Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[32] (2) 811-4500; US Embassy Brussels, Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Régent, B-1000 Brussels; https://be.usembassy.gov/; uscitizenBrussels@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
32
Local Emergency Phone
112 (cell)/ 101
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; mild winters, cool summers, rainy, humid, cloudy
Currency (Code)
Euro (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
Dutch, French, German
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant and other Christian 2.5%, Muslim 5%, Jewish 0.4%, Buddhist 0.3%, atheist 9.2%, none 32.6%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Brussels (includes Grote Markt (Grand Place) and Saint-Cyr House); Brugge (includes Market Square and Basilica of the Holy Blood); Antwerp; Ghent; Waterloo
Major Sports
Soccer, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, badminton
Cultural Practices
Belgians dress conservatively. For business meetings, men should wear dark suits and ties. Women should wear suits, dresses or skirts and blouses.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping in restaurants is not expected because a 10-15% service charge is generally applied to a bill. Tips are not expected in taxis, but feel free to let your driver keep the change as a gratuity.
Souvenirs
Handmade lace, woven tapestries and rugs, diamonds, beer, chocolate, perfume, antiques
Traditional Cuisine
Moules-frites — fresh mussels cooked in olive oil and white wine with garlic, thyme, and shallots served with potato fries
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 05, 2023
