Belgium customs

Do you know what you can take with you to and from Belgium? Below you will find import duties and export duties for, among other things, alcohol, tobacco, money and foodstuffs.

Imports of alcohol to Belgium

• Travelers from the age of 17 are allowed to import alcoholic drinks into Belgium. The quantities mentioned apply per person.

Import from an EU country

• 10 liters of drink with an alcohol content of more than 22%, and
• 20 liters of drink with an alcohol content of up to 22%, and
• 90 liters of wine (of which a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine), and
• 110 liters of beer.

Import from a non-EU country

• 1 liter of drink with an alcohol content of more than 22%, or
• 2 liters of drink with an alcohol content of maximum 22%
• and in addition:
• 4 liters of still wine, and
• 16 liters of beer.

Minimum age alcohol Belgium

• The minimum age for the consumption and / or purchase of alcoholic beverages can deviate in the country itself from the minimum age for the import of alcoholic beverages.

Import and export of tobacco in Belgium

• Travelers aged 17 and over are allowed to import tobacco into Belgium. The quantities mentioned apply per person.

Import from an EU country

• 800 cigarettes, and
• 400 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each), and
• 200 cigars, and
• 1 kg of tobacco.

Import from a non-EU country

• 200 cigarettes, or
• 100 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each), or
• 50 cigars, or
• 250 g of tobacco, or
• a proportional distribution of the above products.

Bringing your pets to vacation in Belgium

Dogs in Belgium

• Belgium is a dog-friendly country. There are numerous guesthouses, holiday homes and hotels where you can stay with a dog. A dog is also welcome at most campsites and amusement parks, provided he is kept on a leash so as not to disturb fellow visitors.
• A dog is allowed in almost all restaurants, unless indicated otherwise.
• Free-running areas but also no-dog areas are clearly indicated.
• A dog is allowed to run around freely on beaches in the early and late season, in the high season this is allowed at set times. The local tourist office can inform you about this.
  Identification
• A dog or cat needs an EU pet passport, available from the vet. This passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the registration number of the chip (standard ISO microchip 11784/11785 is inserted) and proof of vaccination against rabies. There is also room in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.

Health, rabies, vaccination

• Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies (rabies vaccination) at least 21 days before the trip. The period of validity depends on the guidelines of the vaccine manufacturer (1-3 years).
• The chip must be inserted before the vaccination against rabies (on the same day).
• No mandatory additional treatments are required in Belgium.
• Dogs and cats do not have to be quarantined in Belgium.
• Belgium is not a risk area, but a dog or cat can still get sick during the holiday as a result of tick or insect bites. There are sufficient preventive measures. Please contact the vet at least 4 weeks before departure.

Forbidden dogs in Belgium

• In Belgium there is no prohibition for certain dog breeds.

Pets and transportation

• Dogs are allowed everywhere on public transport in Belgium. Depending on the region where you stay, he travels for free or for half the price. The dog must be kept on a leash.
• A dog should not be transported in the front seat of the car, even if it is confined. Furthermore, the Belgian government has no specific rules for the transport of a dog or cat in the car.

Young animals

• All puppies and kittens taken to Belgium must be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks. The legal withdrawal period after vaccination is 21 days, which means that animals younger than 15 weeks may not be imported.

Other

• A maximum of 5 animals may be taken to Belgium at the same time.

Cash, cheques, bank notes in Belgium

Importing cash, checques and bank notes

• Domestic and foreign means of payment may be freely imported from an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign means of payment may be freely imported from a non-EU country up to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including cheques and bank drafts). Amounts in excess of the equivalent of € 10,000 must be declared.

Export

• Domestic and foreign means of payment can be freely exported to an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign means of payment may be freely exported to a non-EU country up to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including cheques and bank drafts). Amounts in excess of the equivalent of € 10,000 must be declared.

Miscellaneous customs rules

Foods

Imports from an EU country

• Food, fruit and flowers may be imported without restrictions, provided they are intended for personal use.

Imports from a non-EU country

• A limited amount of food may be freely imported for 1 to 2 days.
• Animal products may not be imported with the exception of products originating from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland. These may be imported to a limited extent if they come from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, provided they are intended for own use.

Other goods

• Import from an EU country: other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be imported without restrictions, provided they are intended for personal use.
• Import from a non-EU country: other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be freely imported up to a value of € 430 when entering the country via an airport or seaport, persons under 15 years of age up to € 175 and other travelers up to a value of € 300.

Medicines

• If you use medication, take a European Medical Passport with you. This document includes information such as medication use, illness, conditions and the contact details of your doctor. It is available for a small fee from general practitioners and pharmacies, among others.

Medical statement

• To take medicines that fall under the Opium Act (such as certain sleeping aids, ADD medicines and strong painkillers), you must have a so-called Schengen statement (legalized medical statement) with you for these medicines.
• Traveling with these medicines without a statement is punishable.
• The statement is valid for 30 days after the specified effective date.
• Request the statement at least 4 weeks before departure.

Here you will find more information about Belgium.