Belgium: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19 measures from Nov. 20 /update 46

Belgium to tighten domestic COVID-19 measures from Nov. 20; international entry restrictions unaffected.

Event

Authorities in Belgium will tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Nov. 20 amid rising infection rates. Teleworking will become mandatory four days per week unless necessary to attend the workplace; from Dec. 13 this will change to three days per week. Additionally, the requirement for facemasks will be expanded to include all public indoor spaces and 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 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. Regions with higher infection rates may apply tighter restrictions; Brussels requires COVID Safe Tickets for use of additional facilities. As of Nov. 20, facemasks will also be mandatory in areas regulated by the COVID Safe Ticket system.

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 Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Namibia, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, 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. Travelers from red countries within the EU or Schengen Area or specific countries listed above with proof of vaccination 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 within the 72 hours prior to arrival in Belgium and take a second test seven days after arrival. Travelers arriving in 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 before 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) before 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 Nov. 18, there are no countries in this category.

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.