Planned industrial action in the UK in December and January may lead to delays or changes to scheduled travel between the UK and Belgium. Please consult your travel operator for the latest updates.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into Belgium for further information.

If you’re currently living in or moving to Belgium, check the Living in Belgium guide in addition to this travel advice.

Demonstrations and strike action often take place in transport hubs and cities, and around the Schuman area in Brussels. See Demonstrations

Theft and pickpocketing is a problem in crowded areas. Take care of your belongings and passports, particularly at all train stations in Brussels. See Crime

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Belgium. Attacks could happen anywhere, including on public transport and transport hubs and in other places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism

Security operations are likely to be carried out at short notice. You should remain vigilant and follow the instructions of the Belgian authorities. Police have asked the public not to comment on police operations on social media. You can find more information on the Belgian Crisis Centre website and Twitter channel.

If you need to contact the emergency services, call 112. You can also contact emergency service through the 112 app, which can be downloaded onto your smartphone (this helps emergency call centres to identify your location).

If you’re in Belgium and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Brussels.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.