Travel Vaccines and Advice for Belgium
Belgium is known as a country at the crossroads of medieval and modern-day. It is not uncommon to spend the morning touring the grounds of a centuries-old castle and the afternoon strolling through a museum of contemporary art.
Belgium is one of the most sought-after renaissance destinations in Europe. Elegant buildings sit side-by-side with cobblestone streets, interrupted by an occasional winding waterway.
Brussels, the country’s capital is a bilingual hub for international political gatherings. Belgium’s reputation as a gathering place for politicians has made it a target for terrorist attacks.
Security is improving in Belgium and the country hasn’t seen a large attack for some time.
Do I Need Vaccines for Belgium?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Belgium. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belgium: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Belgium |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Belgium |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Belgium?
A visa is not required for travel to Belgium. Passports must have at least six month’s validity and two blank pages for entry stamps.
Belgium Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Belgium? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Belgium and U.S. State Department
A tourist visa is only required if travelers plan on staying longer than nine months. Currency limit for entry and exit is 10,000 Euros or equivalent.
What Is the Climate Like in Belgium?
Belgium is a small country so the climate does not change drastically region to region. The climate is considered temperate with cool summers and mild winters. The country experiences all four seasons.
- Brussels – This region experiences mild temperatures year round. There are occasional rain and snowfall in the cooler seasons.
- Antwerp – The city is a sub-oceanic climate with higher levels of humidity and more rain than other regions.
- Rochefort – This area typically experiences more rainfall than most areas. It remains generally warm throughout the year.
How Safe Is Belgium?
Despite semi-recent terrorist activity, Belgium is a safe and secure country.
Given Belgium’s political significance, demonstrations are common. Travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring. Petty crimes are not uncommon and travelers should be aware of their belongings at all times.
Visit the Hidden Village of Doel
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Doel, located in the northern coastal area near Antwerp, is a unique, quaint village. As Doel’s residents moved out, local artists moved in. Today, the streets of Doel are full of peculiar and colorful murals. Grab a Belgian waffle and stroll the art-filled streets, witnessing some famous and unique artwork.
What Should I Take to Belgium?
Most areas in Belgium experience four seasons. Depending on the time of travel, there are various accessories one should pack:
- An umbrella for any random spurts of rain
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light, airy jackets
- Travel water bottle
U.S. Embassy in Belgium
The embassy in Belgium provides many services. These include help with passports, birth certificates and most all travel concerns.
U.S. Embassy Brussels
Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Régent, B-1000 Brussels
Phone: (32-2) 811-4000
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Belgium
Overall rating: 5 stars – 3 reviews
★★★★★
“Timely and Helpful“
“two parts in this compliment: first, during the initial call, the gentleman inquired what shots i needed, he found nearby locations which offered those and were open, and then schedule my appointment for within 2 hours. Second, at the Bethesda branch, the service was outstanding and in good humor, helping me avoid one unnecessary shot and recommending two additional one specific to the region of travel in Belgium. Quick, pleasant, and focused on the customer at every moment. Well done! This was my first experience with Passport Health and I will tell my friends and be a return customer.”
Submitted by: Wayne
★★★★★
“Extremely Thorough“
“My nurse was excellent–she thoroughly covered all the options and vaccinations recommended for travelers to Belgium. I feel very prepared now!”
Submitted by: Rebecca
★★★★★
“Best Clinic Ever“
“I’ve been working with this clinic on preparations for a several month business in Belgium. He has been very friendly, professional, and informative. The binder that Passport Health created for my trip is very informative and should be very helpful on my trip. My company already uses Passport Health.”
Submitted by: Chris
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Belgium?
Do I Need a Visa for Belgium?
What Is the Climate Like in Belgium?
How Safe Is Belgium?
Visit the Hidden Village of Doel
What Should I Take to Belgium?
U.S. Embassy in Belgium
“two parts in this compliment: first, during the initial call, the gentleman inquired what shots i needed, he found nearby locations which offered those and were open, and then schedule my appointment for within 2 hours. Second, at the Bethesda branch, the service was outstanding and in good humor, helping me avoid one unnecessary shot and recommending two additional one specific to the region of travel in Belgium. Quick, pleasant, and focused on the customer at every moment. Well done! This was my first experience with Passport Health and I will tell my friends and be a return customer.”
“My nurse was excellent–she thoroughly covered all the options and vaccinations recommended for travelers to Belgium. I feel very prepared now!”
“I’ve been working with this clinic on preparations for a several month business in Belgium. He has been very friendly, professional, and informative. The binder that Passport Health created for my trip is very informative and should be very helpful on my trip. My company already uses Passport Health.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Belgium?
Do I Need a Visa for Belgium?
What Is the Climate Like in Belgium?
How Safe Is Belgium?
Visit the Hidden Village of Doel
What Should I Take to Belgium?
U.S. Embassy in Belgium
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