Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / Belgium
Level published by the State Department on 22.07.2026 · read 13 October 2026 · source checked daily
Belgium — official level as of 13 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, USD 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
near Rue des Chartreux - Kartuizersstraat
near Rue de Ribaucourt - de Ribaucourtstraat
near Rue du Méridien - Middaglijnstraat
near Chaussée de Wavre - Waverse Steenweg
orthopaedics
near Rue Marcel Mariën - Marcel Mariënstraat
near Avenue d'Auderghem - Oudergemlaan
near Avenue d'Auderghem - Oudergemlaan
general
near Rue Marie-Christine - Maria-Christinastraat
near Rue Wayez - Wayezstraat
near Boulevard de Smet de Naeyer - de Smet de Naeyerlaan
near Rue Berthelot - Berthelotstraat
near Avenue d'Auderghem - Oudergemlaan
near Avenue de la Chevalerie - Ridderschapslaan
gynaecology
"by appointment"
near Boulevard Guillaume Van Haelen - Guillaume Van Haelenlaan
near Boulevard Guillaume Van Haelen - Guillaume Van Haelenlaan
near Boulevard Guillaume Van Haelen - Guillaume Van Haelenlaan
near Rue du Marché aux Poulets - Kiekenmarkt
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:30-19:00
near Rue du Marché aux Poulets - Kiekenmarkt
Mo-Fr 09:30-18:00; Sa 10:30-16:00
near Rue des Fripiers - Kleerkopersstraat
near Place Saint-Géry - Sint-Goriksplein
near Boulevard Anspach - Anspachlaan
Mo-Sa 09:00-19:00
near Rue du Colombier - Duivenkotstraat
Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00
near Rue de Cureghem - Kuregemsestraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 09:00-13:00
near Rue de Tournai - Doornikstraat
near Rue Ravenstein - Ravensteinstraat
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:30; Sa,Su,PH off
near Rue du Progrès - Vooruitgangstraat
Mo-Fr 07:30-18:30; Sa 09:00-18:00
near Rue Emile Sergijsels - Emile Sergijselsstraat
near Rue Thérésienne - Theresianenstraat
Mo-Fr 08:00-19:00; Sa 10:00-18:00
near Chaussée de Louvain - Leuvensesteenweg
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30
near Rue de Brabant - Brabantstraat
near Place Bara - Baraplein
Mo-Fr 08:30-18:30; Sa 09:00-12:30
near Rue Joseph II - Jozef II-straat
near Galerie de la Porte Louise - Galerij van de Louizapoort
Mo-Fr 08:30-19:00; Sa 09:45-19:00
near Rue Haute - Hoogstraat
Mo-Fr 08:30-18:30; Sa 09:00-12:00
near Galerie Toison d'Or - Galerij Toison d’Or
near Rue Blaes - Blaesstraat
near Place Marcel Broodthaers - Marcel Broodthaersplein
Mo-Fr 07:30-19:00
near Avenue Louise - Louizalaan
Mo-Sa 09:00-19:00
near Rue d'Écosse - Schotlandstraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:30-13:00
near Rue Braemt - Braemtstraat
Mo-Fr 08:30-19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00
near Avenue Joseph Baeck - Joseph Baecklaan
near Chaussée de Haecht - Haachtsesteenweg
Mo-Fr 10:00-19:00; Sa 10:00-14:00
near Rue Jourdan - Jourdanstraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-13:00,14:00-18:30; Sa 09:00-12:30; Su off
near Boulevard du Jubilé - Jubelfeestlaan
near Rue Vanderschrick - Vanderschrickstraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00
near Parvis Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillisvoorplein
near Chaussée de Charleroi - Charleroise Steenweg
Mo-Fr 08:30-19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00
near Avenue Carton de Wiart - Carton de Wiartlaan
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00,14:00-18:30; Sa 09:00-12:00
near Rue du Conseil - Raadstraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-13:00,14:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-12:30
near Place Jef Mennekens - Jef Mennekensplaats
Mo-Fr 08:30-12:30,13:15-18:00; Sa 08:30-12:00
near Rue de Pavie - Paviastraat
Mo-Fr 08:30-13:00,14:00-19:00; Sa 09:15-13:00
near Rue Eugène Smits - Eugène Smitsstraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-13:00,14:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00,14:00-18:00; Su off
near Rue Drootbeek - Drootbeekstraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-13:00,13:30-19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00
near Avenue Seghers - Segherslaan
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00
near Place Jourdan - Jourdanplein
Mo-Fr 08:30-19:00; Sa 09:00-12:30
near Rue Froissart - Froissartstraat
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30
near Rue Ducale - Hertogstraat
near Square de Meeûs - de Meeûssquare
near Avenue de Cortenbergh - Kortenberglaan
near Rue du Rempart des Moines - Papenvest
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00; PH off
near Avenue De Roovere - De Rooverelaan
near Chaussée de Gand - Steenweg op Gent
near Rue de Livourne - Livornostraat
near Rue Arthur Diderich - Arthur Diderichstraat
near Avenue Louis Lepoutre - Louis Lepoutrelaan
near Avenue Georges Rodenbach - Georges Rodenbachlaan
24/7
near Rue d'Angleterre - Engelandstraat
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-13 4.8 · 10-14 4.6 · 10-15 4.3 · 10-16 4.0 · 10-17 4.2 · 10-18 4.2 · 10-19 4.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.
