Belgium

Following a terrorist attack in 2023, the threat level for Belgium, including Brussels, is now level 3 of 4, meaning there's a possible and imminent threat. (A threat level of 3 is identified as 'Serious' by the Belgian Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis.)

Brussels hosts several international institutions (EU and NATO) and government and foreign embassy buildings, which are sensitive locations. 

There have been high-profile terrorist attacks across Belgium. Previous incidents include attacks against civilians and security forces:

• October 2023 – 2 people were shot and killed in Brussels.
• Nov 2022 - a police officer was killed and another injured in a suspected terrorist incident in Brussels. 
• May 2018 – 2 police officers and a passer-by were killed in a shooting in Liege in a suspected terrorist incident. 
• June 2017 — a failed attack at Brussels central train station
• March 2016 — attacks at Brussels National Airport, Zaventem and Maalbeek/Maelbeek metro station — 32 people killed and 300 injured.

More attacks could happen at any time.

Expect heightened security measures, including:

• an increased police presence 
• increased caution and scrutiny from security forces
• potential added security measures in certain places

Crowded places may be the target of an attack, such as:

• tourist areas
• shopping areas
• train stations
• airports
• public transport
• concerts, music events and festivals
• major sporting events

Belgian authorities have successfully disrupted various attack plans, and Belgian police continue to conduct anti-terror operations. These could occur with little or no warning.

If you're in the area of a police operation:

• follow the instructions and advice of local authorities
• stay indoors and close windows and blinds, if possible

Extra security arrangements are in place at the Australian Embassy in Brussels. Visitors must pass a security screening. Don't bring your luggage with you.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• report anything suspicious to the police
• monitor official and media sources for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Public Alert System

The Belgian Government provides information in the case of emergencies through the Belgian Crisis Centre (available in French, Dutch or German) and social media (Facebook and Twitter). You can also register to be notified in an emergency through the Belgian Public Alert System (Be-Alert).

More information:

• Terrorism

Crimes such as theft, mugging, pickpocketing, and bag snatching are common in urban and tourist areas. Theft on board intercity and international trains is also common.

Hotspots for crime include the popular tourist spots in:

• Brussels
• Antwerp
• Bruges
• Ghent

Pickpockets also target passengers in transportation hubs such as the Metro, train stations and airports.

Incidents of petty crime on trains along the Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam and Brussels-London routes are frequent.

Thieves often work in teams of 2 or 3. They distract victims by:

• asking you a question
• spilling food or drink
• telling you someone has spilt something on your clothes

To stay safe from crime:

• take care in transport hubs, tourist areas and some inner-city areas, especially at night
• seek local advice about the safety of certain areas
• take care of your belongings on trains, in public transport and at major train stations, particularly at Gare du Midi/Zuidstation (South Station), Gare de Bruxelles-Nord/Noordstation (North Station) and Gare De Bruxelles-Centrale/Centraalstation (Central Station)
• carry your travel documents while travelling
• avoid walking alone after dark or in isolated areas.

In the event of theft, contact the nearest police station and get a police report.

There has been an increase in violence, including stabbings and shootings, linked to the drug trade in Brussels and other major cities.

In February, shootings occurred in the commune of Brussels, in the Marolles neighbourhood, and around the following locations in the commune Saint-Gilles:

• Port-de-Hal
• Gare du Midi
• Place Jacques Franck

If you're in Brussels:

• be aware of your surroundings
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• expect a heightened police presence in certain areas

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Demonstrations and strike action often occur in transport hubs, cities, and the Schuman area of Brussels. While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of isolated incidents of unrest or violence. 

Demonstrations are common, often directed at:

• embassies
• European Union institutions
• NATO

Belgium often hosts large international meetings. Heads of state, senior government and business figures may attend.

Before and during these meetings, authorities often increase security measures around Brussels or other parts of Belgium. This may disrupt travel.

To avoid issues:

• follow the instructions of local authorities or security staff
• monitor local media for updates on possible unrest
• avoid affected areas

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Severe weather can affect your travel. Monitor local media for updates.

