Belgium 2019 Crime & Safety Report - OSAC

Belgium 2019 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the Tri-
Mission in Brussels (Bilateral, U.S. Missions to the European Union and NATO).

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication
assesses Belgium at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to
terrorism.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Brussels does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or
integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit
(ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for
the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Belgium-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and
contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with
an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

Belgium remains relatively free of violent crime, but low-level street crime is common. Muggings,
purse snatchings, and pickpocketing occur frequently, particularly in the major cities. Thieves
often loiter in transportation hubs like the Metro (subway) and train stations to take advantage of
disoriented or distracted travelers.

There is moderate risk from crime in Brussels. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft of light
luggage and laptops are prevalent at the three major train stations: the North Station
(Noordstation or Gare du Nord); the Central Station (Centraal Station or Gare Central); and the
South Station (Zuidstation or Gare du Midi, the primary international train hub). 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 crime. One common trick is for the thief
to ask you for directions while an accomplice steals your luggage. Thieves often steal carry-ons
placed above seats when large crowds of people exit at a train stop. Small groups of young men
sometimes prey on unwary tourists, usually at night and often in Metro stations. Thieves typically
seek small, high-value items such as smart phones and MP3 players.

Scammers have victimized U.S. citizens in Belgium. A common scam involves an internet friend
or partner reportedly detained by immigration authorities in Belgium en route to the U.S., who will
not be released unless funds are paid for customs fees. In every case, these reports have been
confidence schemes. Several U.S. citizens have lost thousands of dollars in such scams. Funds
transferred in response to such offers are rarely recovered. The point of the scam is to make the
target believe that the message is coming from Belgium when it is really coming from another
country. Find information on fraud schemes on the Department of State's International Financial
Scams website. U.S. citizens in the U.S. who have been victimized by Internet crime should report
it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. U.S. citizens in Belgium who have been victimized
should contact the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels (Tel +32-2-811-

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4057). Depending on the circumstances, the Regional Security Office can then direct you to the
appropriate Belgian, U.S., or international law enforcement agency.

Cybersecurity Issues

Belgium has good internet services, which makes using social media very easy and convenient.
As with any internet use, practice good cybersecurity measures. While using public WIFI, protect
passwords and be cognizant of people who may be “shoulder-surfing” or trying to obtain personal
information.

Other Areas of Concern

Another growing problem, especially in Brussels, is theft from vehicles, both moving and parked.
Police continue to report on “smash and grab” incidents. Do not leave any valuable items in plain
sight inside a vehicle. Home burglaries and residential property theft remain a concern. If residing
in Belgium, using a home alarm system is extremely beneficial, especially if you travel frequently.
Lock your windows and doors while not at home, even if you are just going out for ten minutes.
While staying at hotels or small inns, use the in-room safe for your valuables, and if the room
does not have one, take valuables with you, ask the front desk to lock the items in the hotel safe,
or bring an additional locking mechanism to secure them somewhere safely in your room.

While most monetary transactions are available (e.g. cash, credit cards); U.S. money orders are
not negotiable in Belgium. Personal checks will only clear through a bank at which a person holds
an account, and can take two to four weeks. Banks and exchange facilities not equipped with
devices to identify counterfeit currency may refuse U.S. dollar denominations of $50 and $100.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and
Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Travelers may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the U.S. Belgium's
road network is generally well-built and maintained, but there may be potholes even on principal
roads. Sufficient lighting exists on major highways and cities, but on rural roads, it is often
insufficient or nonexistent. Road signs are not as frequent and may not be as informative as in
the U.S.

Belgian right-of-way rules differ from those in the U.S.; new drivers should thoroughly understand
these rules before driving. Traffic coming from the right generally has priority at uncontrolled
intersections and roundabouts, even if coming from a smaller street. The maximum speed limit
on highways is 120 kilometers (72 mph) but is not always posted. The maximum speed in urban
areas is normally between 50 km and 70 km (30-52 mph); however, in the Brussels city limits,
many parts are only 30 km per hour. While Belgian authorities strictly enforce speed limits, many
Belgians still drive significantly faster than the posted limit. Claiming ignorance may not prevent
a significant fine for speeding; authorities may impound vehicles if the driver cannot pay the fine
on the spot. Belgium authorities have placed numerous fixed photo-speeding cameras around
the city, and use mobile photo-speed camera systems throughout the city and on highways. For
more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

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Belgian police conduct breath analysis checks for alcohol use, particularly at night and during
major holidays. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .05% blood alcohol content.

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. Emergency services are efficient and responsive. For police emergencies, dial 101.
For all other emergencies, dial 112.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation is excellent in most parts of Belgium, and used by much of the population.
Inter-city trains, metro trains, trams, buses, and taxis make moving around the country very easy.
The one issue that occurs with some frequency is labor strikes or unrest. These actions can cause
delays or service cancelations for several days at a time.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Belgium airports are excellent and provide departure points to all over Europe. Airline travel to
and from Belgium is safe and reliable. Given the large volume of travelers, provide yourself ample
time to process through the layers of security at the airport.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is considerable risk from terrorism in Brussels. In May 2018, a prisoner on furlough fatally
attacked two police officers in Liège. While fleeing the scene, he shot and killed one more victim.
Police killed the assailant following a hostage situation at a nearby high school. Four police
officers were wounded, and the attacker died at the scene. Police suspected the assailant of the
murder of a former associate found dead at his home the day before. Authorities note the assailant
had radicalized in prison; ISIS claimed credit for the lone wolf attack.

In November 2018, an attacker seriously wounded a police officer with two kitchen knives at the
entrance of the main police precinct just steps from the Brussels Grand-Place (Grote Markt). At
the time of this report, the suspect remained in police custody for “murder and acts of terrorism.”

