Belgium

The Land of Waffles
and Fries

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Belgium, located in Western Europe, is known for its rich history, charming medieval towns, and world-famous cuisine. The country offers a unique cultural blend, with influences from both French and Dutch traditions. Brussels, the capital, is the heart of the European Union and home to stunning architecture like the Grand Place and Atomium.

Belgian culture is renowned for its fine chocolates, waffles, and diverse beer varieties, as well as its artistic heritage, with famous painters like Rubens and Magritte. Nature lovers can explore the rolling hills of the Ardennes, while history buffs will appreciate Belgium’s well-preserved castles and World War battlefields.

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Fri, March 14
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Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Belgium.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Belgium (Schengen Area requirement).

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from these nations can enter Belgium with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan).
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from these nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a Schengen visa prior to entering Belgium (e.g., India, China, South Africa).

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) can enter Belgium freely within the visa’s validity period.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless they are from visa-exempt countries.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states can enter without a visa.

ID Card Entry
The following citizens can enter Belgium using only a valid national ID card:

  • European Union (EU) member states
  • European Economic Area (EEA) countries
  • Switzerland

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years (Schengen short-stay visa).
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year with options to apply for a residence permit (e.g., for work or study).

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules may apply for work, study, or long-term stays.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions via https://www.info-coronavirus.be/.
Toll

Driving in Belgium

Current Toll Roads

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As of 2025, Belgium has limited toll roads, with the main one being:

  • Liefkenshoek Tunnel (near Antwerp): A tolled tunnel on the R2 ring road.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and time of day. For current rates, visit: https://www.liefkenshoektunnel.be/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Euro (EUR) accepted at toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards are accepted.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: Available via a telepass system (check compatibility with your device).

Driving in Belgium

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h (30 km/h in some zones)
    • Rural roads: 70-90 km/h
    • Highways: 120 km/h
  • Road conditions are generally excellent, though traffic congestion is common around Brussels and Antwerp.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for non-EU/EEA visitors.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Belgium does not use a vignette system for passenger cars, but heavy vehicles (>3.5 tons) require a Viapass toll system: https://www.viapass.be/.
  • Road Safety: Watch for cyclists and pedestrians, especially in cities; Belgium enforces strict priority rules.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable, but trams and roadworks in cities may require attention.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.

Useful Links

Belgium Currency

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros.
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and 1, 2 Euros.
  • Symbol: €

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, airports, and major hotels.
  • ATMs widely available in urban areas for direct Euro withdrawals.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is widely accepted, but cards are preferred in cities.
  • Credit/debit cards accepted in most establishments.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards.

For current exchange rates, visit the National Bank of Belgium website: https://www.nbb.be

Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Belgium

4. Legal Essentials

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travelers in Belgium, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including prison sentences. Even small amounts of cannabis can lead to fines or arrest.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication can result in fines or detention.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and near schools.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid political discussions about Flemish-Walloon tensions unless invited.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex marriage and relationships are fully legal; Belgium is highly inclusive.
  • Photography: Restricted near military bases, airports, or sensitive government sites.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over €10,000 (or equivalent) when entering/leaving the EU.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, endangered species products.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport.

Complaints

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., along the North Sea coast) must allow free access within designated zones.

Key Resources

Belgium Travel Safety

Belgium is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a high quality of life. However, travelers should remain aware of health precautions, urban safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Belgium.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) occurs in tourist areas (Brussels Grand Place, Bruges canals). Violent crime against tourists is rare.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Belgium is very safe; exercise normal caution in cities at night.
  • Road Safety:
    • Roads are well-maintained, but urban cycling lanes require vigilance.
    • Avoid driving in Brussels during peak hours due to traffic.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is safe nationwide.
    • Food standards are high; practice normal hygiene.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, tetanus, COVID-19.
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases:
    • Minimal risk; ticks may be a concern in Ardennes forests (use repellent).
  • Altitude Sickness:
    • Not applicable; Belgium’s highest point (Signal de Botrange) is 694 meters.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Excellent public and private facilities in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
  • Pharmacies: Widely available; carry prescription medications.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes Schengen Area medical care.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 100 | Fire: 100 | Police: 101.
  • Tourist Police (Brussels): +32 2 279 77 11.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Watch for trams in cities; they have priority.
  • Hiking: Ardennes trails are safe with proper gear.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect bilingual signage (French/Dutch).
  • Air Quality: Monitor in Brussels via https://www.waqi.info/.

Key Links

Flying to Belgium

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