Travel to Belgium

Belgium: Various travel information

Formalities, visas

Germans can enter Belgium with a valid German passport or a valid (also provisionally issued) federal identity card. Since Belgium has signed the Schengen Agreement, there are no more border controls. This also applies to Austrians. Swiss citizens are checked at the EU’s external borders. These are, for example, border crossings to Austria or Germany. German child ID cards are recognized, but only from the age of 10 with a photo.

Children under 16 years of age can also enter the country if they are entered with a photo in a parent’s passport.

Issuing of visas in Germany

Should it be necessary, e.g. B. for a longer stay or a work permit to have to apply for a visa, this is possible under the following address:

Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium

Jägerstrasse 52-53

10117 Berlin <

Tel.: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 64 20 Email: Berlin@diplobel.org Opening times

Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – consular department

Traveling with pets

When traveling with animals to Belgium, the EU regulation on the import and export of pets from October 1st, 2004 applies.

This means that the animals must be marked with an electronic chip in order to ensure that the animals can be clearly identified.

In addition, the EU pet passport must always be carried with you when traveling, which can be issued by all resident veterinarians and which must show that the animal in question has been vaccinated against rabies. The rule is that animals vaccinated in Germany must be at least twelve weeks old when they are first vaccinated. In summary:

  • general European entry standards
  • EU pet passport
  • Microchip/tattoo
  • valid rabies vaccination
  • For rabies vaccination, a puppy must be at least three months old and the first vaccination must be at least 21 days ago.
  • the local authorities can make a muzzle compulsory if there are any concerns
  • there is a general leash obligation

Note

Puppies under three months old are allowed to enter the EU if they have an EU pet passport and the animal is chipped or tattooed. In addition, the animal must have been kept in the place where it was born from birth without coming into contact with wild animals that may have been infected with the rabies virus. This has to be confirmed by a veterinarian.

Entry is also permitted if it accompanies its mother, on whom it is still dependent – is suckled. In this case, the mother must meet the EU entry requirements.

Local currency, goods, souvenirs

National currency

The national currency of Belgium is the euro = 100 cents

Goods, souvenirs, customs regulations

Excellent pralines are made in Belgium. The praline has its home here. It is an invention of the pharmacist Jean Neuhaus, who developed it in Brussels in 1857. The Belgian chocolates are also of excellent quality. The “Brussels lace” are a popular souvenir, handcrafted at the highest level. The Belgian beers, which are offered in a worldwide unique range of flavors and are also well suited as souvenirs, are famous. Ceramic, brass and crystal ware, like wood carvings, jewelry (Brussels, Kortrijk) and puppets from Liège, are popular souvenirs.

Garage sales

flea markets (le Marché aux Puces) are very popular in Belgium. The Brussels flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle is the only market in Belgium that takes place every day. This flea market has been a permanent fixture in Brussels since 1873. Here you can find junk, pictures, household items, furniture, toys, crockery and cutlery from different styles. At the weekend the prices are often twice as high as during the week due to the large number of tourists. The flea market is open every day from sunrise to 2 p.m.

Customs regulations

In the EU, travelers are allowed to import goods (for personal use) without restriction. Personal needs mean (the information applies to people over the age of 17) at most:

  • 800 cigarettes
  • 400 cigarillos
  • 200 cigars
  • 1 kg of tobacco
  • 10 liters of strong alcohol
  • 20 liters of fortified wine (e.g. port or sherry)
  • 90 liters of wine (including a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine)
  • 110 liters of beer
  • 500 g coffee or 200 g extracts, essences or concentrates from coffee or preparations based on these goods or based on coffee (only people aged 15 and over)
  • 50 g of perfume and 0.25 liters of eau de toilette
  • Medicines (amount according to personal needs during the trip)

Other goods up to a total value of 175 €; however, gold alloys and gold plating in the unprocessed state or as a semi-finished product and fuel are excluded from this.

The import of fresh meat is not allowed. Other fresh food must be registered, which of course will prove difficult due to the lack of border control stations.

How do you get to Belgium?

Plane

  • Brussels Zaventem (BRU) (www.brusselsairport.be) is served by all major airlines and is 14 km northeast of the city. It is connected to Brussels by good rail connections. The Airport City Express takes you quickly to the three main train stations (Gare Centrale, Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi/Zuid). All other large cities in Belgium can also be reached via the good rail network. Buses run between the airport and the city center every 45 minutes. There are regular bus connections to Antwerp, Eindhoven, Liège, Rotterdam and Valenciennes.
  • Antwerp International (ANR) (www.antwerpairport.be) is 3 km outside the city. Bus line 16 goes to the main train station (travel time 20 minutes).
  • Ostend (OST) (www.ostendairport.be) is 5 km from the city center. It is mainly used by charter companies.
  • Liège (LGG) is 8 km from the city center; there are bus connections and taxis.
  • Charleroi (CRL) (www.charleroi-airport.com) is about 5 km from Charleroi and about 50 km from Brussels. There are good connections with buses to Charleroi and Brussels.

