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Weather & climate
Weather in Belgium
Belgium
22°
Overcast
Sat
14°
22°
Sun
14°
20°
Mon
8°
15°
Tue
6°
13°
Wed
10°
16°
Thu
7°
12°
Fri
7°
18°
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 do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Belgium.
Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Be prepared to show a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay at border control.
You must carry your passport with you at all times while in Belgium.
When entering the Schengen area, you may need to register biometric details such as fingerprints and a photo at the border, which can take extra time.
Good to know:
When travelling with children aged 17 or under, carry a birth certificate or court order to prove your relationship, especially if you have a different surname.
If you carry currency worth 10,000 euros or more, you must complete a disclosure form at customs.
Safety in Belgium
Tips when travelling
Belgium is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas and on public transport, particularly at major railway stations and at night.
Carry your passport with you at all times, as it is legally required for identification.
If driving, always have your driving licence, car registration, insurance, MOT certificate, and passport ready as you must carry them.
It is illegal to wear clothing like a burka or niqab that hides your face in public, with fines and detention possible for tourists.
Only use official, licensed taxis and avoid vehicles that stop to offer unsolicited rides.
Bonus tips:
In Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp, you must pre-register foreign vehicles online before entering the low emission zones.
When visiting WW1 battlefields, stay on footpaths and move away and report any unexploded shells or munitions you see.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
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
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
Dutch(primary)
French
German
UK Embassy
British Embassy Brussels
Avenue d'Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
8 days ago
Travel disruption
- A national strike is now planned for 12 May, expected to cause severe disruption to public transport, wider services, and international flights.
- A large-scale demonstration is now also planned in central Brussels on 12 May.
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The guidance on when to take action has changed: you no longer need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry.
- You must now also allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The old rule to 'make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit' until EES is rolled out has been removed.
- Long-term residents of a Schengen country are now explicitly exempt from the Entry/Exit System (EES) in all Schengen countries.
Entry requirements
28 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.
Airports in Belgium
Beaches in Belgium
Frequently asked questions
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Belgium of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. For longer stays or other purposes (work, study), check the Belgian embassy's requirements.
Yes, tap water in Belgium is generally safe to drink. The water quality is high and meets EU standards. However, bottled water is also readily available if you prefer.
The best time to visit Belgium is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). The weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and prices for accommodation and flights are often lower. Summer (June-August) is also popular, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
Be aware of common scams such as pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, particularly in Brussels and Antwerp. Also, watch out for fake petitions or charity collections. It's always best to be cautious and keep your belongings secure.
The currency in Belgium is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major establishments, but it's useful to carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, and tipping.
Belgium has an excellent public transportation system, including trains, trams, and buses. Train travel is efficient for traveling between cities, while trams and buses are convenient for getting around within cities. Consider purchasing a travel pass if you plan to use public transport frequently.
There are no strict dress codes in Belgium for everyday situations. However, when visiting religious sites, such as churches, it's respectful to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. For dining in upscale restaurants or attending formal events, smart-casual attire is generally appropriate.
Belgium is known for its delicious food and drinks. Be sure to try Belgian fries (frites), waffles, chocolate, and beer. Popular dishes include Moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonade flamande (beef stew), and stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables).
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.