Travel page with travel notice
Belgium
20 October 2023
Use our advice together with your own research from reputable sources to plan your trip.
Travel Notice for Belgium
20 October 2023
The Belgian Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (CUTA) had, on 16 October 2023, revised the general threat level for Belgium from Level 2 to 3. [Note: Level 3 on a scale of 4 signifies that the threat is serious.]
We continue to strongly advise Singaporeans travelling to or residing in Belgium to take all necessary precautions for their personal safety, including monitoring the local news and heeding the instructions of the local authorities. Singaporeans should remain vigilant and where possible, avoid crowded places and public gatherings. They should also purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
Singaporeans are strongly encouraged to eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that we can contact you should the need arise. Those in need of consular assistance may contact the Singapore Embassy in Brussels or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours) at:
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Brussels
85 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32 2 660 2979
Email: singemb_bru@mfa.sg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Telephone: +65 6379 8800 / 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Entry and Exit
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.
Safety and Security
Belgium’s General Threat Level is at Level 3 out of 4, which indicates that the threat is serious. Hence, 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.
Local Laws
Travellers must have some form of identification with them at all times and are subject to local laws. Singaporeans who are arrested or detained are advised to ask the police or prison officials to contact the Singapore Embassy to seek consular assistance.
Additional Information
Nil
General Travel Advice
Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.
Travelling to Belgium?
eRegister your trip to allow us to contact you and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest) occur.
Mission contact details
Local Emergency Contacts
Police: 101
Ambulance/fire brigade: 100
MFA HQ Contact Details
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Tel: (65) 6379 8000
Email: mfa@mfa.gov.sg
Disclaimer
The information on these Travel Information pages is presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for the purpose of providing information for the benefit and convenience of the public. Every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information. However, the MFA cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. The MFA recommends that you exercise your own skill and care with respect to your use of this information, and that you carefully evaluate the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the material on the Travel Information pages or on any linked site. The Government of the Republic of Singapore does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on these Travel Information pages or any linked site. Please refer to our Terms of Use for more details.