Is Belgium safe to travel right now?

Belgium is generally safe for travellers, but as of January 2026, it is advised to exercise increased caution due to a serious (Level 3 of 4) terrorism threat level, particularly in crowded areas, transport hubs, and tourist spots. While violent crime is low, petty theft is common in major cities, and, as of late January 2026, potential rail strikes may cause travel disruptions.

Is it safe to go to Belgium right now?

Belgium is generally safe, just avoid the areas around Brussels' North and Midi (South) station at night, demonstrations, plus a few areas of the city where you won't go anyway as a tourist. And use common sense. Also some areas in other big cities, but not more dangerous than any other city in the world.

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).

Which countries are not safe to travel to at the moment?

FCDO advises against all travel

• Afghanistan – “The security situation is volatile”
• Belarus – “You face a significant risk of arrest”
• Burkina Faso – “Due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap”
• Haiti – “Due to the volatile security situation”
• Iran – “British nationals are at significant risk of arrest”

What is Belgium ranked in safety?

Belgium has secured a place among the 20 safest countries in the world in 2025, according to the latest results of the Global Peace Index. The annual index, which measures levels of peace and security worldwide, ranks Belgium in 16th position this year, with an overall score of 1.492 out of 5.

3 Days in Belgium | Ghent, Bruges, & Brussels

What is the safest town in Belgium?

What is the safest city in Brussels for expats? Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Ixelles, and Uccle are some of the safest municipalities in Belgium for both expats and travelers. While Belgium is considered generally safe, it's a good idea for travelers to be careful while visiting Molenbeek and Gare du Midi.

What is the threat level in Belgium?

The Belgian government has set the national threat level at 3 'Serious'. You can expect to see an increased police presence, and additional safety measures may be in place.

What is a red list country?

As part of the NHS Employers Code of Practice for International Recruitment, the red list (also called the WHO Workforce Support and Safeguard List) is a list of countries that cannot be actively recruited by UK health and social care organisations including recruitment agencies.

Is 3000 euro a good salary in Belgium?

It's a nice amount, but it's important to understand what you can do with it and how far it goes. It's also good to know that this amount can vary depending on your personal situation, such as your place of residence, family composition, and lifestyle.

How much cash can you bring to Belgium?

Any person entering or leaving the European Union with 10,000 euros or more in cash, must submit a declaration. That also applies when you are carrying cash money from or for any other person or legal person (e.g. the company for which you are working).

What changes in Belgium on 1 July 2025?

Among these labor law reforms, it had been announced that — since 1 July 2025 — employers are no longer required to pay the regular employer social security contributions on the portion of an employee's salary that exceeds a quarterly threshold.

Why is Belgium a level 2 travel advisory?

Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: Tourist locations.

What to know before travelling to Belgium?

11 things to know before a trip to Belgium

• Endives are more popular than Brussels sprouts. ...
• You'll pay for water but you don't need to tip. ...
• Carry coins: it might cost to use the bathroom. ...
• Cash payments are rounded up to the nearest €0.05. ...
• ATMs are hard to find. ...
• Eat frites not French fries. ...
• Cafes are more for beer than coffee.

Is it okay to speak English in Belgium?

Yes, you can absolutely speak English in Belgium, especially in cities and tourist areas, as many Belgians, particularly younger generations and those in Flanders, have high English proficiency; you'll find it easy to get by, though learning a few basic phrases in French or Dutch helps with integration, especially outside major hubs. 

What countries does the UK advise not to travel to?

In particular, the FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, Russia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Reasons for this include 'volatile' security situations, 'significant risk of arrest', and 'unpredictable' security conditions.

What countries are on the no go list?

High-risk travel destinations

• All Countries.
• Afghanistan.
• Algeria.
• Antarctica.
• Armenia.
• Azerbaijan.
• Bangladesh.
• Belarus.

Which country has no restrictions?

The 18 countries with no restrictions are: UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden and Taiwan.

What countries should I avoid traveling to?

Governments advise against travel to countries facing severe conflict, terrorism, extreme crime, or political instability, with current "Do Not Travel" warnings (Level 4) from the U.S. and UK including nations like Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Haiti, North Korea, Belarus, Somalia, Sudan, and Venezuela, due to volatile situations like ongoing wars, kidnapping risks, and potential arrest, invalidating insurance and limiting consular help. Always check official government travel advisories (like travel.state.gov or GOV.UK) for the latest updates before planning any international trip.
 

What is the no. 1 safest country in the world?

Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, holding the top spot on the Global Peace Index (GPI) for many years, including 2024 and 2025, due to its low crime, lack of military, political stability, and strong community focus. Other top contenders often include Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Denmark, depending on the specific report's criteria, with Singapore also ranking highly for personal safety.

Is Belgium high risk?

Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Following a terrorist attack in 2023, the Belgian Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis is set the threat level for Belgium, including Brussels, at level 3 of 4, meaning there's a possible and imminent threat.

What is the most common crime in Belgium?

The most common types of crime in Belgium are (2023): Theft and extortion. Bodily harm (including assault and murder) Fraud.

What are the problems faced by Belgium?

The Problem:

Belgium is divided mainly into two linguistic groups: Flemish (Dutch-speaking) and Walloons (French-speaking). This division has led to political tensions, disagreements over governance, and economic disparities.