Home - OSAC
OSAC logo

OSAC
Bureau of Diplomatic Security
U.S. Department of State

1/17/2025 | Report Alerts
*OSAC does not issue alerts. These notices are sourced from the issuing U.S. Embassy & Consulate
Facebook

Demonstration Alert: Brussels (Belgium), Demonstrations Expected Outside of U.S. Embassy on January 20

On Monday, January 20th, 2025, from 18:30 to 20:00, a demonstration of approximately 300 persons is expected to protest in front of the downtown United States Embassy compound.

U.S. citizens are reminded that gatherings, including concerts, festivals, parades, and demonstrations, are common in Belgium. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant of their surroundings and to practice sound personal security and situational awareness. Visitors to popular tourist areas should pay particular attention to their surroundings and always follow the instructions of police and emergency response officials.

U.S. citizens traveling to Belgium should review the Country Specific Information at travel.state.gov and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the latest travel advice and information.

The U.S. Embassy will be closed on January 20, 2025, for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Actions to take:

  • Avoid the area around known demonstrations.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you see something that seems odd or out of place, immediately notify the nearest law enforcement officer and move away from the area.
  • Always carry your cellphone with saved local emergency numbers: Europe-wide emergency (112), Belgian Police (101), Ambulance (100), and Fire (100).
  • Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings.
  • Remain vigilant in locations frequented by tourists.
  • Follow the instructions of authorities and road signs regarding closures and detours.
  • Monitor local media for updates.
  • Maintain a low profile.

 

Assistance:

·    U.S. Embassy in Belgium, located at 27 Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan, 1000 Brussels. Tel. +32-2-811-4000, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except U.S. and Belgian holidays. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +32-2-811-4000; USCitizenBrussels@state.gov.

·    To contact the State Department in an emergency, dial 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.

·    Belgium Country Information.

·    Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages.

·    Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Warning

Error processing!