Belgium is a small, sovereign state in Western Europe bordered by France, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and the North Sea. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture (having a blend of Dutch and French influences, evident in its cuisine, architecture, and festivals), and significant political role in Europe. The country's also famous for well-known comic strips like Tintin, medieval towns, and Renaissance art. Its capital, Brussels, is considered the 'De Facto' capital of the European Union, hosting major institutions like the European Commission and the European Parliament. Brussels is a vibrant city with museums, art galleries, theaters, and a dynamic culinary scene. The city is also home to famous landmarks like the Atomium, Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and the Royal Palace.
UTC+1 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes.
Belgium classifies traffic offenses into 4 degrees, each with corresponding on‑the‑spot and court fines:
Examples of common traffic violations include:
Also, smoking inside a vehicle when a child under 16 is present can lead to fines up to €1,000.
If fined on-the-spot and no Belgian address is available, tourists may be required to pay immediately in cash or by card, or post a deposit of equal amount to avoid vehicle impoundment. Unpaid fines can accumulate late fees, lead to court summons, driving bans, difficulty renting cars or obtaining insurance, and possibly enforcement in one's own country.
The official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French and German.
In Belgium, vehicles drive on the right. You must be 18 years or older to drive a car, whether it is hired or temporarily imported, the same rule applies for those driving a motorbike.
In Belgium Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane), diesel and LPG are all available. Petrol in a can is permitted, but forbidden aboard ferries. Credit cards are accepted at filling stations but check with your card issuer for usage in Belgium before travel.
Speed limits in Belgium are as follows, unless otherwise indicated:
The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%.
All passengers in the front of the vehicle must be wearing seat belts at all times. But for your safety, if provided we would recommend using a seat belt.
Any child under 12 years must not travel in the front of the car as a passenger, and must be sitting in a suitable car seat fitted to their size.