SITUATIONIN BELGIUM FOLLOWING THE ATTACKS OF MARCH 22 2016
7June 2016
1. Maintained vigilance against terrorism (
The entity in charge of the threat assessment (OCAD/OCAM, Coordination Body for Threat Analysis) maintains a threat level 3 throughout the country. The threat is still considered serious, possible and probable.
OCAM and its partners follow the situation and evaluate information constantly.
There will be
-increased vigilance in the major train stations, national and regional airports, public transportation across the country, in particular the Brussels metro,and around all nuclear facilities
-increased presence of police and military on strategic sites and on premises with high concentrations of people, throughout the country.
2. Transportation
- Brussels Airport(
- Brussels Airlines (
Brussels Airlines:
Brussels Airport:
Brussels Airlines:
Brussels Airport:
Since June 2ndpassengers canagain check in at the departures hall. Thus Brussels Airport resumed normal operations in the departures hall a mere two and a half months after the attacks. Since a few days, a new flight schedule applies which allows for 28 departing flights an hour. The airport will gradually increase this number to allow for 44 departing flights per hour by the start of the summer rush.
The increase of the number of flights is possible due to the operational optimisation of the terminal infrastructure and of the operational processes. Due to these optimisations, the majority of the passengers can get from the entrance to the airport to their gate in under 60 minutes, which is just as fast as before the attacks.
Useful information for passengers:
The airport is accessible to private cars, busses, trainsand taxis.
Dropping off or picking up passengers is only possible at parking lotsP1, P2 and P3. The parking is free of charge for the first 15 minutes. From the parking, bus station and train station, the access to the departure hall is clearly indicated. Since the attacks, additional security measures are in effect but do no longer result in delays.
Train traffic to and from the station Brussels Airport – Zaventem has resumed since April 22nd.
II. STIB/MIVB (Public transport company) Brussels (
Since Thursday, April 7, all public bus services to and from Brussels Airport run normally.
Since Monday, April 25, all metro and pre-metro stations are open and the metro and pre-metro is fully operational from start to end of service. Military and police reinforcement is maintained throughout the underground network. The surface network - bus and tram - is operated in its entirety.
III. SNCB/NMBS (
The services operate normally. Military and police reinforcement is maintained in the major train stations
As of Friday 22 Apriltrain traffic to/from the airport has resumed.
IV. Thalys (
The services operate normally.
V. Eurostar (
The services operate normally.
3. Attractions and shopping
Are tourist sights, museums and monuments open?
In the Walloon and Flemish Regions, all tourist attractions, public places, concentrations, concerts and restaurants are operating normally.
In the Brussels-Capital Region, the cultural, commercial and tourist activities haveresumed. Museums have re-opened under vigilance and increased security checks.
Are concerts and shows canceled?
Shows and concerts are scheduled to take place, subject to a decision of the organizers, who have announced increased security measures. The operators and organizers of the event are responsible for the organization and the security of the event.
The security measures especially in terms of access control and filtering at the entries are strengthened in order to ensure maximum safety for the public, artists and works.
Are the stores open?
All stores are open, including department stores and large shopping centers.
4. Hotels, restaurants
Hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs are open and functioning normally.
5. Events, exhibitions
Are public events held?
The events organized on public property are evaluated on a case by case basis .
Are conferences, conventions and exhibitions maintained?
Trade shows, conferences and future conferences are held, with strengthened security measures.
6. Borders and entry conditions
Are Belgium’s borders closed?
The borders remain open, but additional checks may take place at entry points of the territory.
What are the necessary documents?
The documents required to enter Belgium remain the same documents normally required to nationals of your country. Citizens of a country member of the EU do not need a visa, just a valid ID (identity card or passport).
Do Europeans need their passports in order to come to Belgium?
Nationals of countries member of the European Union need a valid form of ID (identity card or passport). In general, the documents required to enter Belgium are the same as usual.
Is my visa still valid?
Yes, visas issued before the implementation of border control remain valid for entering the national territory.
What about the visa delays?
Belgian consular services do their best so that the issuing of visas takes place within the same delay as usual.