No news located around Brussels in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Belgium. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Belgium.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Belgium. If rabies exposures occur while in Belgium, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
Avoid bug bites Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is not recommended. Country entry requirements: Vaccine is not required. Updated April 23, 2025
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
Low incidence, comparable to Europe.
High coverage.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 13.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French
Les soins médicaux sont assurés. Pour les traitements médicaux, la carte européenne d’assurance maladie (CEAM) doit être présentée. Institution commune LAMal Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. Notez toutefois que de nombreux pays appliquent des réglementations restrictives. Cela vaut en particulier, mais pas exclusivement, pour les médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (par exemple la méthadone) et les substances utilisées pour le traitement des troubles psychiques. Avant votre départ, renseignez-vous directement auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur ce sujet ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 18.03.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
L’encéphalite à tique (TBE) est une maladie virale transmise par la morsure de tiques infestées, surtout au printemps et en été. La consommation de lait cru ou de produits laitiers contaminés est aussi un mode de transmission bien que plus rare.
Les symptômes se présentent généralement en deux phases : d’abord un syndrome grippal associant fièvre, fatigue et courbatures puis des troubles neurologiques graves tels que méningite ou encéphalite (maux de tête, paralysie et confusion).
Il n’existe pas de traitement et la prise en charge est uniquement symptomatique. La prévention repose sur la protection contre les piqures de tiques et la vaccination en cas de séjour en zone rurale ou boisée. Il est recommandé de se renseigner avant son départ auprès de son médecin traitant ou d’un centre de vaccinations internationales.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site Santé Publique France et le site du ministère de la Santé .
OTAN
Siège de l'OTAN
Boulevard Léopold III
1110 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : (32) 2 727 90 04
Représentation permanente de la France au Conseil de l’OTAN
Réseaux sociaux
-
X
UE
14 place de Louvain
1000 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : +32 2 229 82 11
Représentation permanente de la France auprès de l’Union européenne
Réseaux sociaux
-
X
-
-
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Belgium .
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .
For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Belgian Embassy in the UK .
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Belgium where some staff will speak English.
There is a fee for non-emergency medical consultations and prescriptions. You may be able to recover this money through your travel insurance.
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Belgium, you need a Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Belgium .
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (09.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (18.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: Latest update: New information about demonstrations and strike action on 9 and 12 October (‘Safety and security’ page).
Updated 22.07.2026
Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to crime , terrorism , and unrest .
10-13 4.8 · 10-14 4.6 · 10-15 4.3 · 10-16 4.0 · 10-17 4.2 · 10-18 4.2 · 10-19 4.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 3 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
The security page lists no red or orange area.France Diplomatie ↗updated 18.03.2026 · read 13.10.2026
- Présentation de la Belgique
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dernière actualisation le 18/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
Le territoire belge est placé en vigilance normale.
Le niveau d’alerte terroriste pour l’ensemble du pays fixé par les autorités locales est actuellement de niveau 2 (menace considérée comme peu vraisemblable).
Il est recommandé de se conformer en toutes occasions aux instructions des autorités locales et en particulier de faire preuve de vigilance dans les transports publics, les lieux les plus fréquentés et aux abords des institutions internationales, nombreuses à Bruxelles.
En cas d’urgence, composer le 112.
Il convient d’être extrêmement vigilant vis-à-vis des pickpockets qui sévissent régulièrement dans les gares de Bruxelles, plus particulièrement dans celle de Bruxelles-Midi, gare d’arrivée des trains "Thalys" Paris/Bruxelles/Amsterdam.
