Belgium: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Sept. 30 /update 43

Belgium maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Sept. 30; domestic and international entry restrictions remain in effect.

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Belgium is maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Sept. 30.

International Travel Restrictions
Entry is permitted for vaccinated travelers from all countries, and for non-vaccinated travelers from EU and Schengen Area countries in addition to Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Uruguay. Non-essential travel for unvaccinated travelers from all other countries is generally prohibited.

Travelers from countries designated as green or orange can enter without restriction. Travelers from red countries within the EU or Schengen Area with proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or recovery from COVID-19 can enter without additional requirements. Such travelers without proof of vaccination or recovery must possess proof of a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival in Belgium or take a test within two days of arrival and isolate until the result is known. They must also take a second test seven days after arrival and isolate until the result is known; travelers arriving into Brussels must self-isolate until the result from the second test is known.

Vaccinated travelers from red countries outside the EU or Schengen Area must take a COVID-19 test within two days of arrival, isolate until the result is known, and take an additional test seven days after arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must have a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival, isolate 10 days, and take further tests on days one and seven of isolation. Isolation can be ended early following a negative result to the test on day seven.

For details on red, orange, and green countries, click here.

All travelers arriving in Belgium and staying for longer than 48 hours must fill out an electronic Passenger Locator Form (e-PLF) prior to arrival; all individuals arriving via air or sea, or train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen Area must fill out the form regardless of how long they are staying in Belgium. To access the form, click here.

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

Domestic Restrictions
Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. From Oct. 1 facemasks will only be mandatory on public transport, in healthcare facilities, and for large events. Regions with higher infection rates may apply tighter restrictions.

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. COVID Safe Tickets are required for certain mass events and are being gradually expanded for certain facilities such as nightclubs.

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.