Belgium: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from June 9 /update 36

Belgium to ease further domestic COVID-19 restrictions from June 9. International entry controls to remain in place.

Event

The Belgian government will ease further domestic COVID-19 restrictions from June 9. Hospitality and catering establishments will be permitted to serve customers in indoor spaces 08:00-22:00; outdoor areas may remain open until 23:30. Events will be permitted for up to 200 people indoors and up to 400 people outdoors; individuals may host up to four people in their homes. Working from home will remain mandatory where possible, though employees will be permitted to return to the office one day per week. Most businesses and services were previously permitted to reopen subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces and busy outdoor areas as defined by local authorities.

International Entry Restrictions
Belgium's international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged. Non-essential travel from outside EU and Schengen Area countries, Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand is generally prohibited. All travelers arriving from designated "red-zone" countries must quarantine for at least seven days and take COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on days one and seven of isolation. Arrivals from "red-zone" areas must also present proof of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within the 72 hours prior to departure; exceptions are in place for Belgian residents, transport workers, and passengers in transit. A list of areas designated as "red-zones" is available here.

All permitted arrivals staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours must complete a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before arrival.

Authorities have suspended all passenger travel from India, Brazil, and South Africa due to COVID-19 variant strains active in those countries. All air, ground, and maritime travel - including transit traffic - from these countries is suspended until further notice. Belgian citizens and residents are allowed to return home. Also, limited exceptions are in place for freight transporters, diplomats, and staff of international organizations. Permitted travelers from these three nations, as well as those from the UK and all South American countries, must complete a 10-day quarantine and take PCR tests on the first and seventh days of isolation.

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.