Belgium: Authorities to strengthen COVID-19-related international entry restrictions from Aug. 31 /update 42

Belgium to tighten COVID-19-related entry restrictions from Aug. 31; domestic controls remain in effect.

Event

Belgium plans to tighten international entry restrictions to stem the spread of COVID-19. Effective Aug. 31, travelers returning from a red-zone location within the EU that do not possess a vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery and those returning from a red-zone location outside of the EU will need to get a COVID-19 test on day one and seven after arrival and self-isolate if they test positive.

Vaccinated travelers arriving from red locations within the EU may enter without restrictions; the same applies to travelers with a recovery certificate. Travelers from green and orange locations may enter without restrictions. For details on red, orange, and green countries, click here.

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

Tighter restrictions are usually are in place for travelers from very high-risk countries; however, as of Aug. 30, Belgium classifies no countries in this category.

Nonresident 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. Travelers with a recognized vaccination certificate are exempt from the restrictions.

Domestic Restrictions
Effective Aug. 31, all persons who have had high-risk contact with a person who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 will need to test on day one and seven after contact. A 10-day self-isolation period will be mandatory for all non-vaccinated individuals.

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.

Belgium has implemented a COVID Safe Ticket system, which designates whether the holder has been fully vaccinated, recovered from, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. Holders are currently permitted to attend outdoor events of no more than 75,000 people without adhering to special measures such as social distancing or the use of facemasks. 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.

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.