The U.S. Department of State has recently issued several travel advisories for popular summer vacation spots. These include an update on a deadly virus risk that has scared people from visiting a South American nation, as well as a warning about tourists facing 10 years in prison in a top Southeast Asian destination.
Now, the U.S. government is warning its citizens of crimes targeting foreigners in the European country that is most welcoming to American visitors. Here’s what U.S. travelers should know before heading to this country, which is known for its historic cities and world-class food.
U.S. Government Updates Belgium Travel Advisory With Crime Warning For Tourists
On Thursday, July 23, the State Department updated its travel advisory for Belgium with “crime” and “unrest” risk indicators. U.S. citizens are now cautioned that petty crime is common in Belgium, particularly in top tourist sites. The most common crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity such as purse snatching and pickpocketing.
“Low-level street crime including robberies, smash and grab car robberies, purse snatchings, stealing electronics, and pickpocketing is common, particularly in major cities, in public areas such as restaurants, the Brussels metro at night, buses/trams, and all train stations,” the State Department says in its official crime warning for Belgium.
Thieves in high-risk locations in Belgium typically work in groups and use distraction schemes, such as bumping into you or shoving you in busy streets or spaces. Theft from vehicles is common as well. In addition to petty crime, the U.S. government warns that large-scale demonstrations related to local political and economic situations occur frequently in the European nation.
While they are “generally peaceful,” demonstrations in Belgium may disrupt transportation and other essential services. They can also become confrontational and potentially escalate to violence. Protests often take place during significant holidays or international events.
To make sure these demonstrations do not interfere with your trip, the U.S. Embassy in Belgium regularly issues “security/demonstration alerts” detailing the schedule, venue, affected areas or services, and traffic detours.
Is It Safe To Travel To Belgium Now?
The U.S. government maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Belgium, making it generally safe for tourists to visit, as long as they exercise increased caution due to crime, unrest, and terrorism. Americans are told that there is a risk of “terrorist violence,” including terrorist attacks and other activity in Belgium.
“Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad, including possible attacks in Europe,” the State Department says about the terrorism risk in Belgium.
The travel advisory highlights that terrorists have been using “less sophisticated methods” lately, which include knives, firearms, rudimentary IEDs, and vehicles, to effectively attack crowds. They often target public locations, including:
- Spots frequented by leisure travelers (e.g., hotels, attractions, clubs, restaurants)
- Places of worship
- Schools
- Large gatherings
- Public transportation systems, including airports
- Shopping centers, markets, malls
However, while high-level security risks make the biggest headlines, the most common threat everyday travelers face in Belgium is petty crime, especially pickpocketing in those same crowded tourist spots and transit hubs.
How To Avoid Pickpockets In Belgium
Pickpocket schemes in Belgium, like in most European countries, are usually driven by diversion tactics. A pair or group of thieves may target you, with one trying to get your attention while an accomplice quietly takes your belongings.
To avoid drawing attention from pickpockets, do not wear expensive jewelry or watches and do not carry valuable items when exploring outside. Stick to a small amount of cash, credit cards, and necessary personal identification.
Make sure you keep your bags, cash, valuables, and other important travel documents close to you, whether you are just walking around or in public transit. Do not put these items in the overhead shelf on trains. Bag thefts on trains have recently increased, particularly on the Brussels–Amsterdam route.
Lastly, if you’re renting a car to drive in Belgium, always drive with your windows up and the doors locked. Sometimes, thieves target vehicles stopped at traffic lights. Some may even smash the car window and grab your belongings, so always use parking garages when possible.
If only street parking is available, look for one that is close to a streetlight. Do not leave anything visible on the seats, floor, or dashboard that may draw further attention to your car.
Belgium Is The Most Welcoming European Country To American Travelers
While staying vigilant against crimes of opportunity is essential in Belgium and any other major European destination, you must not let these warnings scare you off. By taking basic safety precautions, you will quickly realize how welcoming Belgium is to foreigners, especially Americans.
From late 2025 to early this year, many American travelers have reportedly skipped Europe due to fears of how they are perceived abroad due to U.S. politics and the country’s latest border policies. But in an Upgraded Points‘ 2025 survey of how Europeans perceive Americans, only 1.9% of Belgian respondents described themselves as generally unwelcoming to U.S. citizens.
Most Welcoming European Countries To American Tourists
|
Rank |
Country |
% of Respondents |
|
#1 |
Belgium |
1.9% |
|
#2 |
Italy |
2.% |
|
#3 |
Estonia, Netherlands, Finland, Poland |
3% |
France turned out to be the European country most likely to call itself unfriendly to Americans (15%), followed by Hungary (8.7%), Norway (8%), Denmark (7.5%), and Spain (6.9%).
For more information on travel safety and preparation for your next European getaway, make sure to check the U.S. State Department’s website for travel advisory updates, country security reports, and entry requirements.
