Belgium: Authorities to amend COVID-19-related international entry restrictions from Nov. 26 /update 47

Event

Authorities in Belgium are amending COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for certain travelers effective Nov. 26. From this date, vaccinated travelers arriving from red countries outside the EU or Schengen Area who can present a negative result from a PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken no more than one day before arrival no longer need to submit to tests after arrival or undergo an isolation period.

Entry is permitted for vaccinated travelers from all countries and for non-vaccinated travelers from EU and Schengen Area countries in addition to Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Namibia, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, and Uruguay. Nonessential travel for unvaccinated travelers from all other countries is generally prohibited.

Travelers from countries designated as green or orange can enter without restriction. Individuals traveling from red locations within the EU or Schengen Area or the specific countries listed above with proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 can also enter without additional requirements. However, individuals traveling from such locations without proof of vaccination or recovery must possess proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken no more than one day before arrival in Belgium and must take another test on the seventh day after arrival. Additionally, individuals traveling from a red location to Brussels without proof of vaccination or recovery must take COVID-19 tests on days one and seven after arrival and self-isolate until receiving the result of the day-seven test.

Prior to Nov. 26, vaccinated individuals traveling from red countries outside the EU, Schengen Area, and the abovementioned list of third locations must take a COVID-19 test within two days after arrival, self-isolate until the result is known, and take an additional test seven days after arrival. From Nov. 26, such travelers can avoid post-arrival tests and isolation if they present a negative result from a PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival or a rapid antigen test taken no more than one day prior to arrival. Unvaccinated travelers arriving without a recovery certificate must have a negative result from a PCR test taken in the 72 hours before arrival or a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken no more than one day prior to arrival, isolate for 10 days, and take further COVID-19 tests on days one and seven of the quarantine period. Isolation can be ended early following receipt of a negative result from the test taken on day seven.

For details on which countries and constituent regions are currently classified as red, orange, and green, click here.

All travelers arriving in Belgium who have been outside of the country for 48 hours or more and are staying for 48 hours or longer must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival; all individuals arriving via air or sea, or by 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 Nov. 22, there are no countries in this category.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities have recently tightened domestic COVID-19-related restrictions due to rising infection rates. Teleworking is mandatory four days per week unless necessary to travel to a place of work; from Dec. 13, this requirement will change to three days per week. Additionally, facemask requirements have been expanded so that wearing a facemask is mandatory in all public indoor spaces and at many outdoor events.

Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. Belgium has implemented a COVID Safe Ticket system which indicates whether the holder has been fully vaccinated against, recovered from, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. COVID Safe Tickets are required to enter restaurants, bars, nightclubs, fitness facilities, and large events. Facemasks are mandatory in areas regulated by the COVID Safe Ticket system. Regions with higher infection rates may apply tighter restrictions.

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.