditional transportation purposes.

• Always wear helmets and follow vehicle travel rules. Stop at lights and crosswalks. Follow bike paths when available.
• Cyclists have priority when riding on designated paths or lanes over traffic coming from side roads.
• Cyclists are responsible for obeying the “priority to the right” rule at intersections and must yield to oncoming traffic when merging from a bike lane and onto a main road. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• Use of taxis and ride share apps is safe and reliable in Belgium. 

Public and commercial transportation

• Brussels and most major cities have extensive and efficient public transportation systems.
• Trains, buses, and ferries connect Brussels with other major cities in Belgium and with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands.
• Traveling by train is considered to be safer than driving. Be mindful of your belongings while on public transit as many people are victims of theft while transiting on trains, buses, and ferries.
• Demonstrations and strikes can affect travel, including public transport.
• Visit the website of Belgium's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Belgium’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Belgium should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Flooding and severe storms can occur in Belgium, generally between October and March. However, the risk is low and localized to coastal areas.
• Heat waves have occurred in the summer months. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates