Safety concerns

We’ve been in Belgium since Monday, Ghent for 3 nights, now Brugge. Safety is not a concern. We signed up for STEP with state department and no notifications.

We’ve been using buses and trains. And there is no difference this trip than previous trips to Europe regarding reception of Americans.

The USA department has it at Level 2 exercise caution and it has been like that for a long time.
https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/belgium/

In Brussels just lessen the chance of being pickpocketed by wearing either a neck wallet or money belt under your clothes. Try to avoid using the metro during rush hours and limit sharing information about your nationality to the hotel check-in staff who are in business.

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in the US.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.

UK Government advice for travelers to the USA.
You pays yer money you makes yer choice.

In Brussels just lessen the chance of being pickpocketed by wearing either a neck wallet or money belt under your clothes. Try to avoid using the metro during rush hours and limit sharing information about your nationality to the hotel check-in staff who are in business.

“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.” - Joseph Heller, Catch 22.

edit: That sounds a bit snarky if I don't qualify it. What would be the reason for not using the metro in rush hour? (apart from it being a bit busy) Is it really necessary to limit sharing information about your nationality? Most times north Americans are fairly obviously north Americans anyway.

Thanks everyone for the good advice. Karen, thank you for the current information, I appreciate it! Im not familiar with STEP, can you explain? Where did you stay in Ghent?

Read the State Department information and do as they suggest. Of follow the adivce of experts in the field who you would to have the same information that the State Department has. Sign up for the STEP notifications. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belgium.html

What would be the reason for not using the metro in rush hour? (apart from it being a bit busy)

It is a couple in there 70's; nowadays during rush hour it is so crowded and the younger generation glued to their phones sit in areas designated for seniors, pregnant mothers and people with disabilities and they don't get up.
After rush hour you get a choice of seats.

Is it really necessary to limit sharing information about your nationality?

Yes, Americans tend to talk louder than everyone and over do it. It ruins travel for those who go to Europe to get away from America.

Hmmm... Okay? :)

"limit sharing information about your nationality to the hotel check-in staff who are in business" - considering the first thing one normally does when checking into a hotel in most European countries is hand over your passport for the check-in staff to make a copy of it (which is often a local requirement)- I can't see how this is feasible.

Personally, I feel as though if you follow the US government threat warnings you'd never leave your house. I prefer the FCDO (UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office) advice as I find it a bit more measured- but understand people may have reasons related to travel insurance for following the US advice.

To get back to the original question- Brussels is a very safe destination, and I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip. Here is the FCDO advice for reference: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium

"limit sharing information about your nationality to the hotel check-in staff

This was meant to say that hotel check in staff are the only people you should be sharing this information with and not going out of your way to do it with complete strangers like some tend to do.

Personally, I feel as though if you follow the US government threat
warnings you'd never leave your house.

I have never seen a US Government Threat Warning. There are Travel Advisories. They tell what the government knows is going on so you can make a more informed decision. If you think they would make you stay home, then maybe you are relying on third and information and havent read them or are extremely cautious which is your right.

Yes, Americans tend to talk louder than everyone and over do it. It
ruins travel for those who go to Europe to get away from America.

You hear them because your hearing is tuned to hear your own language. US tourists only make up about 10% of all the tourists in Europe so get out of the US tourist traps you and might never hear them. Here, in the European city that I live, and on the tourist street that I live on, the loudest bar none are the drunk British kids. They forget that they are walking through a residential neighborhood. No, that’s not right, they don’t care that they are …… The tourist most likely to be heard three tables away in a restaurant are the Spanish or the Russian. Rare to hear an American.

Limit sharing information about your nationality.

That does fall under paranoia. They really dont care. Often you might get asked by a waiter, but thats to establish a relationship in return for a better tip. There are certain cities where I might want to keep my religion to myself. That means the kippah would go in my pocket. Fortunately not a problem where I live.

staying off crowded public transportation

Why? Other than its uncomfortable. Well, in some cities its a good place to be the victim of a pickpocket but thats easy to avoid. I say live the life when you visit. That may mean a few cosy rides.

“ limit sharing information about your nationality to the hotel check-in staff who are in business.”

By law, hotel staff are required to check your ID and note down your details. So not sharing your nationality with hotel check in staff is not an option.

Without wishing to get too off topic into a debate about the US state department, I will note that all these threats of terrorism which they mention for Belgium are not reflected on the FCDO site. We know our countries share a lot of intelligence so I wouldn't say this is because the UK government has less information but rather that they have evaluated and don't consider the threat likely enough to mention. I looked at the US state department warnings for the UK and they also mention increased risk of terrorism- including from the IRA, who haven't been properly active in decades! My main point is that I think these advisories could scare people off travelling unnecessarily, though I accept and respect that everyone has their own risk tolerance/calculations to consider.

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent
on attacking U.S. citizens abroad, including possible attacks in
Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods
of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary IEDs, and vehicles
– to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is
unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: .....

As the US State Department is discussing the risks of Americans in Belgium, I can understand why the UK advisory did not include it. Whats funny is the number of threads recently from Americans asking if they would be safe in Europe. Those threads are well received, but the State Department saying keep an eye open isn’t.

These sorts of things are always impossible. If the government says too little and something happens they get buried in the complaints. Be too cautious and nothing happens and get buried in the complaints. I wouldn’t want their job. But I guess error on the side of caution is what a government should do when it concerns life, safety and welfare. Still having read it, I see nothing terrifying in it that would make me stay home. It’s surprising that we have a forum tourist that does feel that way. But while its surprising, it isn’t something anyone should judge.

What the state department bases it on, I have no idea. But they have 4 levels to be able to show some degree of relative to this and that. Level 2 isn’t stay away and it isn’t be afraid. Its sort of a sign up for the STEP and keep an eye on the news but have a great time. For some it might be Austria Level 1, no trip Insurance. France, Level 2, yes, trip insurance (personally I would save it for Level 3).

Thanks everyone. This will be our 6th trip to Europe, but first one to Brussels. I was reaching out to see IF anyone felt that there is a current issue with safety in Brussels (I do too much research!). We still plan on going just nice to get feedback and. to receive the reassurance that it is safe. Thanks for the link to STEP! Now to find hotels...: >)!

We went to Brussels, Ghent and Bruge in September. We landed in Paris and visited the Normandy area and then on to Belgium. I never felt unsafe at all. As a matter of fact I fell in love with Ghent and Bruge. I liked Brussels but not a big city person. We are actually going back next week. We stayed in the Harmony Hotel in Ghent and it was amazing! Have it booked again for this trip. Have a wonderful trip.