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Weather & climate
Weather in Belgium
Belgium
18°
Dense drizzle
Thu
12°
18°
Fri
13°
20°
Sat
11°
18°
Sun
6°
16°
Mon
6°
12°
Tue
4°
13°
Wed
6°
15°
SPF level in Belgium
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Belgium
What British travellers need to know
You can travel to Belgium without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or visiting friends and family.
Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before you arrive and an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Be prepared for border guards to possibly ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof you have enough money for your stay.
On arrival, be ready to follow directions to register your biometric details like fingerprints and a photo for the new Entry/Exit System, which may cause longer border waits, and your digital record will be valid for 3 years.
Currently, until the Entry/Exit System is fully rolled out, ensure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit to prove you have not overstayed the 90-day limit, and have evidence like boarding passes ready if a stamp is missing.
Good to know:
Adults travelling with children aged 17 or under to Belgium may need to carry a birth certificate or court order to prove their relationship, especially if they have a different surname.
You must declare any currency worth 10,000 euros or more to customs using a disclosure form when entering or leaving Belgium.
Safety in Belgium
Tips when travelling
Belgium is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your passport with you at all times.
Theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas, especially at major railway stations and on public transport.
Only use official, licensed taxis and do not get into taxis that stop to offer rides.
It is illegal to wear clothing that hides your face in public places, which can result in a fine or detention.
Be aware that drug use may be seen openly in train and metro stations across Brussels.
Bonus tips:
When driving, police use speed traps and cameras, and speeding can result in an on-the-spot fine.
The maximum speed limit for riding an electric scooter is 25kph and riding with a passenger is illegal.
More information
Driving in Belgium
A valid UK driving license is required. Ensure you have the necessary vehicle insurance and documentation.
Side of 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.
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
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
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Belgium
Country code
+32
To call a Brussels number 02 123 4567 from the UK, you would dial 00 32 2 123 4567.
The country code for Belgium is 32. The exit code from the UK is 00. Be mindful of time differences when calling, as Belgium operates on Central European Time (CET).
Languages in Belgium
UK Embassy
British Embassy Brussels
Avenue d'Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
6 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- EES is now being implemented across the Schengen area, replacing the previous phased rollout with a full operation date of 10 April 2026.
Passport validity
- Your passport's date of issue now must be less than 10 years before arrival. If renewed before 1 October 2018, it might be invalid for entry to the Schengen area.
Warnings and insurance
9 days ago
Strike action
- Specific upcoming rail strikes and a general strike for March 8-12, 2026 have been removed.
- The list of past general strikes now includes 12 March 2026.
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.