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Belgium Travel Guide:Tourism Information |
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Belgium Travel Guide:Tourism Information |
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Tourism Rating Travel
Safety Entry
Requirements
Avoiding Petty Theft Special Note Road Safety and Conditions Medical Care
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| Tourism Rating | Top of Page |
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Belgium: Add-on Destination (two of four globes)For many vacationers, visits to Belgium are opportunistic, added on while planning a visit to another destination. Belgium offers a number of interesting places to visit and is a great place for terrific food and relaxation. Belgium's tourist destinations present a mix of the spectacular and the bland, but, in general, they are not the "best of the best". If you have a chance to visit Brugge or Brussels, take it!
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| Travel Safety | Top of Page | ||
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Overall, Belgium is a safe place for travelers.
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| Entry Requirements | Top of Page | ||
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Belgium, is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may
enter Belgium for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without
a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond
the period of stay. Sufficient funds and a return airline ticket are
required.. For further information concerning entry requirements,
contact the Embassy of Belgium at 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington,
DC 20008, telephone (202) 333-6900; or one of the Belgian Consulates
General in Atlanta, Los Angeles, or New York.Visit the Belgian Embassy
web site at
http://www.diplobel.org/usa
for the most current visa
information. (The Schengen Agreement 90 day period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden.) If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports. Other important travel documents are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs. ADVISORY NOTE: In September of 2006, the Belgian government began a trial project requiring a fingerprint record accompany those seeking a visa to visit Belgium and apply for the visa in Washington D.C. The Belgian Embassy in the United States was quick to point out tourists who are going to visit Belgium for less than 90 days do not require a visa to enter or tour the country. We will inform you of any additional changes in the Visa Policy of the Belgian government when they occur. For further information concerning entry requirements, contact the Embassy of Belgium at 3330 Garfield St. NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 333-6900; or one of the Belgian Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. The website of the Belgian embassy in the United States can be found at http://www.diplobel.org/usa. Belgian law requires that everyone carry some form of official identification at all times, which must be displayed upon request to any Belgian police official. A U.S. passport suffices for these purposes. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. DUAL NATIONALITY: U.S. citizens who are also Belgian citizens under Belgian law may be subject, while in Belgium, to certain aspects of Belgian law such as mandatory voting. Those who may be affected should inquire at a Belgian Embassy or Consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of Belgium or any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens. |
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| Avoiding Petty Theft | Top of Page | ||
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Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. Be alert and avoid the petty theft situations that target travelers. The more common situations are described below. Visitors should take reasonable precautions because street thefts, purse snatchings, and pick pocketing are occurring with increasing frequently in Belgium, particularly in the major cities. In Brussels, crime continues to increase annually with pick pocketing, purse snatching, and theft of light luggage and laptops being the most common. These crimes are especially prevalent in the public transportation system (subway, bus and tram) and at Brussels ’ three major train stations -- the North Station (Noordstation or Gare du Nord), the Central Station (Centraal Station or Gare Central) and especially at the South Station (Zuidstation or Gare du Midi). The latter is a primary international train hub and travelers are advised to pay particular attention to their personal belongings when in the station. It is a good idea to remain in physical contact with hand luggage at all times, and not to place carry-on luggage on overhead racks in trains.
Another growing problem, especially in Brussels, is theft from vehicles, both moving and parked. Do not leave valuables in plain sight where a thief may spot them. Thieves will sometimes position themselves at stop lights to scan for valuables in stopped cars. If they see a purse or other valuable item they break the window and steal the item while the victim is stunned. Expensive car stereos and GPS navigational devices are often stolen from parked cars. Always drive with windows up and doors locked. Travelers to Brussels should be aware that small groups of young men have been known to prey on unwary tourists. Tourists are advised never to leave valuables unattended in vehicles and to keep car doors locked when driving. Travelers also are advised to leave expensive jewelry, financial records, address books, and other personal effects at home or stored in a safe place during their visit. Travelers should carry only a minimum amount of cash, credit cards, and personal identification. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The U.S. Embassy/Consular Section in Belgium is located at Boulevard du Regent 25, 1000 Brussels. The telephone number from within Belgium is 02-508-2111; from outside of Belgium, 32-2-508-2111. Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and to explain how funds can be transferred. |
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| Special Note | Top of Page | ||
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1. While most forms of
monetary transactions are available (cash, credit cards), U.S. money orders
cannot be negotiated in Belgium. Personal checks may only be cleared through
a bank at which a person holds an account and clearance can take from two to
four weeks. Banks and exchange facilities may refuse U.S. dollar
denominations of $50 and $100 if they are not equipped with devices to
identify counterfeit currency. Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are
widespread in Belgium and accept most U.S. ATM cards to withdraw funds.
Travelers seeking to purchase Euros are more likely to find a favorable
exchange rate at banks than at money exchange facilities located at tourist
locations, train stations and airports.
2.
Both geographically and culturally, Belgium is at the crossroads of Europe and
during the past 2,000 years has witnessed a constant ebb and flow of
different races and cultures. Consequently, Belgium is one of Europe's true
melting pots with Celtic, Roman, Germanic, French, Dutch, Spanish, and
Austrian cultures having made an imprint. 5. Most public toilets in Belgium charge .30€ for use of a toilet but you can avoid this charge by using the facilities at restaurants where you dine or by stopping in at a fast food outlet, if you can find one. 6. ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county. |
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| Road Safety and Conditions | Top of Page | ||
While in Belgium, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.The information below concerning Belgium is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public
Transportation: good Belgian urban highways are generally well built and maintained with extensive lighting systems, but rain and fog often reduce visibility. Rural roads are less likely to be illuminated at night. Belgian rules for right-of-way differ from those in the U.S., and new drivers should thoroughly understand these rules before driving in Belgium. For instance, traffic coming from the right generally has priority at uncontrolled intersections and roundabouts, even if coming from a smaller street. ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive. In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries for more information. Belgian police also conduct breath analysis checks for alcohol use, particularly at night and during major holidays. Speed Limits in Belgium:
Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive. Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries. The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant. If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and call from there. Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts. Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels. Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs). Roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available in English from Touring Mobilis, tel: 0900 10280. Belgian police will also provide information on road conditions, tel: 02-642-6666. For additional general information about road safety including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html. For specific information concerning Belgian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Belgian National Tourist Organization offices in New York, tel: 212-758-6130 or via the Internet at http://www.visitbelgium.com. |
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| Medical Care | Top of Page | ||
Good medical facilities with modern diagnostic equipment and well-trained physicians are widely available in Belgium. The large university hospitals can provide adequate care for complex medical problem.Hospitals in Brussels and Flemish-speaking Flanders will probably have English-speaking staff; however, hospitals in French-speaking Wallonia may not have staff members who are fluent in English. The Embassy's Consular Section maintains a list of English-speaking doctors, which can be found on the Embassy website at http://brussels.usembassy.gov/medical_doctors.html We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced ("out of system provider") rate. Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation. Read our article on
travel
insurance to learn the factors
that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a
travel related insurance policy. |
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