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: [email protected] 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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Hasselt
Mombeekdreef 18
3500 Hasselt
Tel: 0032 – (0) 11 – 27 09 58
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Liège
Boulevard Frère Orban 18
4000 Liège
Tel: 0032 – (0) 4 – 230 57 68
E-mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in De Haan
Orteliuslaan 8
8420 De Haan
Tel: 0032 – (0) 59 – 32 63 34
E-Mail: [email protected]
Austrian representations in Belgium
Embassy in Brussels
Place du Champ de Mars 5, bte 5
1050 Brussels
Tel: 0032 – (0) 2 – 2890-700
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.aussenministerium.at/bruessel
Honorary Consulate in Eupen
Kaperberg 10
4700 Eupen
Tel: 0032 – (0) 493 – 62 97 77
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Dendermonde-Oudeghem
Oude Baan 120
9200 Dendermonde-Oudeghem
Tel: 0032 – (0) 52 – 26 19 14
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Harze (Aywaille) rue de la Fagne 9 4920 Harze (Aywaille) Tel: 0032 – (0) 4 – 239 67 50 Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Bouge
c/o MEDIABEL, Route de Hannut 38
5004 Bouge
Tel: 0032 – (0) 81 – 24 88 23
E-Mail: [email protected]
Representations of Belgium in Austria
Embassy in Vienna
Wohllebengasse 6
1040 Vienna
Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 502 07
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Graz
Keplerstraße 105
8020 Graz
Tel: 0043 – (0) 316 – 76 76 76 – 14
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Linz
Tizianstrasse 12a
4060 Leonding, Linz
Tel: 0043 – (0) 732 – 671 672
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Innsbruck
Andreas-Hofer-Strasse 1
6020 Innsbruck
Tel: 0043 – (0) 512 – 586 879
E-Mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Representations of Belgium in Switzerland
Embassy in Bern
Jubiläumsstrasse 41
3005 Bern
Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 350 01 50/-51/-52
Email: [email protected]
Consulate in Bâle
Gerbergasse 1
4001 Bâle
Tel: 0041 – (0) 61 – 264 44 00
Email: [email protected]
Consulate General Geneva
Case postale 473, rue de Moillebeau 58
1211 Geneva 19
Tel: 0041 – (0) 22 – 730 40 00
Email: [email protected]
Consulate in Lugana
Via della Posta 4
6900 Lugano
Tel: 0041 – (0) 91 – 921 44 09
Email: [email protected]
Consulate in Neuchâtel
Rue de la Treille 3
2000 Neuchâtel
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0041 – (0) 32 – 725 75 32
Consulate in St-Gallen
Pestalozzistrasse 2
9000 St-Gallen
Tel: 0041 – (0) 71 – 228 00 44
Email: [email protected]
Consulate in Zurich
Basteiplatz 5
8022 Zurich
Tel: 0041 – (0) 44 – 212 11 55
Email: [email protected]
