Belgium

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Belgium

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, including those based in Syria and Iraq, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Belgium and across Europe. There is also a threat from domestic-based extremists, including plots that may involve foreign fighters returning to Belgium and Europe from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Brussels hosts a number of international institutions, including the European Union and NATO, which are sensitive locations and could be targeted by terrorists.

Recent terrorist-related incidents have targeted Belgian soldiers and police, on 20 November 2018, a man attacked a policeman with a knife in Brussels.

On 29 May 2018, two female police officers and one passer-by were killed in a shooting in Liege.

On 22 March 2016, two explosions occurred at Zaventem International Airport in Brussels and a further explosion occurred at Maelbeek metro station killing 35 people and injuring over 300.

New Zealanders currently in Belgium are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities. New Zealanders should exercise a high degree of vigilance in public places – particularly at tourist sites, shopping areas, large public gatherings, transport hubs and on public transport.

Authorities encourage people to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Further security operations are likely and you should expect an increased security presence. If you are in an affected area you should follow the instructions of the Belgian security authorities. Police have asked the public not to comment on security operations via social media.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag snatching, passport theft and pickpocketing occurs in Belgium and is common in tourist areas, in larger cities and on public transport. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

Take particular caution in major railway stations including Brussels Gare du Midi/Zuidstation (Eurostar and Thayls terminal) and Gare du Nord and on public transport. Pickpockets also operate on a number of international train routes so remain vigilant throughout your journey.

Civil unrest
Demonstrations and protests are a regular occurrence in Belgium, with a high number occurring in Brussels. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all protests as they can occasionally turn violent.

General travel advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in Belgium should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

It is a legal requirement to carry a form of identification with you at all times. Failure to produce them could result in a fine or arrest.

It is illegal to cover your face in public places in Belgium, and failure to comply could result in a fine or detainment. There is no exemption for tourists.

New Zealanders in Belgium are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Brussels, Belgium

Street Address Avenue des Nerviens 9/31, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium. Telephone +32 2 512 1040 Fax +32 2 513 4856 Email nzemb.brussels@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/belgium Hours Mon-Fri 0900-1300 hrs, 1400-1700 hrs

See our regional advice for Europe

MIL OSI