Belgium Securely Travel Assessment Current as of: 01 July 2018 By: Christopher Burgess, Securely Travel 1 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
Summary: Belgium The country of Belgium is a safe locale for either business or pleasure travel. That said, travelers should take normal safety precautions as Belgium hosts both the EU and NATO Headquarters and facilities, both of which are targets for terrorist attacks and nation state espionage activities. Multiple high-profile terrorist attacks occurred during 2017, and several attacks were thwarted by Belgian authorities. Securely Travel Assessment: Belgium is a generally safe country. One can move about Belgium with ease, drink the water and eat the food. Travel within Belgium can be accomplished with ease. Over the past few years, terrorist attacks have taken place at key nodes of the public transportation system and public locales. In addition, the government is sensitized to the fact that large public gatherings are soft targets (relatively unprotected or vulnerable) for those same terrorist organizations which are behind the past attacks. Travelers should always be alert 2 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
to the risk of being in the wrong spot, at the wrong time, and always have in mind multiple paths of departure from any locale. While anti-american protests have occurred in major cities, by and large US tourists are welcome, though it is always advisable to avoid the oft-occurring public demonstration and protests of any kind. Petty crime, including pickpockets, muggings, purse snatching occur frequently, particularly in major cities (Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent). Local scams are also a concern. According to the U.S. Department of State, one version involves an internet friend or partner who is reported to have been detained by immigration authorities in Belgium enroute to the U.S. and will not be released unless funds are paid to the traveler for Belgian customs fees. In every case, these reports have been determined to be confidence schemes. Several U.S. citizens have lost thousands of dollars in such scams. Funds transferred in response to such offers can rarely be recovered. Additionally, criminals frequently work in pairs or as part of an organized gang, often with a high degree of skill and sophistication in selecting victims and places to commit the crime. They are looking for the traveler who is inattentive to their surroundings. A common tactic in Brussels is for one member of a criminal team to ask questions, spill food or drink, or otherwise distract you while an accomplice picks your pocket or steals your luggage. Belgian Government Registration Required IMPORTANT: Visitors staying at a private residence must register within 3 days of arrival with the local Commune authorities. If staying at an AirBnb, FlipKey, HomeAway, VRBO, or similar facility, confirm with your host where the local Commune office is located. OPSEC & Counterintelligence Belgium hosts both the EU and NATO headquarters and facilities, both of which are highly visible targets for terrorism. The personnel at both are also regularly targeted by hostile intelligence entities for the purposes of recruitment and provision of intelligence. An OPSEC & Counterintelligence addendum from Securely Travel is available. 3 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
Travel Advisories: U.S. Department of State: As of 10 January 2018, the threat level for Belgium is Level-2 Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue to plot and target Belgium for acts of terrorism. Based on past events, the targeting of tourist locations is probable. These locations include: transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. There have been instances of drugging at night clubs, so travelers should exercise the buddy-rule when visiting such establishments. The advisory is updated as situations warrant, and travelers/residents are encouraged to visit the Travel.State.Gov website often. Citizens should also register with the Department s STEP program for the Embassy to have a means to communicate in the event of an emergency. Cautions: Make sure passport is valid for more than 3 months beyond dates of travel. Currency limit is Euros 10,000 for entry or exit, and there are no visa requirements for US citizens visiting for 90 days or less. Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: As of 25 June 2018, the Government of Australia classifies Belgium as an area requiring a high degree of caution and recommends individuals pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the media about possible new safety and security risks. Travelers can expect increased security checks at airports and train stations. Passports should be carried on one s person at all times. Crimes do occur in the urban areas, to include theft, mugging, bag snatching and pickpockets. Pickpockets do troll transportation hubs and on intercity and international trains. 