The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) shared advice for anyone travelling to Belgium
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) shared advice for anyone travelling to Belgium
People heading to Belgium have been provided with a travel warning. The FCDO has shared some helpful advice due to national strikes in the country. Whether it’s visiting the museums in its capital city of Brussels or testing out the famous chocolate in the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium is a popular winter travel destination for many British holidaymakers.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. A recent warning has been issued for anyone travelling to Belgium.
Brits travelling to Belgium should be aware of national strike action as we head into the weekend. Railway strikes are expected from 10pm on Sunday, January 25 until the end of services on Friday, January 30.
National routes and international routes are likely to be affected. You should consult the SNCB’s Journey Planner and your operator before rail travel to and within Belgium during this period.
Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause travel disruption.
General strikes took place on March 31, April 29, October 14, November 26 and December 15 2025. Strike action may be announced at short notice.
The FCDO advises to monitor local news and check with your provider regarding potential delays and closures.
Read more information about demonstrations and strikes on the Safety and security page.
The FCDO has also shared advice for anyone travelling to Portugal. The Foreign Office shared an update ahead of the February half-term for families visiting Portugal with children.
The latest guidance concerns children aged 17 and under travelling to Portugal alone, or with a person who is not their parent or legal guardian.
Children must carry a letter of authorisation to travel from their parent or guardian, together with a copy of their parent or guardian’s passport. Parents must make sure the letter includes the child’s full name, date of birth and passport number, dates of arrival and departure and the name of the adult in Portugal who will be responsible for looking after them during their stay.
The letter must also include the full names, dates of birth, passport numbers and contact details of the parent or guardian, the parent or guardian’s signature and date of issue and a copy of the parent or guardian’s passport.
The Foreign Office warned: “If you bring a child to Portugal without a letter of authorisation, your entry will be delayed and may be refused. Teenagers aged 17 and under who travel alone, or with friends of the same age, and who are not being met on arrival by a parent or guardian, may be refused entry if they do not have a letter of authorisation.”
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.
Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk – official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
