From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Belgium Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 13:37:24 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1256 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <970226133724_76702.1202_CHN64-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 97 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Belgium ============================================================ Belgium - Consular Information Sheet February 25, 1997 Country Description: Belgium is a highly developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required of American citizens for business or tourist stays totaling up to 90 days in any six-month period. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Belgium at 3330 Garfield Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, tel.(202) 333-6900, or one of the Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. Medical Information: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559 or by visiting CDC's Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov. Crime Information: Belgium has a relatively low crime rate in most regions, but U.S. citizens visiting major cities can become targets for pickpockets and purse snatchers, especially while traveling by metro (subway) and at tourist attractions. Theft of and from vehicles is the most common crime in Belgium, and the usual precautions apply. Crime victims themselves must make the report to the police in the district where the crime occurred, as third party notification of a crime is not accepted. As the police have a high recovery rate for stolen property, victims are encouraged to report all crimes. Belgian law requires that everyone carry some form of official identification at all times which must be displayed upon request to any police official. A U.S. passport suffices, and police are almost always satisfied if they see a photocopy of the photo page of the passport. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Belgium, the penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Road Conditions/Safety: Belgian highways are generally well built and maintained with extensive lighting systems, but rain and fog often reduce visibility. Motorists encountering poor visibility conditions should reduce speed, and if possible defer travel until visibility improves. Information on road conditions is available in English from touring assistance at tel. (070) 344-777 (free call within Belgium) or from Belgian Police at tel. (02) 642-6666. Belgian rules for right-of-way differ from those in the U.S., and new drivers should thoroughly understand these rules before driving in Belgium. The maximum speed limit on Belgian highways is 120 kilometers (72 miles) per hour but is posted only at Belgium's borders and on roads leaving major airports. However, claims of ignorance will not prevent a significant fine for speeding, which can lead to the vehicle being impounded if the driver is unable to pay the fine on the spot in Belgian francs. Belgian police also conduct breath analyzer checks for alcohol use, particularly at night and during major holidays. The blood/alcohol criteria in Belgium is lower than that of any state in the U.S. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security in Belgium. The U.S. Embassy in Brussels is located at 27 Boulevard du Regent, tel. (32)(2) 508-2111. No. 97-036 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued November 13, 1995 to add information on road conditions and the Internet. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories