Embassy of the United States Brussels, Belgium

NEW IRS FORM FOR OVERSEAS TAXPAYERS 

Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) 

The Form 8938 (Statement of Specified
Foreign Financial Assets) should be filed by taxpayers with
specific types and amounts of foreign financial assets or
foreign accounts.  It is important for taxpayers to determine
whether they are subject to this new requirement because the
law imposes significant penalties for failing to comply.

Form 8938, the instructions, regulations implementing this new
foreign asset report, and other information to help taxpayers
determine if they are required to file Form 8938 is available
on the web at:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/article/0,,id=236667,00.html.

WorlwideTravel Alert

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence following recent counter- terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011. 

U.S. Embassy operations in affected areas will continue to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation. U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

 Media coverage of local events may cause family and friends to become concerned for their loved ones traveling and residing abroad. We urge U.S. citizens to keep in regular contact with family and friends. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive the latest travel updates and information and to obtain updated information on travel and security issues. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

Travel information is also available at www.travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  For information on "What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis," please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website at www.travel.state.gov. For further information on specific countries, U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information pages, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings at www.travel.state.gov as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs' page on Facebook as well.   

Our Mission

The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit of the Consular Section assists American citizens in Belgium. Among other things, the unit provides passport services, registers the birth of children, assists with Federal Benefits, offers notary services, gives information on voting, and provides information to Americans visiting and residing in Belgium. All of these services are available at the Consular Section by appointment.

Online Appointment System For ACS

Appointments are required for all public services. No walk-in service is available. This new system greatly reduces your wait time at the Embassy and increases our efficiency. Please schedule your appointment only after you have completely read the information on our website related to the public service you need.

To reduce your wait time, please fill out all official application forms and paperwork online in advance and bring them with you to your appointment. You may download the most commonly used application forms here:  

• Passport application
• Visa pages
• Birth Registration

The ACS Unit also provides emergency assistance to American citizens in distress: when an American is destitute, arrested, separated from minor children, or sick. In an emergency, the Embassy Duty Officer can be reached at any time.

The information on this website is designed to help you understand the services we can offer and to provide some useful information which may help you during your stay, be it long or short, in Belgium.

The ACS unit will NOT be able to answer questions about visas.

Use the links on the left for more information about our services.

Local Public Transport in Brussels

Train Schedule for Belgium

Please click here to schedule an online appointment

Online appointments are mandatory for all public services. Walk-in service is no longer available except for emergency replacement of lost/stolen passports with immediate travel.