Planning Your Trip

Belgium

Getting there

Usually via one of the channel ports - Click here for ferry details

Accommodation

Comprehensive list of accommodation providers Click Here

Insurance and Breakdown

Click Here for details

Badger's opinion

Home of the European Union – and accordingly high prices in Brussels where the Eurocrats hang out. Otherwise a very acceptable place. Boring, flat biking roads and countryside in the North (compensated for by some lovely cities - Bruges, Ghent etc). South of Brussels, the scenery improves dramatically with the help of the Ardennes. Some lovely food (with both German and French influences).

Touring and Rides

Click Here

Boring bits

Drinking and Driving

Level of alcohol in blood between 0.05% and 0.08% = fine. More than 0.08% = a fine and/or driving ban.

Driving Licence

Minimum age for UK licence holder using vehicle temporarily – 18 for car: motorcycle up to 50cc 16 years: motorcycle over 50cc 18 years. UK driving licences that do not incorporate a photograph are only valid when accompanied by photographic proof of identity (eg passport).

Fines

On the spot = up to Euro 36. The officer collecting a fine should issue an official receipt. Higher fines possible – driver pays deposit and remainder of fine within two weeks.

Fuel

Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane available). No leaded petrol (but lead substitute additive available). Petrol in can permitted. Diesel and LPG available. Credit cards accepted by larger filling stations (provided credit card is valid in Austria).

Lights

daytime use of dipped headlights mandatory for all vehicles.

Insurance

third party compulsory.

Motoring organisation

Consult AA/RAC

Tourist board information

Tourism Flanders & Brussels, Flanders House, 1a Cavendish Square, London W1G OLD
Belgium Tourism Brochure Ordering: 0800 9545 245
Belgium Tourism Live Operator: 020 7307 7738.
info@visitflanders.co.uk

British Embassy details

British Embassy
Rue d'Arlon 85 Aarlenstraat
1040 Brussels

Tel: (32) (2) 287 6211
Fax: (32) (2) 287 6270
e-mail:
brussels.visa.section@brussels.mail.fco.gov.uk – Visa Section
consularsection.Brussels@fco.gov.uk

Office Hours:
Local Time - (Mon to Fri):
Embassy: 0900-1730
Consular: 0915-1230 1415-1600
Visa: 0930-1200

GMT - (Mon to Fri):
Embassy: 0800-1630
Consular: 0815-1130 1315-1500
Visa: 0830-1100

www.britishembassy.gov.uk/belgium