No, carrying a sword in public in Belgium is prohibited under the Weapons Act of 2006, with exceptions for historical reenactments or ceremonial events requiring prior authorization from local police or the Federal Public Service Interior.
Key Regulations for Carrying a Sword in Public in Belgium
- Prohibition under Weapons Act (2006): Swords are classified as Category A weapons, barring public carriage without valid justification. Violations may result in fines up to €10,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years under Article 34.
- Exceptions for Historical/Ceremonial Use: Prior written approval from municipal authorities or the Federale Overheidsdienst Binnenlandse Zaken (FOD BZ) is mandatory for events like medieval festivals or knightly tournaments. Documentation must detail event specifics, security measures, and blade modifications (e.g., blunt edges).
- Transportation Rules: Swords transported in public must be unassembled, sheathed, and stored in a locked container. The 2026 draft amendment to the Weapons Act tightens these rules, requiring GPS tracking for transport vehicles carrying multiple blades.
Local police forces, such as the Politiezone in Brussels, enforce these rules with discretionary powers to confiscate non-compliant weapons. The Wetboek van Strafrecht further criminalizes public display of swords in urban areas, citing public order risks. Travelers should consult the Belgian embassy for updated guidelines before importing ceremonial blades.