Belgium: Authorities tighten international entry restrictions to limit spread of COVID-19 as of July 22 /update 39

Event

Belgium has tightened international entry measures in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, as of July 22. Unvaccinated travelers from "red zone" locations must take a PCR test on the first and seventh day after arrival. Persons who test positive in either test will be required to quarantine for 10 days. Persons who present a PCR test taken less than 72 hours prior to entering Belgium are exempt from testing on the first day after arrival. The measure does not apply to travelers with a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination with a European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved vaccine, which is no less than 14 days old, or travelers with a certificate of recovery from COIVD-19. All travelers arriving via air, sea, or ground transport and spending at least 48 hours in Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before arrival.

Non-resident foreign nationals from countries outside the EU, Schengen Area, or Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macau, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Moldova, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the US are prohibited from entry with limited exceptions including essential work and family responsibility. The restrictions do not apply to travelers with a recognized vaccination certificate.

Authorities also maintain a list of "very high-risk" locations. Individuals who have visited a very high-risk country in the previous 14 days are prohibited from entering Belgium with minimal exceptions, including Belgian nationals and residents, individuals in transit, transport workers, and urgent humanitarian reasons. Individuals seeking to travel under many of these exceptions must apply for an essential travel certificate by contacting their local diplomatic mission five days before they are due to travel. All permitted travelers from very high-risk countries must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or an EU Digital COVID Certificate, or equivalent, and self-isolate for 10 days, taking additional tests on days one and seven of the isolation period.

As of July 22, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are considered very high-risk locations. The list of very-high risk countries is available here.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities will introduce a "COVID Safe Ticket" from Aug. 13. The ticket designates whether the holder has been fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19, or recently tested for the disease. Holders will be permitted to attend outdoor events with more than 1,500 attendees. Starting Aug. 13, outdoor events may feature up to 75,000 persons.

Individuals may currently host up to eight people in their homes. Events are permitted for up to 2,000 people indoors and 2,500 people outdoors. Hospitality and catering establishments are permitted to remain open until 01:00. Most businesses and services were previously permitted to reopen subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces and busy outdoor areas as defined by local authorities.

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.