Europe
Is Belgium safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Belgium safe?
Mostly safe, but Brussels has more petty crime than its neighbours, especially phone snatching and pickpocketing around the main stations and on the metro.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-22.
- Homicide rate: 1.1 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 5.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 101 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Generally fine alone; street harassment is more common in Brussels, especially near stations at night. Ghent, Bruges and Leuven feel calmer.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpockets at Brussels stations and on the metro
- Brussels-Midi and Nord station areas feel unsafe at night
- Drug-gang violence in parts of Brussels rarely involves visitors
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.
Safety by place in Belgium
Quick answers
Is Belgium safe for tourists?
Mostly safe, but Brussels has more petty crime than its neighbours, especially phone snatching and pickpocketing around the main stations and on the metro.
Is Belgium safe for solo female travelers?
Generally fine alone; street harassment is more common in Brussels, especially near stations at night. Ghent, Bruges and Leuven feel calmer.
What is the emergency number in Belgium?
Police 101 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- 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
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.