Practical Guide to Traveling in Belgium
Belgium, home to European Union and NATO institutions, is part of the Schengen Area and shares with the rest of the bloc the visa requirement for many nationalities, as well as the minimum medical insurance of 30,000 euros required from those who must apply for one.
Beyond Brussels, cities like Bruges and Ghent offer medieval canals and Gothic architecture without the crowds of other European capitals, making Belgium a comfortable stop within a wider trip across the continent.
Safety is generally good, although pickpocketing of wallets and phones is common around the Grand Place and Brussels Central Station, a detail that rarely appears in mainstream tourist guides.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Belgium is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays, while others are exempt under specific agreements. Check the requirement for your passport before traveling.
Health & travel insurance: Healthcare in Belgium is high quality, but a tourist without insurance pays directly for consultations and tests, with costs similar to other Western European countries.
Best time to travel
May to September offers the most stable weather, with moderate temperatures ideal for exploring Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent on foot. Winter is damp and gray, though the Christmas markets in December draw plenty of visitors despite the cold.
Typical entry requirements
- Passport valid for at least three months beyond departure from the Schengen Area.
- Short-stay Schengen visa with 30,000-euro medical insurance for those who require one.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the stay.
Safety in tourist areas
Minor pickpocketing is the most common risk for tourists, concentrated on public transport and busy areas such as the Grand Place. Violent crime against visitors is rare, but it is worth carrying digital copies of important documents.
Why travel medical insurance is worth it here
An Assist-365 plan covers both the Schengen visa requirement and an eventual medical consultation or the replacement of a stolen phone, depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote using the code MEDALLOADV2023 before your trip.
Travel checklist for Belgium
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Belgium.
- Check the visa requirement for Belgium based on your passport: Belgium is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays, while others are exempt under specific agreements. Check the requirement for your passport before traveling.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Healthcare in Belgium is high quality, but a tourist without insurance pays directly for consultations and tests, with costs similar to other Western European countries.
- Save Belgium's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Euro (EUR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
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Quick facts about Belgium
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Brussels |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Dutch, French, German |
| Best time | May to September |
| Emergency number | 112 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Belgium require the same insurance as other Schengen countries?
Yes, anyone who needs a Schengen visa must show medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros valid across the entire Schengen Area, not just Belgium.
Is it safe to visit Brussels at night?
Central tourist areas are reasonably safe at night, but it's best to avoid displaying valuables and stay alert to pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Do I need to speak French or Dutch to travel around Belgium?
Not essential: English is widely understood in tourist areas, though knowing a few basic phrases in the regional language helps outside the big cities.
Does travel insurance cover my phone being stolen in Brussels?
Many plans include coverage for stolen belongings up to a set limit; check the amount and claims process when you get a quote.
