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Eurostar strike disruption expected to hit travellers this summer
Brits have been told to monitor local news and check with your travel provider regarding potential delays
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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has warned Brits travelling to Belgium that "strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause travel disruption." General strikes took place on March 31 and April 29, and reminded travellers that strike action may be announced at short notice.
Brits are being warned to monitor local news and check with your travel provider regarding potential delays. You can read more information about demonstrations and strikes on the Safety and security page.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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There are a number of things people should also be aware of if they are travelling to Belgium according to the Foreign Office:
In the event of a security incident or any emergency, or if police carry out security operations at short notice, follow the instructions of the Belgian authorities.
You can:
Article continues belowfind information on the Belgian Crisis Centre website follow the Crisis Centre accounts on X or Facebook to follow official information in the event of a major national incident sign up to BE-Alert to receive emergency alerts on SMS look for the official communication and social media channels of local police for the area you are inProtecting yourself and your belongings
Theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas. Take care of your baggage and passports and beware of any attempts to distract you.
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Take extra care in major railway stations and on public transport, particularly at night. Thieves, pickpockets and muggers operate in busy areas, and there have been cases of violent robbery. Be aware of your surroundings particularly:
at Brussels Gare du Midi/Zuidstation (Eurostar terminal) and Brussels Gare du Nord on international trains, mainly Paris-Brussels and Amsterdam-Brussels in busy areas of central Brussels, including Schuman (the EU quarter)Never leave luggage unattended. Luggage has been stolen from the racks at the end of carriages in high-speed trains (TGV and Thalys), usually just before the doors close.
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Thieves, usually on motorbikes, can break a car window and snatch valuables from the front or back passenger seat when a vehicle is stationary at traffic lights. If you see anything suspicious, report it to local police authorities.
Additionally, be aware that drug use may be seen openly in train and metro stations across Brussels.
Taxis
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Only use official, licensed taxis. Do not get into taxis that stop to offer rides.
Organised crime
There are regular incidents of violent crime among organised crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, particularly in Brussels, Antwerp and other large cities. Confrontations between rival gangs have led to violent incidents including shootings, stabbings, and use of homemade explosives. The risk mostly affects those involved in drug crime, but there is always the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Remain vigilant if you suspect illegal activity. Follow the advice of local authorities.
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There have been reports of truck and van drivers being approached at parking lots or service stations by organised crime groups and asked to smuggle products to the UK (āwindow tappingā). If you see anything suspicious, report it to local police authorities.
Personal ID
You must carry your passport with you at all times.
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Laws on clothing
It is illegal to wear clothing that hides your face partially or completely (for example, the burka and niqab) in public places. You risk a fine of up to 137 euros and detention for up to 7 days. There is no exemption for tourists.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
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Possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs are serious offences and can lead to a minimum 3-month prison sentence or fine.
Visiting battlefields
When visiting WW1 battlefields in north-west Belgium, stay on the footpaths and be cautious if you see anything that looks like shells or munitions. Unexploded shells have recently been uncovered. Move away from the site and report incidents to the police.
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Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Belgium, see information on driving abroad. Read the government information on driving laws in Belgium (in Flemish and French).
When driving in Belgium, always carry:
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your driving licence your car registration documents your insurance paper your MOT (ācontrĆ“le techniqueā) certificate your passport and your passengersā passportsIf you live in Belgium, see driving requirements for residents.
Driving regulations
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Driving laws differ from those in the UK. Be aware that:
police use speed traps, cameras and unmarked vehicles speeding can result in an on-the-spot fine using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, unless you are using hands-free equipmentBelgiumās accident rate is high, mainly due to speeding.
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If you get a fine, you can consult the federal justice service for information.
Low emission zones
There are low emission zones in Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp. You need to pre-register foreign vehicles on the Brussels, Ghent or Antwerp websites.
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Electric scooter regulations
The maximum speed limit for riding an electric scooter is 25kph and riding with a passenger is illegal. Riding a scooter on the pavement is prohibited with the exception of people with reduced mobility using a mobility scooter.
It is illegal for people aged under 16 to use electric scooters, except in a few designated areas.
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