Belgium

Recommended Vaccinations For Belgium

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in areas where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities).

Recommended Medications For Belgium

There are no recommendations for Belgium at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Belgium

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a potential risk for this disease in this country, although it is low for travellers.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

**Rabies has not been reported in Belgium and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**

Safety & Security in Belgium

Personal Safety

Belgium has moderate crime levels focused on petty theft rather than violent crime. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur frequently in Brussels, particularly at major train stations including Gare du Midi, Gare du Nord, and Gare Centrale. The Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam and Brussels-London train routes see frequent theft incidents, with criminals often working in teams of two or three to distract victims. Tourist attractions like Brussels’ Grand Place, Rue Neuve, and major shopping areas attract thieves. Vehicle-related theft has increased, with smash-and-grab crimes happening even at traffic lights. Thieves on motorbikes break car windows to snatch valuables from seats when vehicles are stationary. Drug-related gang violence involving shootings and stabbings has increased in Brussels and Antwerp since 2023, particularly linked to port trafficking operations. While tourists are not typically targeted, being in the wrong place at wrong time poses risks. Brussels has higher crime rates than other Belgian cities like Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp. Violent crime at night by intoxicated younger people under 25 has become more common after 22:00, particularly in commercial districts with bars and nightclubs. Tourist scams are common around popular attractions, including taxi overcharging, incorrect change, and distraction tactics like spilling items on victims.

Extreme Violence

Belgium maintains a national threat level at 3 out of 4, meaning serious threat. In October 2023, a shooting in Brussels killed two Swedish nationals, prompting authorities to temporarily raise the threat level to 4 before lowering it back to 3. This followed the October 2023 incident where a 45-year-old Tunisian man shot Swedish football supporters, claiming the action was in response to Quran burnings in Sweden. The Islamic State claimed responsibility. In November 2022, a police officer was killed and another injured in a stabbing attack in Brussels. The March 2016 Brussels bombings killed 32 civilians and injured over 300 when Islamic State suicide bombers attacked Brussels Airport and Maalbeek metro station. In May 2018, an ISIS-linked attack in Liege killed two police officers and a civilian. Belgian authorities track approximately 660 people for terrorism links as of 2023, down from 700 in 2022. Belgian police have successfully disrupted various attack plots and made numerous arrests in recent years. Crowded places including music events, cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping centers, transport hubs, and sporting events are considered possible targets. The country hosts EU and NATO institutions, making it symbolically significant. Belgium had approximately 440 nationals who left for Syria and Iraq as foreign fighters, one of the highest per capita rates in Western Europe.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and strikes occur frequently in Belgium, particularly in Brussels around the Schuman area (EU quarter) and transport hubs. Most demonstrations are peaceful, but risks of unrest or violence exist. Violence has also followed major sporting fixtures. In January 2025, 30,000 people protested in Brussels against pension reforms proposed by the incoming federal government. National strikes were planned monthly starting March 2025 to protest austerity measures including pension reforms and public sector cuts. Between January and September 2024, 1,292 protests took place in Belgium, with 1,258 occurring peacefully and 34 involving police intervention. Pro-Palestinian protests have seen restrictions, with some banned or limited including restrictions on Palestinian flags and symbols. In May 2024, a pro-Palestinian university encampment was forcibly evicted and students received police summonses. In October 2024, two journalists were detained for nine hours while covering an environmental protest in Antwerp. Demonstrations by farmers can block major roads and cause traffic delays. Climate protests face restrictions, with 14 Greenpeace activists detained in May 2023 after occupying an LNG terminal in Zeebrugge. Belgium formed a new government in February 2025 after over seven months of negotiations following June 2024 elections. The coalition includes plans for significant budget deficit reduction and austerity measures.

Areas To Avoid

In Brussels, specific neighborhoods have higher crime rates and should be approached with caution, particularly at night. Molenbeek (Sint-Jans-Molenbeek) is one of Brussels’ most densely populated areas with over 100,000 residents and has experienced security issues. Other areas to be cautious in after dark include Schaerbeek, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Anderlecht, Marollen, and Anneessens. The area around Gare du Nord includes a red light district on Rue d’Aerschot and Rue de Brabant, known for sex shops, strip clubs, and prostitution, with increased petty crime and drug activity visible. Gare du Midi (South Station) sees higher rates of pickpocketing and mugging. The area is generally safe during the day but caution is advised at night. Increased police presence and surveillance have been deployed in high-risk neighborhoods and transport hubs. In Antwerp, drug trafficking through the North Sea port has led to gang-related violence including shootings and bombings in the city and its suburbs. Ostend port area also sees criminal activity related to contraband trafficking. Cities like Charleroi and Liege have higher crime rates, and walking alone after dark is not recommended. Bruges, Ghent, Leuven, and Mechelen are considered safer with lower crime rates. Most tourist sites in Brussels like the Grand Place can be visited safely during the day.