| Supplemental Info:
Travel Advisory
December 21, 2018
Belgium
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. If you decide to travel to Belgium:- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Report for Belgium.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
VIEW THE FULL ADVISORY HERE:
Additional Information:
Terrorism experts regard Islamic State activities in Europe's Francophone area as a single, French-Belgian nexus. Belgium has been the base of operations for a number of terrorist attacks in recent years, including the November 2015 Paris attacks. Other recent attacks claimed by or attributed to the Islamic State include: - May 24, 2014: Jewish Museum of Belgium shooting.
- March 22, 2016: Two ISIS suicide bombings at Brussels Airport in Zaventem, and one at the Maalbeek metro station in Brussels.
- October 5, 2016: Stabbing of Brussels police officers.
- June 20, 2017: Explosion at the Brussels Central train station.
- August 25, 2017: Two soldiers wounded by a machete-wielding man near the Grand Place in Brussels.
- May 29, 2018: 2 police officers and one civilian killed by a furloughed prisoner.
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