Berlin, August 18, 2026 —

German officials are urging travelers to exercise heightened vigilance as Belgium and Croatia grapple with a combination of environmental emergencies and public safety risks. The latest advisories specifically target those visiting the High Fens region of Belgium and former conflict zones in Croatia, emphasizing that while trips should not necessarily be canceled, responsible planning and real-time monitoring are now essential.

The warnings come during a peak holiday window, reminding tourists that environmental hazards and security landscapes can shift rapidly. By increasing awareness, the German government aims to prevent avoidable accidents and ensure that visitors do not inadvertently obstruct emergency operations during active crises.

High Fens Wildfires Disrupt Belgium Nature Tourism

The primary driver for the current alert in Belgium is a series of wildfires currently impacting the High Fens region. Located in eastern Belgium near the German border, this area is a premier destination for hiking and nature-based tourism due to its unique forests and protected landscapes.

Emergency services in Belgium are currently managing the blazes, and officials have issued strict directives for the public to avoid non-essential travel into the affected zones. There is a specific emphasis on the volatility of wildfire behavior; what may appear as a safe route can become trapped by fire or smoke within minutes.

Of particular concern to authorities is the behavior of "disaster tourists." German officials have explicitly warned against approaching fire zones to capture photographs or videos. Furthermore, the use of drones near these operations is strictly prohibited, as unmanned aircraft pose a lethal risk to firefighting helicopters and rescue teams operating in the airspace.

Essential Safety Protocols for Eastern Belgium Visitors

For those with existing bookings in eastern Belgium, the current situation requires a shift in itinerary planning. Industry reports suggest that travelers should not rely on outdated guidebooks or previous experiences of the region.

Recommended actions for travelers include:

  • Verifying the current status of fire boundaries via local Belgian authorities.
  • Contacting hotels or rentals to ensure the property is not in an evacuation zone.
  • Strictly adhering to temporary road closures and restricted forest access.
  • Maintaining an updated list of local emergency contact numbers.

It is important to note that these restrictions are localized. Major urban hubs—including Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent—remain open for business, and tourists visiting these cities can proceed with their plans provided they follow general safety guidelines.

Heightened Security and Urban Crime in Belgian Cities

Beyond the environmental crisis in the east, the German advisory addresses the broader security climate within Belgium. Due to a history of terrorist activity, the Belgian government maintains a high-alert national terrorism threat system.

Visitors are likely to encounter a visible security presence at high-traffic infrastructure points. This includes increased patrols and checkpoints at airports, railway stations, government complexes, and during large-scale public gatherings. Travelers are encouraged to carry valid identification at all times to expedite security screenings.

Simultaneously, urban crime remains a persistent issue in major tourist corridors, particularly in Brussels. Petty theft and pick-pocketing are frequently reported in high-density areas.

High-risk zones for petty crime include:

  • Brussels Midi/South Station
  • Brussels North Station
  • The European Quarter
  • Metro stations and crowded public squares

To mitigate these risks, travelers are advised to avoid carrying large sums of cash and to ensure that passports and electronics are kept in secure, non-visible locations.

Croatia Safety Updates and Landmine Awareness

While Belgium faces immediate environmental threats, the advisory for Croatia focuses on a transition from wartime legacy to modern tourism safety. In a historic milestone, Croatia officially declared itself free of landmines on March 1, 2026, following decades of clearance efforts.

Despite this declaration, German officials warn that the risk has not been entirely eliminated in specific rural pockets. Travelers are urged to remain cautious when visiting former conflict zones from the 1990s, where remnants of war may still exist.

Regions requiring continued caution include:

  • Western Slavonia (specifically around Pakrac, Virovitica, and Daruvar).
  • Eastern Slavonia, particularly near the borders of Hungary and Serbia.
  • Border regions adjacent to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For the vast majority of tourists visiting Zagreb, the Istrian peninsula, the Adriatic coast, and the islands, there is no landmine risk. However, the overarching rule for rural exploration in Croatia remains: stay on marked paths and avoid abandoned structures or rubble-filled sites.

Summary of Regional Travel Risks

Destination Primary Risk Factor Specific High-Risk Areas Recommended Action
Belgium Wildfires High Fens (Eastern Region) Avoid forests; no drones
Belgium Urban Crime/Security Brussels Midi, European Quarter Secure valuables; carry ID
Croatia Legacy Landmines Eastern & Western Slavonia Stay on marked roads/paths
Croatia General Safety Former 1990s Conflict Zones Avoid abandoned buildings

Why This Matters: The Impact on Modern Travel

For the average traveler, these advisories signal a shift toward "dynamic itinerary management." The era of booking a trip and following a static plan is being replaced by a need for real-time data consumption. When a government issues a warning about wildfires or security, it isn't just about the danger—it's about the logistical ripple effects, such as road closures, cancelled excursions, and increased wait times at border crossings.

From a legal and insurance standpoint, ignoring official government advisories can have serious consequences. Many travel insurance policies contain clauses that void coverage if a traveler knowingly enters an area under an active government warning. Therefore, checking the latest alerts is not just a safety measure; it is a financial necessity.

Furthermore, the Croatian landmine update illustrates the "long tail" of conflict. Even after a country is declared "mine-free," the transition period requires a psychological shift for the tourist—moving from total trust in the landscape to a disciplined adherence to marked trails.

Related: [European Summer Travel Trends 2026] Related: [Climate Change and the Rise of Mediterranean Wildfires] Related: [Guide to Safe Urban Travel in EU Capitals]

Slug: germany-travel-advisory-belgium-croatia-wildfires-security