Belgian authorities urge travellers to prepare ahead of summer holidays

As the summer travel season begins, Belgium’s FPS foreign affairs is reminding citizens: “Your trip, your responsibility.” While consular support is available for Belgians abroad, officials stress the importance of good preparation.

Travellers are urged to consult official travel advice, register with Travellers Online, and consider travel insurance. “Most trips fortunately go well”, said Joris Salden, director-general for Consular Affairs. “But when a problem arises, travellers realise they may not speak the language or be familiar with local laws.”

Travel advice is updated regularly and covers both entire countries and specific regions, even within Europe. Salden cited past wildfires in France and Greece as examples of why staying informed is essential.

Registration on Travellers Online helps the Foreign Office quickly identify Belgians in crisis zones, such as during natural disasters or terrorist incidents. Data is strictly used by the department and deleted shortly after the trip.

Salden also emphasised the need for valid passports, necessary visas, and travel insurance. He noted that in some countries, medical care is inaccessible without it. 

Theft remains the most common travel issue, so keeping digital copies of key documents and contact numbers is advised.

^{© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}