Railroad

  • The “National Company of the Belgian Railways (SNCB)” (www.b-rail.be) has good connections to all major European cities, as well as to the EC network in Germany.
  • The high-speed trains of the railway company “Thalys” (www.thalys.com) connect Brussels with Amsterdam, Cologne and Paris. The reservation required “Thalys” runs six times a day from Cologne to Brussels.
  • The “TGV” (Trains à Grande Vitesse) links Belgium with numerous regions in France (Brittany, the French Atlantic coast, the Côte d’Azur and the French Alps).
  • The Blue Danube Waltz travels once a day from Vienna to Brussels in the evening.
  • Eurostar. The Channel Tunnel provides excellent connections between London and Brussels with the “Eurostar” (www.eurostar.com) (10 trains a day, total travel time 2 hours 40).

Bus/car

Belgium has excellent road connections to all neighboring countries. “Eurolines” buses (www.eurolines.com) connect Belgium with neighboring European countries. The “Le Shuttle car loading trains ” (www.eurotunnel.co.uk) run several times a day through the Channel Tunnel between Calais (France) and Folkestone (Great Britain). All vehicle types can be transported.

Ferry connections

The passenger ferry traffic takes place mainly from Ostend or Zeebrugge. Hoverspeed (www.hoverspeed.com) operates Seacat fast connections between Ostend and Dover. P and O North Sea Ferries (www.ponsf.com) operate connections between Hull and Zeebrugge. P and O Stena Line (www.posl.com) runs between Dover and Zeebrugge.

Travel in the country

Air connections

Belgium has no domestic air traffic. Brussels Airport is connected to Antwerp, Ghent and Liège (Luik/Liège) via express buses.

Rail

Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Trains of the Belgian Railways SNCB (Internet: www.b-rail.be) usually run every hour, more often on the main lines. Seat reservations are unnecessary in domestic traffic. Children from 6-12 years travel at half price, under 6 years free.

A list of these stations and further information can be obtained from

im Hauptbahnhof/Goldgasse 2

D-50668 Cologne

Tel: 0049 – (0) 221 – 13 49 82

Fax: 0049 – (0) 221 – 13 27 47

streets

Belgium has one of the most efficient motorway networks in Europe. The motorways are free of charge and (which is unique) even illuminated at night. Unleaded petrol (sans plomb/loodvrij) is available at every petrol station. It takes getting used to the fact that the traffic lights switch from “red” to “green” immediately, i.e. they do not have a yellow phase in this phase.

  • Automobile club: Royal Automobile Club de Belgique asbl, 53 Rue d’Arlon, B-1040 Brussels. Tel: 0032 – (0) 2 – 287 09 11. Fax: 0032 – (0) 2 – 230 75 84. (Internet: www.racb.com).
  • Roadside Assistance: Touring Secours, Tel: (070) 34 47 77 (only within Belgium).
  • Emergency number: 100 (ambulance/fire brigade), 101 (police).
  • Bus: The state-owned SNCV is responsible for local transport. The regional bus network is excellent, and timetables are available from SNCV sales outlets. Intercity buses run between numerous cities. Apart from the airport buses, there are no express bus routes.
  • Taxi: The tip is already included in the fare.
  • City transport: All major cities have a good local transport network. There are subways, buses and trams in Brussels and Antwerp; Bus lines and/or tram lines are in all other cities. There is a single tariff. The collective tickets (5 or 10 trips) are inexpensive. There are also day and tourist cards.In Brussels, the entrance to every metro station is marked with a white M on a blue background. The ticket must be validated when entering the paying area, which is marked by a red line on the floor.

Rental cars

are easily available with and without a chauffeur.

Traffic rules

It is well known that Belgium drives on the right. In order to avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, one should strictly adhere to the traffic regulations in force in the country. The maximum speeds shown can of course be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain detailed information from the ADAC, the AvD or the transport clubs in Belgium.

Maximum speeds

In addition to the general speed limits shown, the speed limits indicated by signs must be strictly observed.

  • Urban: in built-up areas there is a speed limit of 50 km/h
  • Country roads: there is a speed limit of 90 km/h on country roads
  • Motorways: there is a speed limit of 120 km/h on motorways
  • Towing vehicle with trailer (motorway): speed limit of 120 km/h

In Germany, most trailers are only permitted up to a maximum of 100 km/ h. In the event of accidents at speeds over 100 km/h in Belgium, German insurance companies can therefore assume contributory negligence and at least reduce benefits.

