ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW • POPULATION (2024): 11,738,763 • CAPITAL: Brussels • MAIN CITIES: Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, Liège, Schaerbeek • VISA: Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond departure date from Schengen area and have two blank pages;
no visa required for stays of up to 90 days. Tourist taxes are taken by accommodations in Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent • HEALTH: Hepatitis B vaccination and immunization against tick- borne encephalitis advised • CURRENCY: Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are widely accepted • TIME: GMT+1 • ELECTRICITY: 230 volts. Adapter required • DRIVING: On the right. Car rental companies may require an International Driving Permit • PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2025): Jan 1; Apr 18, 21; May 1, 29, 30; Jun 9; Jul 21; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11; Dec 25-26 • LANGUAGE: Dutch; French; German • RELIGION: Christian • DIAL CODE: +32
CLIMATE Moderate summers, with highs of 73F in July and August in Brussels
GETTING THERE • MAJOR GATEWAY: Brussels (BRU) • TYPICAL FLYING TIME: Direct: 7h+ from NY One layover: 13h+ from LA
NETHERLANDS Ostend Bruges Ghent Anderlecht Brussels BELGIUM Charleroi Liege