Travel Advisory

 A Gentle Reminder From

The Embassy of Malaysia in Belgium

     1. Carry your valid passport at all times, as Belgian law requires everyone to carry some form of identification.

2.   Most visits to Belgium are trouble-free. This notwithstanding, you should take normal, common sense precautions to avoid becoming a victim of mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing.

3.   Theft and pick pocketing are rampant in crowded areas.  You should take extra care, particularly of your valuable belongings and passports, at all train stations in Brussels, but in particular at the Gare du Midi (Eurostar terminal) and Gare Du Nord in Brussels.  Try to avoid walking around these areas at night time, particularly if you are on your own. 

4.   Be extra vigilant in Brussels and Antwerp at major railway stations, undergrounds, buses and trams stations, particularly late at night. Thieves operate in the vicinity of the Brussels Gare du Midi/Zuidstation (Eurostar terminal), Gare du Nord and Schuman (the EU headquarters). There have been a couple of serious muggings reported in the vicinity of the two stations at night time. Pickpockets also operate on international trains, mainly Paris-Brussels and Amsterdam-Brussels.

5.    Take only the necessary minimum amount of cash and personal ID when you go out. As far as possible leave jewellery, other valuables and documents in a secure place (e.g. hotel safe deposit). Avoid carrying money, bank/credit cards and your passport in the same bag or pocket.

6.  In the event of theft, contact the nearest police station and obtain a police report. This report is mandatory when applying for a replacement passport (emergency certificate) or insurance claim. Please contact the Malaysian Embassy at +3227760340 for assistance. Emergency number is 112 for Belgium. For the emergency certificate issuance, a police report and 2 passport size pictures are required.

7.   Never leave your luggage unattended. There have been reports of luggage being stolen from the racks at the end of carriages in high-speed trains (e.g. TGV and Thalys), usually just before the doors close in before the train departs.

8.   Do not leave valuables such as purses, bags or mobile phones visible in your car/taxi, even when you are in it. Keep car doors locked and windows secure at all times. It is increasingly common for thieves, usually on motorbikes, to break a window and snatch valuables from the front or back passenger seat when the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights.

9.  On 28 April 2011 Belgium's parliament passed a law that forbids the wearing in public places (such as parks, buildings, public transport and on the street) of clothing that hides a person's face largely or completely. People wearing this clothing (for example the burka and nikab) risk a fine of up to €137.50 and/or detention for up to seven days. The law does not provide an exemption for tourists.