Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions in Belgium is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes. However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.

Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

Belgium is not a party to The Hague Evidence Convention; however, prior permission for taking depositions of citizens of Belgium is not required. If you need assistance, contact the Planet Depos International Scheduling Department.

For specific information, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.

1. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter
2. What is the location of the deposition in Belgium?
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
   • Do you need a location in Belgium?
   • Will you need a location in the United States?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document Production
   • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
4. Select your deposition date
   • Start time
   • End time
5. Visa Restrictions:
   • There is no visa required for travel to Belgium at this time; however, your passport must be valid for 90 days beyond your intended period of stay. It is highly recommended that you have at least 6-months’ validity past the point of your return to the U.S. on your passport for travel to any European country. For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.
6. Make travel arrangements
   • Flight
   • Lodging
     • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
   • Car rental
7. Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
8. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
   • Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
   • The number of realtime laptops that are needed
   • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
9. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
10. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:
    • Notice of deposition
    • Complaint
    • Subpoena
    • Previous transcript(s)
    • Word index
11. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
12. Provide emergency contact information of counsel

Travel safely to Belgium and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know? The official name of Belgium is “Kingdom of Belgium.”

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Belgium. Our teams have been covering depositions in Belgium for over 15 years, and are therefore considered one of the leading experts in anything pertaining to covering depositions there. We will be more than happy to share this expertise and guide you through the scheduling process, travel and document assistance in Belgium.

Entry Requirements for Belgium

There are no special visas (tourist or business) required to enter Belgium for a stay of less than 90 days. A valid passport is required, showing at least 90 days validity post departure date from Belgium. Planet Depos does recommend traveling with at least 6 months validity on your passport, however. You will need 2 blank visa pages to visit Belgium. You will also need to check any countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required, as there are not many direct flights to Belgium from the U.S.

For more information, you can also contact the Belgian Embassy (3300 Garfield Street NW Washington DC 20008)

Belgian Embassy

Flying to Belgian

There are three major international airports in Belgium:

• Brussels Airport (BRU) – Brussels (Brussels Airport)
• Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL) – Brussels (Charleroi Airport)
• Deurne/Antwerp Airport (ANR) – Antwerp (Antwerp Airport)

Airlines offering direct flights to Belgium from the U.S. include:

• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• Delta (www.delta.com)
• Air France (www.airfrance.us)

Travel in Belgian

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage at:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/belgium.html

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Belgium

There are several locations where U.S. depositions may be taken in Belgium. For example, major metropolis Brussels offers many luxury hotels to choose from for your lodging and conference room needs. We are more than happy to assist you with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Belgium

Belgium has many high-quality medical facilities, in particular, their large university hospitals. For a list of medical facilities and English-speaking doctors in Belgium, please visit:

U.S. Embassy – Belgium

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Belgium specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – Belgium

Money Matters

Belgium, like most of Europe, uses the Euro as its currency. ATMs are available in all major cities, and major credit cards are usually accepted.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

Belgium has a cool, mild climate. Summer temperatures are low, in the mid 50’s, and in the fall they drop to the low 40’s. Winter temperatures range in the low 30’s to low 40’s, and spring sees temperatures rise to the mid 40’s.

Interesting Fact about Belgium

Belgium has more comic makers per square mile than any other country in the world. Both the Smurfs and Tintin originated in Belgium.