Belgium: Authorities ban international passenger flights and trains with the UK for 24 hours, effective 2359 Dec. 20 /update 24

Event

Belgium has suspended passenger flights and international rail services with the UK for at least 24 hours starting 2359 Dec. 20. The measure has been imposed due to the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the UK. Belgium already classifies the UK as a "red zone" country; travelers from the UK will likely be tested on arrival and required to self-quarantine for at least seven days.

Authorities previously announced that international entry restrictions will be tightened from Dec. 25 as part of measures to slow transmission of COVID-19. From that date, all nonresidents will require proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, taken within 48 hours prior to arrival, before entering the country; exceptions will apply to crossborder commuters.

In addition, the government has designated certain locations with high COVID-19 activity as "red zones." Travel with red zone countries is either strongly discouraged or prohibited. Most travelers entering from red zones must take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-quarantine for up to seven days after which a second test may be taken. If this test returns positive, the self-quarantine period is extended by another seven days. Individuals who stay in a red zone location for less than 48 hours are exempt from this measure. As of Dec. 20, the red zone includes most countries except Australia, Ireland, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, areas of Norway outside Oslo and Innlandet County, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.

Authorities have permitted travel to resume with EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay, though in many cases travel is strongly discouraged. Most nonessential travel from other countries remains prohibited, with some exceptions such as diplomats, health workers, and cargo transport staff; all such arrivals will require testing and seven days of self-isolation. From Jan. 1, 2021 it is possible that UK nationals based in the UK will also be prohibited from entry, reflecting the end of the Brexit transition period, after which the UK will no longer be classed as an EU/Schengen associated state.

National authorities require all international arrivals to fill out a Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before arrival. Individuals staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours and Belgian residents traveling abroad for less than 48 hours are not required to fill out the form.

Authorities have extended domestic COVID-19 restrictions until at least Jan. 15, 2021. A 0000-0500 curfew remains in place in Flanders; curfews in Brussels and Wallonia are 2200-0600. Residents may not leave their homes during curfew hours, except for essential purposes such as seeking medical help or performing essential work duties. Additionally, the following domestic restrictions remain in place:

Some nonessential stores, including hairdressers, beauticians and other close contact services are closed.
Adults may only shop individually or in the company of dependents.
Catering establishments are closed except for deliveries and takeaways, which are permitted until 2200.
Selling alcohol after 2000 is prohibited.
Facemasks must be worn on public transport and in enclosed spaces, as well as in locations where social distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) cannot be maintained between members of different households.
Public gatherings are limited to four people.
Working from home remains mandatory wherever possible.
Individuals are only allowed close contact (no social distancing required) with one person they do not live with per month; each household may host one close contact per month; people who live alone are allowed two close contacts.
Christmas markets, winter villages, and flea markets will be closed; food markets may remain open.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.