Belgium

Use High Level of Caution

Belgium is a country in northwest Europe between France and the Netherlands and bordering on the North Sea. The population is about 10,400,000. Belgium is a founding member of the European Union, and the European Union headquarters is located in Brussels.

Belgium's government is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The chief of state is a king, and the head of government is a prime minister.

Belgium is noted for its medieval architecture and atmosphere, especially in the city of Bruges. Ghent was once a medieval city to rival Paris. Some of the on-going challenges facing Belgium include an aging population, affordability of social security, integration of migrant workers, the issue of asylum seekers, and sustainable development.

Currency	Eur: Euro
Language	Dutch, French, and German
Capital	Brussels
Recent Alerts	3
Latest Alert	July 15, 2021 - Severe Flooding in Belgium and Luxembourg

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Belgium. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Lyme Disease Lyme disease is present in Belgium.
Hepatitis A There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.
Hepatitis B There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.
Rabies Rabies occurs in bats in this country.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis There is a potential risk for this disease in this country, although it is low for travellers.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Belgium.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Rabies Vaccine Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Belgium.

None required.

Safety and Security in Belgium

Emergency Numbers

112

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Belgium do not experience any safety or security risks. Violent crime in Belgium is low; however, petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs in airports, railway stations, on public transportation, and at major tourist sites. It is also becoming common for valuables to be snatched out of cars stopped at traffic lights. Travellers should ensure their valuables and travel documents are kept hidden and safe.

Belgium is a world leader in LBGTI rights. Same-sex sexual activity and marriage are both legal and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

Extreme Violence

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Belgium and future attacks cannot be ruled out. The Belgium government has a public alert system for terrorism. Monitor threat level changes on their website and through their social media platforms.

Political Unrest

Sitata reminds travellers to minimize risk by avoiding large public gatherings and demonstrations due to unpredictability of these situations.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 15, 2021