Belgium’s Foreign Ministry has issued a firm yet essential reminder: holidaymakers must assume greater responsibility for their summer trips. Proper preparation can prevent unpleasant surprises.
With the summer holidays just around the corner, the Belgian Foreign Ministry is asking travellers to take a series of practical precautions to ensure safe and trouble-free journeys abroad.
In a press conference held on Monday morning, Joris Salden, director general of consular affairs, highlighted a key point: "You can run into problems anywhere, but they are much harder to resolve when you're abroad."
One of the most important tools at travellers' disposal, the Ministry says, is the regularly updated travel advice published on the website. These advisories assess risks in different regions based on security, political stability, health alerts and natural disasters. Certain destinations are explicitly discouraged, and Belgians are advised to take this seriously.
"Even popular tourist countries can be affected by events out of control – flooding, wildfires, or even terrorist threats," Salden adds. " Spain, for instance, saw massive floods and forest fires due to climate change. These things no longer happen only in faraway places."
Registration
The Ministry strongly recommends that Belgians register for their journeys on the Travellers Online platform. This secure digital tool lets the nearest diplomatic post know who is in-country, making it easier to reach out in case of emergencies. It also provides reassurance to families back home. "In the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest, or attack, knowing who is where can make a life-saving difference," Salden added. All personal data is deleted after 3 years, and its use is strictly for citizen protection.
Insurance is not optional.
The Ministry insists on the importance of comprehensive travel insurance, especially to cover medical costs and repatriation in the event of an accident or hospitalisation. " If something happens abroad, even something minor, the cost can be enormous. Insurance can make all the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a life-altering crisis," Salden added.
A few basic checks
You should also take care of administrative matters well in advance. This includes :
- Checking the validity of your passport, as some countries require at least six months' validity upon entry.
- Applying for visas early on if required.
- Bringing sufficient medication, especially for chronic conditions, along with prescriptions and documentation.
- Understanding local laws and regulations – a legal misstep abroad can have serious consequences.
Theft and loss
Theft and loss of belongings are by far the most common issues faced by Belgians abroad. Travellers are therefore encouraged to keep copies of important documents ( passport, ID, insurance) separate from the originals, make a list of emergency phone numbers, including the local Belgian embassy or consulate, use hotel safes where possible, be aware of pickpockets when outside, and avoid carrying all valuables at once.
These precautions apply even to seemingly safe or nearby destinations. " Proximity is no guarantee of safety," Salden explained. "We've seen that clearly over the past years. Whether you're going to Greece, Spain or a more exotic location, your preparation should be the same"
Shared responsibility
What emerges from this year's briefing is a tone of shared responsibility. The ministry does not aim to discourage travel, but to encourage maturity and foresight. Consular services are available 24/7 (a legal obligation) and can assist in times of crisis. Belgians can also address any other European country's embassy, and they should be aware of fake news on social media; the only reliable source is the official website about the situation in the country you're in.
Whether checking travel alerts, packing smart, or simply registering your presence abroad, small steps can make the difference between a holiday of memories and one of misfortunes. The message is clear: Know before you go and travel wisely.
