The U.S. State Department has updated its advice for Americans planning a trip to Belgium this year.
The agency’s travel advisory system outlines the level of risk and the precautions visitors should take in destinations around the world, using a scale from Level 1 to Level 4.
Belgium is widely regarded as a popular and relatively secure destination for tourists, and it has remained at Level 2 for more than 20 years.
‘safe’
‘exercise increased caution’
In the latest revision issued this week, officials added further breakdowns covering safety concerns in three areas.
‘crime, terrorism and unrest’
In the crime category, the guidance says lower-level theft is frequently reported, particularly in situations involving unattended belongings or busy public areas. Street crime including robberies, smash and grab car thefts, and theft of electronics is common, particularly in major cities, public areas such as restaurants, the Brussels metro at night, buses, trams, and all train stations.
‘petty crime’
‘purse snatching and pickpocketing’
The advisory also notes that incidents affecting foreign visitors are often opportunistic rather than targeted.
‘crimes of opportunity’
On the subject of public disorder, the State Department warns that demonstrations can still affect day-to-day travel plans even when they are peaceful.
“Large-scale, generally peaceful demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.”
The update also highlights ongoing security concerns linked to extremist threats. Belgium maintains its national threat level at “serious,” level 3 of 4, meaning there is a possible and imminent threat. The country’s greatest terrorism threat comes from homegrown terrorism carried out by lone actors inspired by Islamist extremism or, to a lesser extent, violent right-wing extremism. Authorities recorded 287 reports of threats potentially related to terrorism or extremism in 2024, with the Jewish community targeted in 15 percent of reported cases. Recent incidents in Belgium and Western Europe have been tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including an explosion outside a synagogue in Liege in March 2026.
‘risk of terrorist violence’
Travelers heading to Belgium are being advised to remain alert in busy tourist locations and to steer clear of protests and large gatherings where possible.
Americans visiting the country are also being encouraged to consult the official Belgium travel guidance for further safety information before departure.
Belgium is not the only European destination currently listed at Level 2, with France, Germany and the United Kingdom also falling into the same category.
Travel advisories are monitored on an ongoing basis and can be amended quickly if circumstances change. The latest adjustments were introduced on July 24, adding the “crime” and “unrest” risk indicators to the advisory summary, though the country remained at the Level 2 designation.
Belgium continues to attract huge numbers of visitors thanks to landmarks such as Brussels’ Grand-Place and the canals of Bruges. Tourism numbers have been strong, with Brussels recording nearly 9.8 million overnight stays in 2024, a 4 percent increase from 2023. Overnight stays from the United States jumped by 11 percent in 2024. Tourism demand remained robust through the first half of 2026, with the country welcoming more than 46 million overnight stays in 2025 and continuing to see tourism growth in 2026. Brussels Airport recorded 1.6 million passengers in January 2026, marking a 5.5 percent increase from the previous year.
Last month, the State Department also revised its guidance for St Lucia, telling U.S. travelers to take extra care because of crime concerns.
‘exercise increased caution’
‘exercise normal precautions’
Before that change, St Lucia had been listed at Level 1. American visitors make up around half of the island’s tourism market.
The U.S. advisory system gives each country a rating from one to four, helping travelers understand the level of caution recommended before they go. But what does each level actually mean?