Welcome to Belgium

This small country packs a wallop when it comes to sightseeing – UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from the 14th to 20th century, medieval streets and canals in Bruges and Middle Ages architecture in Ghent and Mechelen.

Plus, there is all that glorious chocolate, mussels, chips … bring an appetite. Pull up a chair at an outdoor cafe to partake in some of the world’s finest beer, then hatch a plan to discover the caves, rivers, North Sea beaches, world-class museums and art galleries for which Belgium is known.

Unique Facts

• Belgium really does love its chocolate. The country produces more than 220,000 tons of chocolate per year.
• French-Belgians are responsible for much of the world’s famous comics – including the Smurfs, Spirou and Fantasio, Tintin, Asterix, Blake and Mortimer and others.
• The two most popular kinds of Belgian waffles are Brussesl and Liege. The Brussels variety is airier and less sweet, while the Liege variety is thick, rich and sugary.
• There are more than 1,000 types of beer brewed in Belgium, and each has its own special glass.
• The world’s smallest city – Durbuy – is in Belgium. Just 500 people live there.

Language

Belgium’s official languages are Dutch, German and French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Belgium is April to June or September to October.

Airports

Brussels Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for three months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Belgium: Measles and routine vaccinations. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and E. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Euro

Getting Around

The road network in Belgium is generally well built and well maintained. There is adequate lighting on major highways.

There are extensive public transportation networks in Brussels and most major cities. Trains, buses and ferries connect Brussels with other major cities in the country, as well as with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Brussels
27 Boulevard du Régent (the Consular Section is at 25 Boulevard du Régent)
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Telephone: +(32) (2) 811-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(32) (0) 2-811-4000
Fax: +(32) (2) 811-4546
UScitizenbrussels@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Office
rue Royale 2
1000 Brussels
Tel: + 32 (0)2 513 89 40
tourist@visit.brussels
www.visit.brussels

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 101
Fire, Ambulance: 100

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Belgium. Petty street crime includes robberies, smash-and-grab car robberies, purse snatchings and pickpocketing, especially in major cities, in public areas and on public transportation and in train stations. Theft from vehicles is common.