Belgium

EXPLORE BELGIUM Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 30,688 square kilometers   Capital: Brussels Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic)Population: Approximately 11.7 million Language: Dutch, French, GermanCurrency: Euro (EUR, €) Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–4:00 pm; some close for lunch Telephone/Communication: The country code is +32; widespread mobile and internet coverage Climate: Temperate maritime climate; cool summers, mild winters, frequent rain year-round.   VAT in Belgium Non-EU residence: Your permanent residence must be outside the EU, and you should be visiting Belgium for leisure purposes, planning to leave the EU after your trip. Export of goods: You must carry the purchased items in your personal luggage when you leave the EU, and this must occur within three months after the month in which the purchase was made. Minimum purchase amount: The total value of your eligible goods must exceed €125 per invoice or Tax-Free Form. You can potentially combine multiple invoices from the same retailer on the same day if they amount to at least €125.01. Personal use: The purchases must be for your personal use, not for business or commercial purposes. Documentation: You must obtain a Tax-Free Form or invoice from the retailer, keep the original sales receipt, and have your passport and travel documents readily available.  Travel Requirements Entry & Visa Passport   A valid U.S. passport is required. It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area. You must have issued it within the last 10 years. Visa No visa is required for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen Area (including Belgium). Your stay must not involve paid work. ETIAS (Coming Soon) Beginning in mid-2025, U.S. travelers must apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before entering Belgium or any Schengen country. This will be a simple online process, valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. Proof of Sufficient Funds & Accommodation (May Be Requested): Border officials may request the following documents: Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.) Proof of financial means for the stay Travel Insurance We strongly recommend travel medical insurance to cover potential healthcare costs in Europe, even though it’s not mandatory. Getting there from the US Traveling to Belgium from the United States is straightforward, with several major airlines offering direct and connecting flights. Brussels Airport (BRU) is the primary gateway into Belgium, about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the capital city. Direct Flights:Major U.S. cities such as New York (JFK), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD) offer nonstop flights to Brussels through airlines like United, Delta, American Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. Flight times typically range from 7 to 9 hours, depending on the departure city. Connecting Flights:If you’re flying from a smaller U.S. city, you may need to connect through major European hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, or London. Numerous carriers serve these routes and often provide flexible schedules and pricing options. Arrival & Transportation:Brussels Airport connects the city center and other Belgian cities via train, bus, and taxi. A train from the airport to Brussels Central Station takes about 20 minutes. High-speed trains also make connecting to nearby countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands easy. Travel Safety Tips Stay Alert in Crowded Areas. Pickpocketing can be common in busy tourist spots like Grand Place in Brussels, train stations, and popular festivals. Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying too much cash. Use Licensed Taxis or Public Transport. Avoid unlicensed taxis. Belgium has an excellent public transport system—trains, trams, and buses are safe and reliable. Watch Out for Bicycle Traffic. Many Belgian cities are bike-friendly, and cyclists have the right-of-way in many areas. Be cautious when crossing streets or opening car doors. Be Careful at Night. While Belgian cities are generally safe, staying in well-lit, populated areas at night is best. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated places. Know Emergency Numbers. The emergency number in Belgium is 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Avoid Political Demonstrations. Belgium can have protests and strikes; avoiding large gatherings or demonstrations is wise to avoid unexpected disruptions. Check Local Travel Advisories. Stay updated on regional alerts, especially if traveling near borders or in crowded events. Health Precautions. Tap water is safe to drink in Belgium. Carry basic medication and health insurance details just in case. Secure Your Accommodation. Use hotel safes if available, and double-check doors and windows in your lodging. Respect Local Laws and Customs. For example, smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces, and there are strict rules on drug possession. Health Safety Tips VaccinationsNo special vaccinations are required for Belgium if you are coming from the US or Europe. However, being current on routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza is beneficial. Health Care QualityBelgium has high-quality healthcare facilities. Pharmacies are widespread; pharmacists can often provide advice without a doctor’s visit. Travel InsuranceAlways have travel health insurance covering medical emergencies and hospital stays abroad. Water and Food SafetyTap water is safe to drink throughout Belgium. Food standards are high, but still follow basic hygiene rules—wash your hands before eating and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach. MedicationBring any prescription medications with you in original packaging and a copy of the prescription. Over-the-counter medications are available in pharmacies. Allergies and Dietary NeedsBelgian cuisine is diverse but can include nuts, dairy, and gluten. If you have allergies, learn key phrases in French or Dutch to communicate your needs. Seasonal WeatherBelgium’s weather can be rainy and chilly, even in summer. Dress in layers and stay dry to avoid colds or flu. Sun ProtectionSummers can have sunny days, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when spending time outdoors. Emergency ServicesFor medical emergencies, call 112. Major cities have excellent hospitals with English-speaking staff. Mental HealthTraveling can be stressful. Take time to rest, stay hydrated, and maintain a balanced diet. Fun Facts Austria is known as the birthplace of classical music legends, producing world-famous composers such as Mozart, Haydn,