4 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office: The UK FCO warns travelers of the continued terrorist threat in Belgium. As of 18 June 2018, they view the possibility of a terrorist attack to take place in Belgium as very likely. They go on to explain that attacks could happen anywhere, including on public transport and in other places visited by foreigners. Police have requested that tourists NOT comment on police operations on social media. The UK FCO comments that if you are driving in Belgium, be alert as speed traps, cameras and unmarked vehicles are in operation throughout the country. Country Snap Shot: Time Zone: Belgium is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). GMT+1 is 5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Daylight Time and 8 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Daylight time. Travelers will notice that the 24- hour clock is the norm in Belgium. Language: Dutch (60%), French (40%), German (1%) Religion: Roman Catholic (50%), Other Christian (2.5%), Muslim (5%), Others (.07%), Atheist (9.2%), and none (32.6%) Health: High-quality medical facilities are readily available. Travelers should ensure their health insurance from the US will recognize any medical charges incurred while abroad. If not, then consideration to purchasing health insurance for the duration of one s travel is recommended. Furthermore, medical evacuation insurance should also be considered in the event of a hospitalization due to illness or accident. Finances: ATMs are numerous and efficient means to acquire local currency. Denominations above $20, may encounter difficulty in exchanging, due to the lack of capability to detect counterfeit bills. Banks offer better exchange rates than money exchanges found at airports, train stations, and tourist locations. Standard banking hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Communications: SIM cards are readily available at transportation hubs and from small local sundry retailers. WiFi and cellular connectivity is ubiquitous. Some U.S. cell phones will successfully roam in Belgium, though roaming charges apply. Check with your cellular service 5 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
provider. For more general information on individual phones, carriers and destination countries, check https://willmyphonework.net/ or https://www.frequencycheck.com/. Transportation: Urban transport bus/train/trolley are both efficient and easy to use. While Dutch or French language skills will earn some social cred with your Belgian hosts, the English language will be widely understood. Rental cars are available, and one drives on the RIGHT- HAND side of the road (same as the U.S.). One may drive on their U.S. driver s license for short stays or up to six months Illicit drugs: Possession of drugs is illegal. Belgium is not the Netherlands; drug laws are enforced by law enforcement. Crime Hot Spots: Brussels Train Stations: Thieves often loiter in and around transportation hubs. In this regard, of note are North Station (Bruxelles-Nord) Central Station (Bruxelles-Central) and South Station (Bruxelles-Midi), particularly after dark. Avoid Trouble: Seek local advice, for example from your hotel, about the safety of any neighborhood before venturing out. Personal Security Best Practices: Look at me, I am affluent signage. Ask yourself, Do I radiate wealth?" The smart traveler tones down their affluence and avoids wearing expensive jewelry and clothing. Want to be pegged as an American? When asked how a tourist or business traveler from the United States can easily be identified, in our piece on Want to stand out you re from the United States? European s noted that the American is more likely to be wearing sweat pants and trainers, often associated with a US sporting team. How do you dress. When in Belgium, dress like a Belgian. Distraction is the criminal s attraction. Do not walk around with your smartphone in hand, or audio buds in your ears. Cash! Do not carry all of your cash in one place on your person. Acquire a money belt or similar item. Embassy address. Print out your Embassy s address and contact instructions, keep one copy on your person and the other in your hotel room. We have put the address for the 6 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
U.S Embassy below, along with a map image. If you are from another country, do the same for your embassy. Backup documents. Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport and other identity cards (driver s license, employee ID) and financial cards (debit and credit) with a trusted individual prior to your travel. In this manner, should they become separated from you replacement can occur quickly Mobile phone? Lock down your phone, make sure you use a pin and/or biometric to open. Also, do not carry your cell phone in your purse or bag. If stolen, how will you cancel your credit cards? Addresses & Numbers you can use: US Embassy Brussels 27 Boulevard du Régent (the Consular Section is at 25 Boulevard du Régent) B-1000 Brussles, Belgium Telephone: +(32)(2) 811-4000 Emergency: +(32)(0) 811-4000 Email: UScitizenbrussels@state.gov Website: U.S. Embassy Brussels Roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available in English from Touring Mobilis, Tel: 02 286-3040. Belgian police will also provide information on road conditions, Tel: 02-642-6666. The U.S. State Department assess emergency services as being both efficient and responsive. For police emergencies, dial 101 within Belgium. For all other emergencies, dial 112. 7 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
About the author, Christopher Burgess Christopher Burgess is the founder or Securely Travel. He is a writer, speaker and commentator on global security issues having appeared on CNN, BBC, I24, China News, Bloomberg, CBS, NBC, and ABC to provide his commentary and analysis. Additionally, he has lectured and presented before government, academic and business organizations around the globe for the past 12 years. These briefs have included innumerable travel briefings, both from a personal safety, as well as intellectual property protection perspectives. He is a former senior security advisor to Cisco and served 30+ years within the CIA, which awarded him the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal upon his retirement. Christopher coauthored the book, Secrets Stolen, Fortunes Lost, Preventing Intellectual Property Theft and Economic Espionage in the 21st Century. He can be contacted at: Christopher Burgess Direct Line: 425.318.7860 Email: christopherburgess@securelytravel.com 8 P a g e J u l y 1, 2 0 1 8
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