Belgium Travel Safety

General safety

Ensure your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation. There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.

Precautions

Pickpockets often target passengers boarding or disembarking public transportation or international train lines, including the Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam and Brussels–London routes. Never leave your luggage unattended. Be cautious if approached by anyone asking odd questions, spilling food or drink, or telling you someone else has spilled something on your clothes. These are distraction tactics used by thieves. Carry a minimal amount of cash when you go out. Ensure that valuables in vehicles are kept out of sight at all times. Thieves, often on motorbikes, have been known to break a car window while the car is stopped at a traffic light and snatch valuables from the front or back seat. Always be suspicious if someone offers to help you with a flat tire. These individuals may have punctured the tire themselves and seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects while you are distracted.

Road safety

Roads are in reasonable condition and roadside assistance is available. Be aware of the "priority to the right" system, whereby drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections. This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents. Visibility is frequently obscured by rain and fog.

Identification

Carry adequate identification, such as a passport or a residence permit, all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.

Women's safety

Belgium is generally safe, however women should exercise normal precautions during travel.

Crime

Violent crime is uncommon. However, petty crimes (for example, pickpocketing and purse snatching) occur at major transportation hubs and tourist sites. Organized gangs have been known to target the following areas: the Grand Place (Grote Markt) in Brussels, public transportation and airports, the main railway stations in Brussels (Gare du Midi [Zuidstation] and Gare du Nord [Noordstation]).

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In Belgium, separate attacks causing multiple deaths and injuries have taken place. The attacks were indiscriminate and targeted public places. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks. The Government of Belgium maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media (including social media).

LGBT

Belgium has frequently been officially referred to as one of the most gay friendly countries in the world. Belgium had to have a capital that reflected its progressive values. While Brussels's gay district is small, it occupies a spot right in the heart of the heart-shaped city, where there's always a gay-friendly hang-out or open-minded party.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Illegal or restricted activities

It's illegal to wear in public places (parks, buildings, public transport, on the street) clothing that hides a person's face largely or completely. People wearing such clothing (e.g. the burka and nikab) risk a fine of up to €137.

Driving

You should carry an International Driving Permit. Speeding causes many accidents. Strict laws are in place to improve traffic safety. You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in Belgium. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Belgian police use speed traps, cameras and unmarked vehicles throughout the country. Fines for exceeding the speed limit are very high and police can collect them on the spot. Vehicles may be impounded for failure to pay. Convicted offenders can expect to pay heavy fines and their driver's licence may be confiscated immediately. The use of a cellphone while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device.