Americans Warned of Crime in Tourist Areas, Terrorism in Belgium Travel Advisory

The embassy also cited recent incidents in Belgium and Western Europe that may be linked to the current Middle East conflict.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 7/24/2026, 6:03:24 PM EDT

Americans Warned of Crime in Tourist Areas, Terrorism in Belgium Travel Advisory — Tourists visit the city under an umbrella in Brussels as a heatwave hits Belgium on May 27, 2026. (Nicolas TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Belgium on Friday, urging Americans to exercise increased caution because of crime, terrorism, and unrest. The advisory remains at Level 2, which means travelers should exercise increased caution. However, the update added new risk indicators for crime and unrest and revised the advisory summary.

The advisory warns travelers that petty crime is common in popular tourist areas. Belgium also continues to face the risk of terrorist violence and large demonstrations that can disrupt transportation and essential services, the State Department warned on July 24.

“Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings,” states the travel advisory. “Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.”

The update comes as the State Department urges Americans traveling in the Middle East to follow security guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate amid ongoing regional tensions.

Belgium has also received heightened security attention from U.S. officials in recent months because of concerns linked to the conflict in the Middle East and a series of security incidents in Europe.

The unrest warning comes after a series of political demonstrations in Brussels. On June 11, the U.S. Embassy advised Americans to avoid protest areas near Brussels Central Station, the European Parliament, the Flemish Parliament, and other government or political sites.

"Given previous incidents related to similar political events, authorities may restrict access to these areas due to a potential for confrontations between protesters and police. U.S. citizens should avoid the areas near these expected protests and are advised to leave the area if they come across a protest," the Embassy warned.

On March 20, the U.S. Embassy in Belgium issued a security message urging Americans to remain vigilant, "out of an abundance of caution," though it said it was not aware of any specific threats targeting the U.S. citizen community. The March alert said U.S. officials were not aware of any specific threats against Americans in Belgium but urged vigilance because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and recent security incidents.

The embassy also cited recent incidents in Belgium and Western Europe that may be linked to the current Middle East conflict, including an explosion outside a synagogue in Liege on March 9.

It warned that terrorists, including lone actors, could attack with little or no warning at locations such as transportation hubs, markets, shopping centers, places of worship and other public spaces.

In its Friday advisory, the State Department urged Americans traveling to Belgium to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid demonstrations and large crowds, monitor local media for updates, stay alert in tourist areas and near banks or ATMs, and review the latest security guidance before departure.