Belgium Holidays
North Sea coastline, seaside towns, and sandy beaches along the Belgian shore. Get flights and travel tips for your Belgium trip.
Today
Weather in Belgium
Thu
Fri
Sat
SPF level in Belgium
Autumn
SPF 15
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Belgium
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You can travel to Belgium without a visa for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Be prepared to show a return or onward ticket at Belgian border control.
Be prepared to show you have enough money for your stay at Belgian border control.
You may need to register your fingerprints and a photo at a special booth when you first enter the Schengen area under the new Entry/Exit System.
Good to know:
If travelling with children aged 17 or under, carry proof of your relationship such as a birth certificate, especially if you have a different surname.
You must declare if you are carrying currency worth 10,000 euros or more when entering or leaving Belgium.
Safety in Belgium
Belgium is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas, so take care of your baggage and passports.
Never leave luggage unattended on trains, as it can be stolen from carriage racks just before doors close.
Only use official, licensed taxis and do not get into taxis that stop to offer rides.
You must carry your passport with you at all times.
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you are using hands-free equipment.
Bonus tips:
Thieves on motorbikes can break car windows and snatch valuables when your vehicle is stopped at traffic lights.
It is illegal for people aged under 16 to use electric scooters, except in a few designated areas.
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Driving in Belgium
A valid UK driving license is required. Ensure you have the necessary vehicle insurance and documentation.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Belgium drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Belgium
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), it will be valid during your trip. These cards allow you to access state-provided healthcare in Belgium on the same basis as a Belgian citizen. However, it's still advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance as EHIC/GHIC may not cover all costs, including repatriation.
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into Belgium from the UK. However, it's always recommended to ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalized advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in major establishments, hotels, and larger shops, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Belgium
Tipping is generally appreciated in Belgium for good service, but it's not mandatory as service charges are often included in the bill. Rounding up is common.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included or was exceptional. Round up if service is included.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount (e.g., €1-2) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 5-10% for good service.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per night, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free EU roaming no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Belgium. Many providers offer daily roaming packages. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for longer stays to avoid high roaming costs.
Local SIM
10 GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Belgium
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces, particularly in major cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Belgium has good internet coverage. WiFi is readily available in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Mobile data is also reliable.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
101
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Belgium
Country code
32
To call Belgium from abroad, dial 32 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Avenue d'Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Phone
+32 (0)2 287 62 11
Website
Brussels Airport
Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Liege Airport
Ostend-Bruges International Airport
Antwerp International Airport
Kortrijk Airport
Recent updates
Safety
The alert about ongoing education sector strikes and a demonstration around Brussels Central station has been removed.
Police advice to avoid the area around Brussels Central train station is no longer in effect.
The instruction to follow updates from Police Brussels on X is no longer listed.
The specific air traffic controller strike affecting airports on Tuesday 2 June between 2pm and 9pm has been removed.
A new, ongoing demonstration around Brussels Central station is now mentioned. Police advise avoiding the area.
Information on strikes has been updated to include ongoing strikes in the French-speaking education sector.
The planned national strike for 12 May has ended, along with warnings of related severe public transport disruption, cancelled international flights, and a large demonstration in Brussels.
A new air traffic controller strike is now affecting Belgian airports between 2pm and 9pm on Tuesday 2 June.
The list of past general strikes now includes the event on 12 May 2026.
Entry Requirements
If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, you must now allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
If you believe your EES record is incorrect or you are exempt, you can now approach border officials at your next Schengen crossing to request a correction.
Getting Help
Download the 112 BE app for direct contact with Belgian ambulance, fire and police services.
The app helps responders identify your location and personal details.
Beaches in Belgium
Albertstrand
Klein Strand
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.