Belgium

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Following a terrorist attack in 2023, the Belgian Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis is set the threat level for Belgium, including Brussels, at level 3 of 4, meaning there's a possible and imminent threat.

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. More attacks could happen at any time.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

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 stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Public Alert System

The Belgian Government provides information in the case of emergencies through the Belgian Crisis Centre and social media (Facebook and X).

You can also register to be notified in an emergency through the Belgian Public Alert System, Be-Alert.

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 2024, 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

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.   

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.  

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security 

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

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. 

Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause severe travel disruption across the country and affect international travel. Strikes may be announced at short notice, and planned strikes may be extended at short notice. They can also coincide with demonstrations and protests.

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

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Protests 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.

Measles

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

More Information:

• Communicable diseases
• Measles immunisation service

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

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

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.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

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 laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Belgium recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Advice for 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 Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026. 

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. ​

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions 

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. If you revisit the Schengen area 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.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

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

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

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

To drive a vehicle, you'll need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).

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

National strike action

Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause severe travel disruption across the country and affect international travel. Strikes may be announced at short notice, and planned strikes may be extended at short notice. They can also coincide with demonstrations and protests.

For regular updates on any disruption, check local news and follow the advice given by your travel provider. If you are in areas where large gatherings are taking place, remain vigilant and move away quickly if there are signs of disorder. Avoid protests, expect delays on some major roads and follow the advice of the authorities.

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 give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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