Special regulations

  • Public transport (e.g. trams and buses) always have right of way.
  • The maximum speed when towing is 25 km/h. The motorway is to be left at the next exit.
  • Hitchhikers are not allowed on motorways and driveways.
  • If a fine cannot be paid immediately or using the nearest ATM, the vehicle may be confiscated.
  • A yellow line on the curb means no parking.
  • Parking on lanes with boundary lines is also prohibited.
  • The rear fog light must be switched on when visibility is less than 100 meters. On motorways, the range of vision can be estimated very precisely with special triangles that are painted on the right-hand lane and are at a standardized distance from one another
  • Children under the age of 12 are only allowed to sit in the front if there is no more space in the back seat.
  • If you don’t wear a reflective vest in the event of a breakdown, you can be fined € 1,375.

Documents

The national driving license is sufficient. For nationals of EU and EFTA countries, the car registration number is used as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are advised to take the international green insurance card with them in order to benefit from full insurance protection in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance cover applies. The ‘green card’ can also make it easier to record accidents.

Blood

alcohol limit In Belgium there is a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 parts per thousand for drivers of motor vehicles. The same rule applies to drivers of motorcycles.

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, The international license plate of Belgium is:

B

Tourist office

Belgian Tourist Office in Germany

Cäcilienstr. 46

50667 Cologne

Tel: 0049 – (0) 221 – 2 77 59-0

E-mail: info@belgien-tourismus.de

Web: www.belgien-tourismus.de

Infectious Diseases

In Belgium, no infectious diseases are to be expected that are not widespread in Germany or Central and Northern Europe. Vaccination

recommendations

When traveling to Belgium, the same vaccinations are recommended as are customary in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Vaccination requirements There are no

vaccination

requirements when entering or staying in the country.

Hazards/current warning notices

Foreign Office (AA) of the Federal Republic of Germany

Citizens’ Service

Telephone: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 2000

www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de

Belgium: embassies, consulates

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Belgium embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of Belgium in Germany

The Belgian embassy on Jägerstrasse is close to one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin – the Gendarmenmarkt. The German Cathedral, the French Cathedral and the concert hall originally designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel are located here.

The Greek embassy is in the immediate vicinity. Due to the mostly occupied parking spaces, it is advisable to go to the embassy by public transport or a taxi. A few 100 m away is the “Hausvogteiplatz” station on underground line 2, for example.

Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Berlin

Jägerstrasse 52-53

10117 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 64 20

Web: https://germany.diplomatie.belgium.be/de/botschaft-und-konsulate/botschaft-berlin

Consulate General in Cologne

Cecilienstraße 46

City: 50667 Cologne

Tel: 0049 – (0) 221 – 20 51 10

Email: Cologne@diplobel.org

Responsibility:

North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland

Honorary Consul in Aachen

Eupener Straße 386

52076 Aachen

Tel: 0049 – (0) 241 – 6 10 70

Responsibility:

City of Aachen, districts of Aachen, Düren and Heinsberg in North Rhine-Westphalia

Honorary Consul in Bremen

Herrlichkeit 5

28199 Bremen

Tel: 0049 – (0) 421 – 36 84 330

Email: axel.bartsch@kbc.be

Responsibility:

Hanseatic City of Bremen

Honorary Consul in Duisburg

Schifferstrasse 26

47059 Duisburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 203 – 80 33 15

Responsibility:

Cities of Duisburg, Mülheim, Oberhausen and the districts of Kleve and Wesel

Honorary Consul in Frankfurt

Kettenhofweg 29

60325 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 97 105 410

Email: hp.peters@lincolninternational.de

Responsible:

State of Hesse

Honorary Consul in Hamburg

Vorsetzen 32-35

20459 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 40 – 36 14 93 70-0

Responsibility:

Hanseatic City of Hamburg

Honorary Consul in Hanover

Hans Böckler-Allee 20

30173 Hanover

Tel: 0049 – (0) 511 – 8 57 25 54

Fax: 0049 – (0) 511 – 85 52 79

Responsibility:

State of Lower Saxony

Honorary Consul in Munich

Pacellistraße 16

80333 Munich

Tel: 0049 – (0) 89 – 21 04 16 03

Responsibility:

State of Bavaria

Honorary Consul in Stuttgart

Büchsenstrasse 28

70174 Stuttgart

Tel: 0049 – (0) 711 – 54 09 01 44

Responsibility:

