The Protocol Directorate plays a role of facilitator in the official relations between the foreign diplomatic representations established in Belgium on the one hand and the Belgian State on the other, ensuring the correct application of the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations, as well as the 'headquarters agreements' between Belgium and the international organisations which are established or represented in our country.
The Directorate deals with a variety of issues concerning diplomatic privileges and immunities as well as other issues strictly relating to protocol matters and (ceremonial) events.
The Protocol is also responsible for receiving prominent foreign dignitaries and ensuring the safety of those guests and of the diplomatic missions. Moreover, the Directorate is in charge of the organisation of events in the Egmont Palace and the Conference Centre, and is also involved in the process of the granting and recognisation of nobility titles and honorary distinctions in the National Orders.
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Information for British employees of international organisations in Belgium
On this page, the Protocol Directorate wishes to provide the following information about the Brexit to holders of special residence permits, with regard to the impact of the withdrawal of the UK on their right of residence.
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Informative memo
Brexit: Informative memo for British employees of international organisations in Belgium.
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Protocol guide Immunities and privileges
This Protocol Guide contains practical information on all the issues covered by the Direction “Immunities and privileges” of the Protocol.
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Protocol guide Visits and Airport Access
This Protocol Guide contains practical information on the organization of official visits by foreign dignitaries and airport access.
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How to wear Belgian National Orders
Guide to the proper wearing of decorations applicable to the National Orders of Belgium at official occasions.
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Mission and structure of the Protocol
The Protocol manages the privileges and immunities of the international diplomatic community in Belgium, the official visits of prominent foreign dignitaries, the Egmont Palace and its conference center, and the nobility titles and honorary distinctions.
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Coordination and General Management (P0.0)
The unit Coordination and General Management assures the coordination and the management support for the Protocol Directorate. It is charged with financial management, human resources, IT projects, communication, quality control, etc.
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Privileges and immunities (P1)
Directorate P1 ensures the management of relations between the Belgian State and the foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations represented in Belgium, related to their privileges and immunities.
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Diplomatic and consular missions (P1.1)
The unit ensures the correct application of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations: status, (fiscal) privileges and legal immunities of diplomatic and consular staff and their family members, CD registration of cars, etc.
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International organisations (P1.2)
The unit for International Organisations is the point of contact for international organisations in Belgium. It also ensures the proper implementation of the headquarters agreements of these organisations.
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Disputes, the security of diplomatic missions, private servants, officials on a mission and seconded national experts and honorary consuls (P1.3)
The unit manages various statuses and the issuance of documents, participates in the Good Offices Commission and facilitates aspects of security and justice.
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Visits of foreign VIPs in Belgium
The specificities of the 4 types of visits of foreign dignitaries to Belgium: state visits, official visits, working visits and private visits, to be notified to the address visits.protocol@diplobel.fed.be.
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Reception and infrastructures (VIP)
Conditions of use for VIP lounges for visits of high foreign dignitaries in Belgium and for airport badges and CD parking.
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VIP security during their visit
The Belgian authorities assess the security measures to be put in place for official visits. Escort and close protection services may be made available under certain conditions.
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Overflight and landing permissions
For an official visit to Belgium by State flight, i.e. governmental, civilian or military, diplomatic overflight and landing clearances must be requested.
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Events management
Our services manage the events held at the Egmont Palace and its Conference Center. Under certain conditions, our rooms can be rented. More information on www.ccegmont.be/en.
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Nobility
The Belgian Constitution provides that the King may grant noble favors without attaching any privilege to them. He is assisted in this by two advisory bodies under the auspices of the FPS Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for the secretariat and archive management.
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National Orders
The FPS Foreign Affairs is responsible for awarding distinctions in the national orders to deserving foreign citizens and Belgians living abroad.
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Diplomatic and consular corps addresses
Find the address details of the diplomatic and consular corps in Belgium.
