British Consulate-General In Brussels Closed Due To Strike

Summary: Due to a general strike by public sector unions, the British Consulate-General in Brussels will be closed on 4 March. Please note that public transport in Brussels, including the metro, tram, and buses, are likely to come to a standstill.

Public transport disruptions:

While the metro, tram and buses are likely to come to a standstill, the national trains are expected to run with delays.

The De Lijn tram service and TEC bus service will also experience serious delays.

The STIB (Brussels Public Transport) subway lines, trams and buses will be significantly disrupted. However, the STIB aims to have the metro lines and major north-south bus and tram routes operating.

The Brussels Airport bus may also be cancelled, so commuters will need to arrange alternative transport.

Please see the relevant websites and contact details below.

FCO advice for British travellers:

Transport advice:

• Visit the STIB/ Brussels Public Transport website for details about metro, tram and bus schedules
• Alternatively, call the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company call centre on 070 23 2000 for more information
• You may also contact the STIB call centre on 070 23 2020 after 6:00 am
• See the De Lijn website for tram information
• Refer to the TEC website for bus schedule details
• See flight arrival and departure details on the Brussels Airport website
• Leave early if you are driving, as some roads will be blocked and there will be extra traffic
• Contact your airline to confirm onward travel

General advice:

• Contact British Consular staff on 02 287 6248 if you need emergency assistance
• Contact the British Embassy in Brussels on 020 287 6211 after 4 March, once the British Consulate-General has re-opened
• Avoid large crowds and demonstrations
• Check the British Abroad Facebook page for updated travel advice
• Follow the Foreign Office @britishabroad on Twitter
• Read the FCO's updated Belgium travel advice
• See the Flanders news website for the latest Brussels protest news

Where are demonstrations expected?

• Outside the National Bank in Brussels (near Parc metro station)
• Arlon
• Leuven
• Ghent

Other public sector services affected:

In addition to public transport, the general strike is expected to affect many public sector services across Belgium. Larger shops in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia will be closed, while hospital services may be limited. However, emergency services will be available and the majority of shops and banks will be operational throughout the day.

More about the Belgium strike:

The socialist and liberal unions are staging a day of action against the Inter Professional Accord (IPA), which is the framework that dictates working conditions and pay for private sector workers.