Best time to go to Belgium

It may sound like a cop out, but there’s never really a bad time to visit Belgium. During the cold, wintery months the cities take on a cosy, Christmassy feel, and the countryside is often blanketed in twinkling frost. When spring and summer come around, you can expect some hot weather without it being scorching, which makes it ideal for racking up the exploring hours. The crowds in the cities will be a little thinner in May and September, but the temperatures will be a little milder.

Passports & Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Belgium but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Belgium using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium/entry-requirements.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Health & Safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to get a European Health Insurance Card – or EHIC – before leaving the UK. You'll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. You can apply at www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. You’ll need to have both this card and adequate travel insurance. Though it’s not a substitute for travel insurance, it entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Belgian nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium/health