Belgium: Authorities to lift COVID-19-related curfew and certain other restrictions from May 8 /update 35

Belgium to lift COVID-19 curfew and several other restrictions May 8. International entry controls to remain in place.

Event

The Belgian government plans to ease certain COVID-19-related restrictions. Effective May 8, authorities will lift the nation's nightly curfew; however, gatherings of more than three people will be prohibited between the hours of 00:01-05:00. In addition, catering establishments are allowed to reopen their outdoor spaces until 22:00 daily. Authorities will also allow organized events to take place outdoors with up 50 participants.

A number of domestic restrictions will remain in place, however, including:

Facemasks must be worn on public transport, as well as in enclosed spaces and busy outdoor areas as defined by local authorities.
Working from home remains mandatory wherever possible.
Individuals are only allowed close contact (no social distancing required) with one person they do not live with per month; each household may host one close contact per month; people who live alone are allowed two close contacts.

International Entry Restrictions
Belgium's international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged. All travelers arriving from designated "red-zone" countries must quarantine for at least seven days and take COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on days one and seven of isolation. As of May 7, most countries in the EU, including France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and Italy, are considered red-zone countries.

All permitted arrivals staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours must complete a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before arrival. They must also possess a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departing for Belgium.

Authorities have suspended all passenger travel from India, Brazil, and South Africa due to COVID-19 variant strains active in those countries. As of May 7, all air, ground, and maritime travel - including transit traffic - from these countries is suspended until further notice. Belgian citizens and residents are allowed to return home. Also, limited exceptions are in place for freight transporters, diplomats, and staff of international organizations. Permitted travelers from these three nations, as well as those from the UK and all South American countries, must complete a 10-day quarantine and take PCR tests on the first and seventh days of isolation.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.