The Australian Government condemns the coordinated terror attacks on 22 March in Belgium. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Belgium.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is urgently seeking to determine whether any Australians have been affected.

I understand Belgian authorities have activated their emergency plan in response to these attacks and increased the national threat level to its maximum level.

We have upgraded our travel advice for Belgium to advise Australian travellers to reconsider their need to travel. Australians in Brussels should remain attentive to their surroundings, avoid affected areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

I have spoken with our Ambassador Dr Mark Higgie for an assessment of the situation and confirmation that our Embassy staff and their families are safe.

If you have any concerns for the welfare of family and friends in the region you should attempt to contact them directly. If you are unable to contact them and still hold concerns for their welfare you should call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305 if calling from overseas.