As with other countries in the Schengen area, Belgium maintains open borders with its neighbors,
allowing the possibility of terrorist operatives entering/exiting the country with anonymity. Belgian
law enforcement and security officials, in close cooperation with neighboring countries, maintain
an aggressive and effective anti-terrorism program.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

In 2018, there were occasional instances of anti-U.S. sentiment displayed by large groups and
organizations, as well as those protesting U.S. foreign policy stances. Pro-Palestinian supporters
demonstrated on four different occasions against the U.S. foreign policy recognizing Jerusalem
as the capital of Israel. A number of incidents of social media postings displayed anti-U.S. and
anti-Trump statements.

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Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Brussels. All public demonstrations require prior police
approval, and police are present to ensure adequate security for participants and passers-by.
Spontaneous demonstrations can take place in response to world events or local developments.
Even demonstrations meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable; avoid them if
at all possible. Larger public demonstrations are generally announced on the U.S. Embassy
Brussels website and reposted on OSAC’s Belgium-specific page.
.
Religious/Ethnic Violence

While not widespread or frequent, there have been incidents of religious violence in Belgium.
There has been an increase in anti-Semitic acts and threats since 2013. There has also been
increased reporting of hate speech and anti-Muslim graffiti.

Post-specific Concerns

Mobility Concerns

Individuals with physical disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from
conditions in the U.S. Although Belgian law requires that any new building with public or
community space must be accessible for persons with disabilities, many existing buildings and
the public transportation systems are less adapted. Find general information on the accessibility
of tourist accommodations, public transportation, museums, etc., on the Belgian Tourist Office's
website.

Drug-related Crimes

While not a major crime problem, drugs are commonly available. The possession of drugs is illegal
throughout Belgium, unlike some cities in the Netherlands; the police will enforce anti-drug laws.
Be aware of the risk of being drugged at nightclubs. For more information, review OSAC’s Report
Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Police Response

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Travelers in Belgium are subject to all local laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly
different from the U.S., and criminal penalties vary from country to country. A U.S. passport will
not help to avoid arrest or prosecution in the event of a traveler breaking local laws. Authorities
may expel, arrest, or imprison those violating Belgian laws, even unknowingly. Penalties for
possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Belgium are severe; convicted offenders can
expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Belgian law requires that everyone carry official identification at all times, and display their ID
request to any Belgian police official. U.S. citizens who are not residents will need to present their
U.S. passport or valid driver’s license.

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Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements, and customary
international law, a U.S. citizen arrested in Belgium has the right to request that the police, prison
officials, or other authorities alert the U.S. Embassy of the arrest and to have communications
forwarded to the Embassy. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that might not always be the case.
To ensure that the U.S. is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials
notify the U.S. Embassy in the event of an arrest or detention.

Crime Victim Assistance

If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and the U.S.
Embassy. The local emergency line is 101 for emergencies requiring police assistance. For all
other emergencies, dial 112.

The U.S. Embassy can assist with the following:

   •   Replace a stolen passport
   •   Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of a violent crime such as
       assault or rape
   •   Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities and assist in contacting family
       members or friends
      Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys,
       although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime

For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

The Belgian "Commission for financial assistance to victims of intentional acts of violence"
provides financial compensation, under specific circumstances, for victims of crime and for those
who have suffered injuries and consequent loss caused by such incidents. The Commission also
provides for dependents or immediate family members of homicide victims. For more information,
contact the Commission at +3225427208, +3225427218, +3225427224, +3225427229, or
+3225427244;         or    by     e-mail       at     commission.victimes@just.fgov.be         or
commissie.slachtoffers@just.fgov.be.

Belgian police agencies are very good and responsive. Local police take all reports of crime
seriously and do their best to investigate and resolve criminal cases. Report incidents to the police
in the event of a crime.

Medical Emergencies

High-quality medical facilities are widely available. The large university hospitals can handle
almost every medical problem. Hospitals may not necessarily have staff members fluent in
English.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

The Embassy's Consular Section maintains a list of English-speaking doctors.

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Recommended Insurance Guidance

Travelers should not assume insurance will carry over during travel. In many places, doctors and
hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Regular U.S. health insurance may
not cover doctor and/or hospital visits in other countries. If the policy does not have international
coverage, it is a very good idea to take out another one for the trip.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Belgium.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Belgium Country Council is active, meeting twice per year. For more information on the times
and locations of OSAC Country Council meetings, please call +32 2 811-4776 (from the US, dial
011-32-2-811-4776). Interested private-sector security managers can also contact OSAC’s
Europe Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Embassy, Consular Section, 25 Boulevard du Régent, B-1000 Brussels
Call-In Hours for Consular Section: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 1400-1600; Wednesday: 0800-
1200; Friday: 1100-1300

Embassy Contact Numbers

Telephone: +32-2-811-4000; Fax: +32-2-811-4546; UScitizensbrussels@state.gov
Website: http://be.usembassy.gov

Embassy Guidance

Non-EU citizens staying in a private residence must register with local Commune authorities within three
days of arrival. Requests for any change in visa or resident status should be completed through Commune
authorities. Complete any such request prior to the expiration of the current status. Note that given the
substantial requirements to change status, it is nearly impossible to do so within the 90 days permitted to
remain in Belgium without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.

Non-Belgian employees and self-employed persons or their employees who carry out short-term
assignments in Belgium must declare these activities in advance. This mandatory "Limosa" declaration
applies to: (1) Employees and apprentices who come to Belgium to execute certain temporary work and
who, because of the nature of their short term assignment, are not subject to the Belgian social security
system; (2) Self-employed individuals and self-employed apprentices who come to work in Belgium
temporarily, irrespective of whether they are subject to the Belgian social security system.

U.S. citizens traveling to Belgium should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to
ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Belgium Country Information Sheet

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