Les voyageurs sont invités à surveiller très attentivement leurs effets personnels lors de l’accès ou de la sortie du train, durant l’attente dans les halls de ces gares et sur les quais des stations de métro attenantes, ainsi que dans les cafés et restaurants, dans la gare et les lieux environnants.
COPS
14 place de Louvain
1000 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : (32) 2 229 86 00
Représentation de la France auprès du Comité politique et de sécurité de l’Unio…
OTAN
Siège de l'OTAN
Boulevard Léopold III
1110 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : (32) 2 727 90 04
Représentation permanente de la France au Conseil de l’OTAN
Réseaux sociaux
-
X
UE
14 place de Louvain
1000 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : +32 2 229 82 11
Représentation permanente de la France auprès de l’Union européenne
Réseaux sociaux
-
X
-
-
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 18.03.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été publiés avec des modifications marginales. (published 24.09.2026)
Les voyages en Belgique sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. Bruxelles est le siège de l’OTAN et des principales institutions de l’Union européenne. Lors de manifestations, des affrontements violents entre les manifestants et les forces de l'ordre peuvent se produire sporadiquement. Evitez les manifestations de tout genre et suivez les instructions des autorités locales. En cas de grève, des perturbations et des retards des transports publics sont à prévoir surtout à Bruxelles et dans son agglomération. Les autorités belges font référence à la menace d'attentats terroristes. Faites preuve de prudence, en particulier dans les lieux fréquentés, tels que:
Suivez les recommandations des autorités locales. L’Organe de Coordination pour l’Analyse de la Menace Centre de crise national: actualités Centre de crise national: terrorisme et extrémisme La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements
Des vols à l'arraché ont lieu, notamment à proximité des gares de grandes villes et de centres touristiques. À Bruxelles et à Anvers, les taux de criminalité peuvent fortement varier d'un quartier à l'autre. La criminalité en bande est en augmentation. Dans certains quartiers de la ville, les affrontements ont parfois lieu entre différentes bandes criminelles, au cours desquels des armes à feu sont également utilisées. Observez les précautions d'usage contre la petite délinquance, ainsi que les informations et conseils de la police belge. Police belge
De fortes pluies peuvent provoquer des inondations ainsi que des glissements de terrain et endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut s’en trouver temporairement perturbée. Il existe un risque d’incendie de forêt à de nombreux endroits. Centre de crise national: Risques naturels be alert
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 13.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause disruption.
A large-scale demonstration is planned on Friday 9 October and a strike on Monday 12 October. This will affect public transport and other public services. Flights have been cancelled at Brussels Airport on 9 October. For the latest information, see the website of Brussels Airport.
The demonstration will take place in central Brussels on 9 October.
Monitor local news and check with your provider regarding potential delays and closures. Always check with your travel operator for the latest updates. Read more information about demonstrations and strikes on the Safety and security page .
General strikes took place on 31 March, 29 April,14 October, 26 November, 15 December 2025 and 12 March and 12 May 2026. Strike action may be announced at short notice.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Belgium.
Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals such as:
You should be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities.
There have been some high-profile terrorist attacks across Belgium. The main threat is from extremists linked to Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL). Previous incidents have included fatal attacks against civilians and law enforcement:
The Belgian authorities have successfully disrupted various attack plans, making a number of arrests in recent years. The Belgian government has set the national threat level at 3 ‘Serious’. You can expect to see an increased police presence, and additional safety measures may be in place. Be aware of your surroundings and follow the advice of local authorities.
Demonstrations and strikes often take place in major cities, particularly in transport hubs and around the Schuman area (EU quarter) in Brussels.
Most demonstrations are peaceful, but there is a risk of unrest or violence. There has also been violence following major sporting fixtures. Demonstrations by farmers can block major roads and delay traffic. Demonstrations in the Schuman area can affect access to the British Embassy and the British Consulate General.
Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause severe travel disruption across the country and affect international travel. Strike action may be announced at short notice and planned strike action may be extended at short notice. Strikes can coincide with demonstrations and protests.
For regular updates on any disruption, check local news and follow advice given by your travel provider. If you are in areas where large gatherings are taking place, remain vigilant and move away quickly if there are signs of disorder. Avoid protests, expect delays on some major roads and follow the advice of the authorities.
For information on travel in Belgium, visit:
- Belgian Railways (train and metro travel)
- Brussels , Walloon and Flemish (regional public transport)
For international travel, visit:
In the event of a security incident or any emergency, or if police carry out security operations at short notice, follow the instructions of the Belgian authorities.
You can:
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Belgium - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2026-07-22travel.state.gov ↗updated 22.07.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to crime , terrorism , and unrest .
