U.S. raises Belgium travel advisory to Level 2

The U.S. State Department’s Belgium travel advisory now tells Americans to “exercise increased caution in Belgium due to crime, terrorism, and unrest,” according to the department’s country page. Belgium is listed as Level 2 on the department’s four-tier travel advisory scale, and the current advisory is dated July 23, 2026. The U.S. Embassy in Belgium said on July 24 that the advisory level itself did not change, but that the “crime” and “unrest” risk indicators were added and the advisory summary was updated. ### Did Washington newly raise Belgium to Level 2? July 23, 2026 is the date on the State Department’s Belgium advisory page, which shows “Level 2 - Exercise increased caution.” The same page says Americans should use increased caution because of crime, terrorism and unrest. The U.S. Embassy in Belgium said in a July 24 posting that “there was no change to the advisory level.” The embassy said the update added the “crime” and “unrest” risk indicators and revised the advisory summary, while Belgium remained at Level 2. (travel.state.gov) ### What does the Belgium advisory now say? The State Department says petty crime is common in Belgium, “especially in popular tourist locations,” and tells travelers to stay aware of their surroundings. (travel.state.gov) The advisory says most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, including purse snatching and pickpocketing. (be.usembassy.gov) The advisory also says there is a risk of terrorist violence in Belgium, including attacks and other activity. On unrest, the department says large-scale demonstrations tied to the local political situation may occur and may disrupt transportation and other essential services. ### What does Level 2 mean in the State Department system? (travel.state.gov) The State Department says a travel advisory is written for U.S. citizens and describes risks and recommended precautions in a foreign destination. On its travel advisory page, the department defines Level 2 as “Exercise increased caution.” The department’s system has four levels: Level 1, exercise normal precautions; Level 2, exercise increased caution; Level 3, reconsider travel; and Level 4, do not travel. (travel.state.gov) The department also says Levels 1 and 2 are reviewed every 12 months, though advisories can be updated sooner if conditions change substantially. ### What is the U.S. government telling travelers to do now? (travel.state.gov) The Belgium advisory tells Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. It also tells travelers to review the country security report for Belgium and the department’s information for crime victims abroad. (travel.state.gov) The advisory says travelers should avoid demonstrations and crowds, monitor local media for breaking news, and be prepared to adjust plans. It also advises people to stay alert in tourist spots and when visiting banks or ATMs. ### How should travelers read this alongside wider U.S. guidance? On May 21, 2026, the State Department issued a separate “Worldwide Caution” telling Americans globally to exercise increased caution. (travel.state.gov) That notice sits alongside destination-specific advisories such as Belgium’s country page. Travelers planning Belgium trips can check the full country advisory on Travel.State.gov and the embassy’s July 24 advisory notice for any further revisions. (travel.state.gov) The State Department says destination advisories can be updated at any time if conditions change substantially. (travel.state.gov)