Health Advice

Health Advice for Belgium

Belgium is considered to be a safe country to visit, and no inoculations are required to enter the country. While the standard of healthcare in Belgium is very good, it is also expensive. Nationals from some countries, including the UK  can receive emergency care at a reduced price, a European Health Insurance Card is required. It is highly recommended that travellers obtain full health insurance for the full duration of their stay.

Serious crime in Belgium is fairly low but visitors and travellers should be aware that as in most cities, street crime can be a problem, especially muggings, bag snatching and pick pocketing. Special care should be taken around the port and dock areas in Antwerp, areas around the bus stations and on public transport in Brussels, and certain areas in the southern cities of Charleroi and Liege.

Be sure to make copies of important documents such as passports, birth certificates, credit cards, driver’s license etc. and store them separately when you are out and about. Carrying large amounts of cash is also inadvisable, as is dressing or behaving inappropriately, especially late at night. As a rule of thumb, the best way to stay safe is to blend in, not take unnecessary risks, and respect local knowledge on where to go and not to go.

Belgium, like many other countries in Europe, has suffered a few indiscriminate terrorist attacks over the years. As home to the EU and NATO, Brussels may present a slightly higher risk than some other European countries, so it always pays to use common sense and to remain alert when travelling anywhere. Before you travel it is advisable to visit the government website in the country where you live to check on the latest travel alerts.

Emergency telephone number for the Police is 101, for medical emergencies 100 and for distress call from a mobile phone dial 112