Europe
Belgium
Small and central, with great food and beer and fast trains to Paris, London and Amsterdam. Grey weather, a messy capital and a Dutch–French language split are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level81%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, E230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 101 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe, though many locals drink bottled; restaurants usually charge for water.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityVery accepting in law and daily life; Brussels and Antwerp have active scenes, and Belgian Pride fills Brussels in May.Details
- Internet142 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 140 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightEU licences are valid as they are; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their licence.
Where to go in Belgium
5 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Belgium
May–September for the mildest weather and festivals; December for Christmas markets. Rain is possible any month.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across the whole area; days spent in other Schengen countries count.
- The EU Entry/Exit System is live: non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face photo at first entry, so expect longer queues.
- ETIAS (a €20 online pre-travel authorisation) is not required yet; its start has been delayed, so check before travel.
- Staying over three months? Register at the town hall (commune/gemeente) of where you live.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or ID; police may ask for identification.
- Cannabis remains illegal, despite tolerance of small amounts for adults.
Etiquette
- Use Dutch in Flanders and French in Wallonia; English beats the wrong one
- One cheek kiss is a common greeting among friends
- Belgian beers are strong; each comes in its own glass
Tipping
Service is included; rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is enough.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Immigration Office (DOFI)
- SNCB/NMBS Belgian Railways
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- Speedtest Global Index: Belgium
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.