Belgium: Authorities to ease COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from Sept. 1 /update 41

Belgium to ease COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from Sept. 1; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Belgium plan to ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions in much of the country with the exception of Brussels. From Sept. 1, bars and restaurants will no longer need to close at 01:00. In addition, there will no longer be a cap on private gatherings.

Existing requirements regarding private gatherings and the hospitality industry will remain in effect until Sept. 1. Under current rules, hospitality and catering establishments are permitted to remain open only until 01:00. Individuals may also host up to eight people in their homes.

Belgium has implemented a COVID Safe Ticket system, which designates whether the holder has been fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19, or recently tested for the disease. Holders are currently permitted to attend outdoor events having attendance of no more than 75,000 people, without adhering to special measures such as social distancing or the use of face masks. Starting Sept. 1, indoor events will also be covered by the ticket.

Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. Except where stipulated otherwise, facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces and busy outdoor areas as defined by local authorities.

International Entry Restrictions
All travelers arriving in Belgium must fill out an electronic Passenger Locator Form (e-PLF) prior to arrival; to access the form, click here.

Unvaccinated travelers from red zone locations, or areas with a high risk of infection, within the EU must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, or a certificate of recovery from within the previous 180 days.

Vaccinated travelers arriving from red zones outside of the EU must get tested one-to-two days after arrival. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will need to self-isolate. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from these countries must quarantine for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on days one and seven after arrival. Those who test negative on day seven may end their quarantine.

Tighter restrictions are usually are in place for travelers from very high-risk countries; however, as of Aug. 25, Belgium classifies no countries in this category.

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

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.