Singaporeans can visit Belgium without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days from date of initial entry within the Schengen region. Please ensure that your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond the planned date of departure. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the nearest Embassy of Belgium for up-to-date information.
For departure, please check with the airport and your airline when you will need to arrive at the airport. Remember to cater for more time for immigration checks and security screening especially during peak travelling season. If you are flying from Brussels Airport, please click here. If you encounter problems with your flight such as delayed or cancelled flights, there may be EU regulations covering air passenger rights. Please check here.
Belgium’s National Terrorism Threat Level remains at two out of four, which indicates that an attack is less likely. Nonetheless, we advise Singaporeans travelling or living in Belgium to be vigilant, monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities. Announcements on major incidents are reported on the Belgium Crisis Centre. We strongly advise Singaporeans to check the website and local media to stay alert to local incidents.
Demonstrations: Demonstrations in major European cities occasionally take place. They tend to occur on politically significant holidays and during international summits. Should demonstrations take place, most are peaceful, but the situation can turn confrontational and escalate into violence quickly. Travellers are thus encouraged to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. If you encounter a demonstration, exercise caution, leave the area as soon as possible, and check the local media for updates on the situation and traffic.
Petty crime: Petty crimes, such as robberies, purse snatchings, and pickpockets, are common especially in crowded areas and transport hubs. The thieves’ modus operandi is to work in teams. One person/group will distract the traveller by asking for directions/help or pushing them while the accomplices take the items. Notably, at train stations, thieves have been known to distract travellers when the train is pulling to a stop while their accomplices take their belongings and alight just as doors close.
Theft from vehicles is also common. Travellers are advised to drive with your windows up and doors locked, and do not leave valuables or items visible in the vehicles. Travellers should also be careful at hotel lobbies, where some thieves lurk to steal items or pretend to assist, but leave with the luggage once the guests are distracted.
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [13 November 2019]
In view of the upcoming school holidays, Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws and customs restrictions, including immigration procedures and entry requirements.
Singaporeans travelling to and from Malaysia, in particular via the land checkpoints, are reminded to ensure that your passport is presented to a Malaysian immigration officer and stamped correctly before leaving the Malaysian immigration booth. Failure to do so is an immigration offence in Malaysia and the penalties can be severe, including detention, a fine, and a ban from future entry into the country.
In 2019, demonstrations have occurred in several major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
· Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
· Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
· Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
· eRegister with us on our website (https://www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.
While travelling
· Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
· Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
· Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrests or terror attacks.
· Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
Advisory: Email Scams [Updated: 12 May 2016]
There has been an increasing number of reports in recent years of individuals receiving scam emails purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails typically originate from an email address known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport nos., address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
