Before you go to Belgium: what to know
Must know
- Transport strikes can be announced at short notice; check your operator before travelling.
- Carry state-issued photo identification.
Entry and visas
Belgium follows Schengen short-stay rules: visa-exempt visitors share a 90-day allowance in any 180 days across the area. EES biometric registration takes place at external borders; it is not an online pre-arrival application. ETIAS is not operating; official diplomatic updates expect 2027, with no fixed launch date.
Passport validity: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.
At the border you may be asked for
- Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.pl ↗, mzv.gov.cz ↗, consilium.europa.eu ↗, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu ↗, commission.europa.eu ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.
Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — no data
- Cards and contactless payments are common; keep coins for facilities that require them.
- Apple lists this country for Apple Pay with participating banks/cards; actual payment also depends on the merchant and card issuer.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: mobilit.belgium.be ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, support.apple.com ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Public clothing that substantially conceals the face is restricted; tourists are not exempt.
- Illegal drug possession and trafficking are offences.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Carry state-issued photo ID.
- Do not touch shells or suspected ammunition at historic battlefields; tell the police.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, api.ireland.ie ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Religious dress is subject to the public face-covering restriction.
Clothing: Use business dress for formal meetings and follow individual venue rules.
Etiquette
- Ask whether Dutch or French is preferred; do not assume the same language everywhere.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: trade.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗
Climate
Temperate maritime climate with frequent rain. These are seasonal notes, not temperature forecasts; check flood warnings after heavy rain.
Month by month
- January: Jan: cool; take rain protection
- February: Feb: cool; take rain protection
- March: Mar: changeable; take rain protection
- April: Apr: changeable; take rain protection
- May: May: changeable; take rain protection
- June: Jun: mild to warm; rain remains possible
- July: Jul: mild to warm; rain remains possible
- August: Aug: mild to warm; rain remains possible
- September: Sep: cooling; take rain protection
- October: Oct: cooling; take rain protection
- November: Nov: cooling; take rain protection
- December: Dec: cool; take rain protection
Best season: Cities can be visited year-round; pack for rain in every season.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nl.meteo.be ↗, kustportaal.be ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
What to pack
- Photo ID
- Rain jacket
- Some euro coins
- Travel insurance details
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Leaving luggage unattended at stations
- Touching battlefield munitions
Practical
Plugs: Types C and E; 230 V.
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange medical cover and check whether evacuation is included.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: mobilit.belgium.be ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.