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise a high degree of caution
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 9, 2026 09:37 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
Local authorities may ask you to show them appropriate identification at any time.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Belgium. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Belgium, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Belgian court. If you are in this situation:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in Belgium. You should carry an international driving permit. If you have obtained residence status in Belgium, your Canadian driver’s license will no longer be valid. You may convert your Canadian license to a Belgian licence before the date of expiry if it was issued by one of the following provinces:
You can exchange the license in the municipality where you reside.
The currency of Belgium is the euro (EUR). If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies or monetary instruments, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country. EU Cash Controls – European Commission
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 9, 2026 09:37 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
You must carry your passport with you at all times.
It is illegal to wear clothing that hides your face partially or completely (for example, the burka and niqab) in public places. You risk a fine of up to 137 euros and detention for up to 7 days. There is no exemption for tourists.
Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are serious offences and can lead to a minimum 3-month prison sentence, long jail terms, or heavy fines. You should expect severe penalties even when transiting through the airport. Airports in Belgium have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
When visiting WW1 battlefields in north-west Belgium, stay on the footpaths and be cautious if you see anything that looks like shells or munitions. Unexploded shells have recently been uncovered. Move away from the site and report incidents to the police.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Vous trouverez des informations sur les règles de la circulation routière , notamment sur le taux d'alcoolémie autorisé, sous: Code de la route Belgium.be: drogue et alcool Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants , y compris la détention de petites quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de peines de prison. Service Public Fédéral: Justice
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan.
Reading 00:00 (Europe/Brussels)Open-Meteo ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: Medical density comparable to Switzerland: the local network handles most cases; repatriation remains a question of convalescence and cost. Health spending of 5,931 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784): expensive care, settled directly by the insurer with the payment guarantee.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
- Présentation de la Belgique
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La Belgique étant membre de l’Union européenne, il suffit d’une carte nationale d’identité ou d’un passeport en cours de validité pour s’y rendre (pour de plus amples informations, consulter l’ambassade de Belgique à Paris).
Ces documents doivent être en cours de validité : la présentation d’une carte d’identité expirée ou d’un passeport périmé est susceptible d’entraîner une sanction financière de la part des autorités belges.
S’agissant de la carte d’identité française (dite 10 + 5) : la Belgique ne reconnaît pas la prorogation automatique des cartes d’identité sans modification de leur validité faciale. Sont concernées les cartes d’identité françaises émises entre le 2 janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2013, à des personnes majeures, et dont la validité a été prolongée automatiquement de 10 à 15 ans, sans que la date de leur expiration ait été modifiée.
Il est possible de rapporter en franchise tout produit acquis (toutes taxes comprises) dans un autre pays de l’Union européenne, et ce pour autant qu’il soit destiné à un usage personnel et qu’il ne s’agisse pas de véhicules.
La notion d’usage personnel exclut, notamment, toute possibilité d’usage commercial.
Ainsi, s’il s’agit de marchandises frappées d’accises, des limites indicatives (susceptibles de modifications) ont toutefois été fixées : par exemple, 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigares, 1 kg de tabac à fumer, 110 litres de bière, 90 litres de vin - dont 60 litres au maximum de vin mousseux -, 20 litres d’apéritifs, 10 litres de spiritueux, etc.
Attention : le voyageur de retour d’une zone appartenant à un pays de l’Union européenne mais bénéficiant d’un régime particulier en matière de TVA ou d’accises (par exemple : les Canaries, les îles anglo-normandes, la Martinique, la Guadeloupe) est soumis aux conditions applicables aux voyageurs en provenance d’un Etat non-membre de l’Union européenne. En outre, des mesures transitoires sont d’application pour les nouveaux Etats membres de l’UE. Plus d’informations : https://diplomatie.belgium.be/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/douane
COPS
14 place de Louvain
1000 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : (32) 2 229 86 00
Représentation de la France auprès du Comité politique et de sécurité de l’Unio…
OTAN
Siège de l'OTAN
Boulevard Léopold III
1110 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : (32) 2 727 90 04
Représentation permanente de la France au Conseil de l’OTAN
Réseaux sociaux
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X
UE
14 place de Louvain
1000 Bruxelles
Belgique
Tel : +32 2 229 82 11
Représentation permanente de la France auprès de l’Union européenne
Réseaux sociaux
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X
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Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 18.03.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Belgium set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Belgian Embassy in the UK .
If you’re travelling through Calais, check the travel advice for France .
Belgium follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual Citizenship .
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes Belgium, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
The requirements for working in Belgium are different.