State of Baden-Württemberg

German representations in Belgium

Embassy in Brussels

8-14, rue Jacques de Lalaingstraat

1040 Brussels

Tel: 0032 – (0) 2 – 787 18 00

Fax: 0032 – (0) 2 – 787 28 00

Email: info@bruessel.diplo.de

Web: www. bruessel.diplo.de

Honorary Consulate in Antwerp

BASF Antwerpen NV, Scheldelaan 600

2040 Antwerp 4

Tel: 0032 – (0) 3 – 561 22 01

E-Mail: Wouter.de-geest@basf.com

Honorary Consulate in Hasselt

Mombeekdreef 18

3500 Hasselt

Tel: 0032 – (0) 11 – 27 09 58

E-Mail: honorarkonsul.cajot@skynet.be

Honorary Consulate in Liège

Boulevard Frère Orban 18

4000 Liège

Tel: 0032 – (0) 4 – 230 57 68

E-mail: g.blaise@consulallemagne.be

Honorary Consulate in De Haan

Orteliuslaan 8

8420 De Haan

Tel: 0032 – (0) 59 – 32 63 34

E-Mail: philip.decrop@telenet.be

Austrian representations in Belgium

Embassy in Brussels

Place du Champ de Mars 5, bte 5

1050 Brussels

Tel: 0032 – (0) 2 – 2890-700

Email: bruessel-ob@bmaa.gv.at

Web: www.aussenministerium.at/bruessel

Honorary Consulate in Eupen

Kaperberg 10

4700 Eupen

Tel: 0032 – (0) 493 – 62 97 77

E-Mail: fcbx@eupen.com

Honorary Consulate in Dendermonde-Oudeghem

Oude Baan 120

9200 Dendermonde-Oudeghem

Tel: 0032 – (0) 52 – 26 19 14

E-Mail: jean-paul.macharis@vpk.be

Honorary Consulate in Harze (Aywaille) rue de la Fagne 9 4920 Harze (Aywaille) Tel: 0032 – (0) 4 – 239 67 50 Email: j.thomas@metalinject.com

Honorary Consulate in Bouge

c/o MEDIABEL, Route de Hannut 38

5004 Bouge

Tel: 0032 – (0) 81 – 24 88 23

E-Mail: p.delaunois@skynet.be

Representations of Belgium in Austria

Embassy in Vienna

Wohllebengasse 6

1040 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 502 07

Email: Vienna@diplobel.org

Honorary Consulate in Graz

Keplerstraße 105

8020 Graz

Tel: 0043 – (0) 316 – 76 76 76 – 14

E-Mail: belg.konsulat-graz@aon.at

Honorary Consulate in Linz

Tizianstrasse 12a

4060 Leonding, Linz

Tel: 0043 – (0) 732 – 671 672

E-Mail: charlotte.wimmer@gmx.at

Honorary Consulate in Innsbruck

Andreas-Hofer-Strasse 1

6020 Innsbruck

Tel: 0043 – (0) 512 – 586 879

E-Mail: ra.dr.georg.gschnitzer@aon.at

Representations of Switzerland in Belgium

Embassy in Brussels

26, rue de la Loi, bte 9

1040 Brussels

Tel: 0032 – (0) 2 – 285 43 50

Email: bru.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/bruxelles

General Consulate in Anvers

Hoge Aardstraat 14

2610 Wilrijk/Anvers

Tel: 0032 – (0) 3 – 666 00 33

E-Mail: frederic.bohner@belgacom.be

Representations of Belgium in Switzerland

Embassy in Bern

Jubiläumsstrasse 41

3005 Bern

Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 350 01 50/-51/-52

Email: Bern@diplobel.org

Consulate in Bâle

Gerbergasse 1

4001 Bâle

Tel: 0041 – (0) 61 – 264 44 00

Email: e.simonius@vtxmail.ch

Consulate General Geneva

Case postale 473, rue de Moillebeau 58

1211 Geneva 19

Tel: 0041 – (0) 22 – 730 40 00

Email: geneva@diplobel.fed.be

Consulate in Lugana

Via della Posta 4

6900 Lugano

Tel: 0041 – (0) 91 – 921 44 09

Email: consbel_lugano@bluewin.ch

Consulate in Neuchâtel

Rue de la Treille 3

2000 Neuchâtel

Email: consbel@athemis.ch

Tel: 0041 – (0) 32 – 725 75 32

Consulate in St-Gallen

Pestalozzistrasse 2

9000 St-Gallen

Tel: 0041 – (0) 71 – 228 00 44

Email: doerig@advocati.ch

Consulate in Zurich

Basteiplatz 5

8022 Zurich

Tel: 0041 – (0) 44 – 212 11 55

Email: consulat.belgique@bluewin.ch

Travel to Belgium