Brussels Travel Advice

Threat level: Medium-High

COVID-19 Situation in Brussels

Belgium is on the UK government's amber list of countries that pose a COVID-19 risk, which means that travellers should not go unless it is for essential, family or business reasons. On their return to the UK, travellers are required to fill in a passenger locator form, to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result before travelling, to quarantine at home for 10 days and to take a sequencing test on day 2 and day 8 after their arrival.

Belgium has implemented a traffic light system identifying high, medium and low risk regions. Since the 26th of June, non-essential travel to and from Belgium is prohibited for UK travellers. Travellers that are allowed entry must complete a Passenger Locator Form before travel, self-isolate for 10 days. Travellers who are not residents must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and take a sequencing test on Day 1 and Day 7 of arrival in Belgium.

Belgium has introduced a plan to relax COVID-19 restrictions in stages. Shops, museums, animal parks, swimming pools have reopened, as well as restaurant, bar and cafe terraces terraces with a limit of 8 people per table.

The use of facemasks is mandatory on public transport, in indoor public places, in busy shopping streets where the 1.5 metres social distance can't be respected and in bars and restaurants when not seated.

For more advice, refer to our healthcare section.

The travel advice for Brussels is that tourists are advised to reamin cautious, the city is on high alert after a number of terror attacks both in the city and across Belgium. Security and military presence has been stepped up in an effort to improve the safety and well being of its citizens. Brussels is the centre of European Union activity and as such is a bustling hub of political, administrative and tourist activity.

Providing travel advice for Brussels is heeded and travellers ensure their personal belongings are safe, trips to the Brussels should be without any issues. There is lots to enjoy in the city which is rich in culture, including the Grand Place, Brussels Zoo and an array of parks, monuments and buildings.

If you are interested in instructing Security or Bodyguard Services in Brussels, Intelligent Protection International Limited have a decade of experience in providing these services. Please see our page Bodyguard Services in Belgium for more details.

Recent Security Risk Events
On the 25th of August 2017 on the Boulevard Emile Jacqmain in the centre of Brussels, Soldiers shot dead a man trying to attack them with a machete. Belgium's federal prosecutor's office said the attacker had not been "known for terrorist activities" but had shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the attack. The attacker was identified as a 36-year-old Moroccan national, named by local media as Oussama Zariouh.

On the 20th of June 2017 a Morrocan man, from Moenbeek in Morroco, wearing an "explosive belt" was shot by Police or Military, at Brussels Central station. There was an explosion near the man, said to be a backpack that exploded. Brussels Central was evacuated, with rail services from the station suspended for a time. Grand Place, a major tourist site which lies about 200m (656ft) was also evacuated. The suspect died at the scene.

Three suicide bombers caused widespread devastation across Belgium’s capital in March 2016, killing 32 civilians. Considered the deadliest terrorist attack in the country, it is believed that it was linked to the Paris attacks that hit France in 2015. ISIS claimed responsibility for both. As two of the bombs exploded in the airport, all air travel to and from the city was temporarily suspended and the head office for the European Commission was on lockdown. It took over a month for the airport’s departure hall to reopen again and then was only partial, due to the extensive damage. Brussels and the rest of the country remain on high alert.

Security Risks
After a number of attacks across Belgium including most recently to the south of the city in Charleroi, the city of Brussels has seen an increase in military personnel across the city. Tourists planning on visiting the capital city should remain on high alert at all times and be wary of any suspicious behaviour.

The major train stations in Brussels experience relatively high levels of theft, particularly Brussels Gare du Midi which is the Eurostar entry. Thieves will target such areas as they know there are large volumes of tourists passing through, who often carry valuable goods. It is advised that you keep your personal belongings close and safe at all times.

There are a number of ways to get around the city, with many favouring the efficient and speedy metro system which runs between 6am and midnight. Stations are characterised by their white M symbol on a blue background situated above the station.

Tickets for public transport are typically valid for one hour and can be bought at metro stations, STIB/MIVB kiosks, newsagents and on buses and trams. You must ensure that your ticket is validated before travel commences, this can be done via machines at metro stations or when boarding buses or trams. Invalidated tickets can lead to fines of up to €55.

Brussels is not an easy city to cycle around at present as tram tracks, cobblestone pathways and impatient drivers continue to cause issues to cyclists. There are plans to make the city more bicycle friendly including the introduction of bicycle lanes.

If you wish to carry your bike on a tram or metro, you must purchase a bike pass (€15 for a year). Even then, you are not permitted to ride trams or metros with them during rush hour (7am-9am and 4pm-6.30pm).

Driving your own vehicle around the city can often be slow, as roads frequently get congested particularly during peak times. If you wish to park your car on the street, payment is required most of the time. Check this before you leave your vehicle as breaching parking terms can lead to fines.

Emergency services operator: 112
Police emergency: 101
Red Cross ambulance: 105
Fire emergency: 100
Medical emergency: 100

Official languages: Dutch, French and German
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro
Time now in Brussels:

Medical information: St Pierre Hospital, Brussels
Brussels police: Police services and information for Brussels
Tourist information: Visit Brussels

British Embassy Brussels
Avenue d’Auderghem 10
1040 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2287 6211
Email: public.brussels@fco.gov.uk

US Embassy Brussels
Bd du Regentlaan 25
1000 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2811 4000
Email: UScitizenBrussels@state.gov

French Embassy Brussels
Rue Ducale 65
1000 Bruxelles
Telephone: +32 2548 8711

German Embassy Brussels
Rue Jacques de Lalaingstraat 8-14
1040 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2787 1800

Dutch Embassy in Brussels
Kortenberglaan 4-10
1040 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2679 1711
Email: bru@minbuza.nl

For further embassy information and locations please see our live travel map below.

The healthcare system in Brussels and across Belgium is thought to be one of the best in Europe but all citizens will have medical insurance. EU nationals will be able to use their EHIC card and receive the same treatment as Belgium nationals but this often means treatment is paid for then claimed back from insurers. You should purchase adequate travel and health insurance.

There are no hospitals specifically for foreign tourists but generally many doctors are able to communicate adequately in English. St Pierre Hospital in the centre of Brussels is considered a hospital where treatment in English is possible.