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
At Belgian border control, you may also need to:
To stay longer, you must meet the Belgian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Belgian Embassy in the UK .
If you are in Belgium with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Read about entry processes if you live in Belgium .
The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 22.07.2026 · read 13.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Belgium.
What the texts say · Luggage has been stolen from the racks at the end of carriages in high-speed trains (TGV and Thalys), usually just before the doors close. Thieves, usually on motorbikes, can break a car window and snatch valuables from the front or back passenger seat when a vehicle is stationary at traffic lights.
What the texts say · It is illegal to wear clothing that hides your face partially or completely (for example, the burka and niqab) in public places. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are serious offences and can lead to a minimum 3-month prison sentence, long jail terms, or heavy fines.
What the texts say · Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.
What the texts say · Demonstrations and strikes often take place in major cities, particularly in transport hubs and around the Schuman area (EU quarter) in Brussels. Most demonstrations are peaceful, but there is a risk of unrest or violence.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 07.10.2026 · read 29.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 09.10.2026 · read 29.09.2026)
Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 3 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French
Le réseau routier est bien développé. Code de la route Des zones environnementales (zones à faibles émissions, LEZ) ont été mises en place à Anvers, Bruxelles et Gand. Seuls les véhicules respectant certaines normes d’émission y sont autorisés à circuler. L’enregistrement préalable est obligatoire pour tous les véhicules immatriculés à l’étranger. Ville de Bruxelles: Zone de basses émissions Ville de Gand: Zone de basses émissions Ville d'Anvers: Zone de basses émissions Transports publics: La Belgique dispose d'un réseau de transports publics développé, avec de nombreuses lignes de trains et de bus . Transports en commun
En Belgique, vous êtes tenu de pouvoir vous identifier avec votre passeport ou votre carte d’identité à tout moment.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — Medical density comparable to Switzerland: the local network handles most cases; repatriation remains a question of convalescence and cost. Health spending of 5,931 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784): expensive care, settled directly by the insurer with the payment guarantee.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
phone not published
https://ue.delegfrance.org/ ↗
phone not published
phone not published
https://bruxelles.consulfrance.org/ ↗
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
phone not published
phone not published
https://www.dfae.admin.ch/missions/mission ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
phone not published
https://www.eda.admin.ch/bruxelles ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Numéro d’urgence de la police: 101 Numéro d'urgence général: 112 Informations et services officiels Administration générale des douanes Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Centre consulaire régional Benelux à la Haye, Pays-Bas Ambassade de Suisse en Belgique Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d’entrée (documents d’identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l’importation et l’exportation d’animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
British passport — British embassy and consulates
phone not published
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/uk- ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
phone not published
https://be.usembassy.gov/ ↗updated 22.07.2026 · read 13.10.2026
phone not published
https://useu.usmission.gov/ ↗
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Download the 112 BE app , the official Belgian emergency app for ambulance, fire and police services. This allows you to contact emergency services directly and helps responders identify your location and personal details.
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.
| Help! | Help! |
| Call an ambulance! | Bel een ambulance! |
| I need a doctor. | Ik heb een dokter nodig. |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | Waar is het dichtstbijzijnde ziekenhuis? |
| Call the police! | Bel de politie! |
| I am allergic to penicillin. | Ik ben allergisch voor penicilline. |
| I have international medical insurance. | Ik heb een internationale ziektekostenverzekering. |
| I want to contact my embassy. | Ik wil contact opnemen met mijn ambassade. |
| Please take me to this address. | Breng me naar dit adres, alstublieft. |
| Do you speak English? | Spreekt u Engels? |
Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Health – editorial change
October 9, 2026 09:37 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 13 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 22.07 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 18.03 · read 13.10DFAE · updated 24.09 · read 13.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 18.03 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 07.10 · read 13.10State Department · updated 22.07 · read 13.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 18.03 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 07.10 · read 13.10State Department · updated 22.07 · read 13.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — $990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: single number 112 · police 101 · ambulance 100 · fire 100
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 18.03 · read 13.10OMS · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 07.10 · read 13.10
3.6 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
1.1 homicides per 100,000 people (2021) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 12.10DFAE · updated 24.09 · read 13.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 09.10 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 07.10 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 18.03 · read 13.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 09.10 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 07.10 · read 13.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 18.03 · read 13.10eda.admin.ch · updated 24.09 · read 13.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to CHF 20,000, special risk CHF 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Malawi · Maldives · Morocco · Mexico · Moldova · Mozambique
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Brussels. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Brussels
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