If you plan to visit an affected area:

• confirm your plans with your tour operator or travel provider
• check conditions with local tour operators and hotels

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Belgium. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Measles

There have been outbreaks of measles in Belgium. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More Information:

• Communicable diseases (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Other health risks

Other health risks in Belgium are broadly similar to those in Australia.

The standard of medical facilities is high.

Belgium and Australia have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. You can get subsidised treatment in the Belgian public health system, including:

• hospital
• medical care
• prescription drugs

To access the reciprocal health care agreement, you must present your:

• valid Medicare card
• current Australian passport or evidence that you're an Australian permanent resident

You may need to pay at the time of treatment and get reimbursed from a Belgian health insurance fund ('mutuelle').

The reciprocal health care agreement does not cover treatment in:

• private medical facilities
• public facilities as a private patient

If you're a private patient, you must pay for any treatment, services or medication you receive.

The reciprocal health care agreement doesn't replace the need for travel insurance.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Laws relating to drugs are similar to those of Australia. Possession of drugs and trafficking of drugs are serious offences.

Other laws

You must carry your passport or a Belgian government-issued ID at all times.

It's illegal to wear clothing that largely or completely hides your face in public places (parks, buildings, public transport, on the street). Wearing such clothing risks a fine and/or detention for up to 7 days. There's no exemption for tourists. 

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Belgium recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Possessing several nationalities (Kingdom of Belgium)

Visa conditions

Belgium is a part of the Schengen area, along with many other European countries, meaning you can enter Belgium without a visa in some cases.

In other situations, get a visa before you travel.

Always carry your passport when you cross borders, even in the Schengen area.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border Measures

There are temporary border controls in place to travel into France and Germany from Belgium. Check the entry requirements for France, Germany and the Netherlands before you travel.

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements before you travel.

Increased security measures are in force at international airports and train stations.

Carry your passport when you enter or exit Belgium, even by road or rail.

Contact your airline or travel agent for updates or check-in requirements.

More information:

• Belgian Foreign Affairs website

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Also, go to the nearest police station to:

• report the crime
• get a declaration of theft

This may be useful for any insurance claims.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

Belgium's currency is the Euro.

ATMs are widely available.

If you're travelling between Belgium and a non-EU country, declare currency of 10,000 euros or more or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You'll be fined if you don't declare currency or give incorrect information on entry or exit.

You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Driving permit

For short visits, you'll need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a valid Australian driver's licence

Car rental companies may require both documents.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Belgium.

If you register as a resident with a local commune, you'll need to change your Australian driver's licence for a Belgian licence.

Communes usually require the date of issue of your Australian licence. If your licence doesn't show this, contact your state or territory licensing authority for an official notice stating the issue date.

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country. The 'priority to the right' system is in effect in Belgium. 

Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections. This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check that your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use licensed, official taxis. Assaults and robberies have occurred in unlicensed taxis.

Targets for unlicensed taxis include high-traffic destinations, such as:

• airports
• train stations
• other tourist locations

Rideshare options are available. Taxis can be booked via the Uber app.

Public transport

Pickpockets operate on intercity and international trains.

Pay close attention to valuables and your passport on trains and other forms of public transport.

Check Belgian Rail for bookings and any service interruptions.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Electric scooter regulations

The maximum speed limit for riding an electric scooter is 25km/h, and riding with a passenger is illegal.

It's illegal for people aged 15 and under to use electric scooters, except in a few designated areas such as pedestrianised, private residential and recreational areas, and segregated cycle paths.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

See Belgium's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 101.

Contact the nearest police station if it isn't an emergency.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Brussels

Level 7, Avenue des Arts/Kunstlaan 56
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Phone: (+32 2) 286 0500
Email: consular.brussels@dfat.gov.au
Website: belgium.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Brussels
X: @AustraliaEU

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Visitors must pass a security screening. Don't bring luggage with you.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia