Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
United States citizens need a passport, but not a visa, to visit Belgium (and you will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes your identity and nationality to re-enter the United States). We recommend that you keep a photocopy of the first page of your passport in a separate place in case of an emergency; you can leave your actual passport in the safe in your home.
Visas and other entry requirements, such as vaccinations, vary for individual countries. We recommend that you call the nearest consulate well in advance of your trip to confirm what you will need prior to travel. For the consulate nearest you, please visit www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en.
In the case of minors, when traveling with your children, but without your spouse or partner, please have a notarized letter from the non-present parent authorizing the child’s travel. If not, the child may be held at security and unable to travel. This letter is highly recommended for any international destination (airlines include Hawaii in this case), and suggested for travel within the continental United States.
Annual Average Temperatures
Annual Average High: 58; Annual Average Low: 44
Currency
The euro is the official currency of Belgium. EUR or € are the abbreviations you may see during your visit. Exchange rates of participating countries are locked into a common currency fluctuating against the dollar. For more details on the euro, please visit www.europa.eu.int/euro.
Conversion ratios between the United States dollar and other currencies fluctuate, and their differences could affect the relative costs of your trip. If you’re planning on any major transactions, check for updated rates prior to making any serious commitments. You can exchange money at the airport, although the rate may not be as favorable as a local bank or the American Express or Thomas Cook office.
Banks in Brussels have varying hours but are generally open Monday or Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Only a few are open on Saturday so make sure you’ve allowed enough funds for the weekend.
Time Zone
Brussels is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. Brussels Daylight Saving Time lasts from around April to September, when clocks are set one hour ahead of the standard time.
Voltage
Electricity in Brussels is generally 220 volts AC (60 cycles), though you will encounter 110 and 115 volts in some older establishments. It is always a good idea to carry a currency converter.
Lost and Found
If you find an item in the home you believe a previous Member left, please return it to your concierge. The Club’s standard return policy is that all collected items are shipped back once a week. In this case, the Club will pass on the actual cost of packaging and shipping the items to the Member. A Member can request an expedited return service if needed and any additional costs that the Host may incur to make that happen will also be passed on to the Member. Please keep in mind there are higher fees associated with international destinations because of customs and other costs.
Tipping Guide
Although a small tip is included in most services in Brussels, it is always nice to leave a good gratuity if you enjoyed the service provided.
Traveling with Prescription Medicine
If you are traveling with prescription medicines, carry them in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. If you buy medications abroad, be aware that they may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the United States. For more information on customs rules and regulations, please contact 202.354.1000 or visit www.cbp.gov.
