COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Belgium (19 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes, with exceptions

• The ban on non-essential travel from countries within the EU, Schengen area and the approved third countries (Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand) has been lifted. However, the existing advice will remain in place discouraging all non-essential travel. More information can be found here.

• The ban on non-essential travel still applies to travellers from outside the EU, Schengen area and the exempted third countries mentioned above. Essential travel from a third country to Belgium applies to travellers who do not have the nationality of a country of the European Union or the Schengen zone, and who have their main residence in a third country not on the approved list.

• Countries are colour-coded based on their location and epidemiological risk. Each colour code has different levels of restrictions associated with it. The list of countries and their colour codes may be found here.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Passengers arriving from a red zone region will undergo a test on arrival (day 1) and on (day 7) of the quarantine period. This requirement does not apply to visitors who are staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours or who have been in a red zone abroad for less than 48 hours. Travellers will receive a text message upon their arrival, allowing them to get tested at a test centre.

• No test is required on day 1 for non-resident travellers who have already shown a PCR test result certificate upon arrival unless they originate from the following countries/regions: United Kingdom, South Africa, South America.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• The PCR test certificate issued in another country is accepted in English, Dutch, French or German.

Test certificate required?

• Yes, with exceptions

• All non-residents arriving from the red zone must present a negative PCR test certificate issued less than 72 hours before their departure to Belgium.

• The following travellers are exempt from the test certificate requirement: Travellers arriving by private or official car or by a taxi AND who are staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours; travellers who transit by air and remain exclusively in the transit zone without entering Belgian territory; and transport or frontier workers.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes, with exceptions

• All travellers who have been to COVID-19 red zones for more than 48 hours must quarantine upon arrival in Belgium and have a PCR test on the first and seventh day upon arrival. This measure does not apply to visitors staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours or who have been in a red zone abroad for less than 48 hours. The quarantine ends upon receipt of the negative result of the test on day 7. Information regarding quarantine can be found here

• People who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate themselves for ten days.

• After a high-risk contact or upon arrival in Belgium, the duration of quarantine is seven days. Quarantine may end after a negative test result is obtained seven days after exposure.

• All people travelling to Belgium from the United Kingdom, South Africa, or South America must quarantine for 10 days with a PCR test on day 1 (on arrival) and day 7.

• The quarantine can be lifted for travellers with essential needs that cannot be postponed.

• Travellers staying in Belgium for less than the required quarantine period can leave the country on the scheduled date. More information can be found here.

• Based on the above restrictions, arriving travellers must be prepared to spend between 0 and 10 days in quarantine, depending on their origin of travel.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All passengers travelling to Belgium and staying for more than 48 hours and residents returning to Belgium after a stay abroad of more than 48 hours must complete the Passenger Locator Form in the 48 hours before arrival in Belgium.

• Based on the answers, the Passenger Locator Form will calculate whether the traveller is at high risk of COVID-19.

• If the traveller receives a text message indicating that they are at high risk from coronavirus, the traveller must quarantine and get tested on days 1 and 7 of quarantine. The traveller will receive a code by text message. If the traveller does not receive a text message, the traveller is not required to quarantine. If the traveller has completed the Passenger Locator Form's paper version, they will be contacted by phone.

• A sworn statement must be submitted to confirm that the purpose of travel is essential. The sworn statement must be linked to the Passenger Locator Form and supported by the necessary documents. The need to submit a “Sworn statement” applies to travellers from the countries that are banned from entering Belgium for non-essential reasons.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Is insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Recommended border app

• Yes

• There is a contact tracing app available in Belgium named “Coronalert.” The app can be downloaded on both Android and iOS platforms.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• International and domestic passenger flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• The travel ban on non-essential travel within the European Union, Schengen area and certain approved countries has been lifted. For travel outside the European Union (with certain exceptions), the European Union rules continue to apply. However, the existing advice will remain in place advising against all non-essential travel.

• The list of high-risk countries can be found in the colour-coded map, can be found here.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• In Flanders and Wallonia, an overnight curfew is in effect from midnight to 05:00 (local time). In Brussels, an overnight curfew is in effect, starting from 22:00 to 06:00 (local time) until at least 8 May.

• It is forbidden to enter a public location between midnight and 05:00 (22:00 and 06:00 in the Brussels regions), except for essential travel that cannot be postponed, such as for urgent medical reasons, professional travel and commuting. More information can be found here

Social distancing restrictions

• Significant

• Certain restrictions will be eased from 26 April. Details on the restrictions can be found here.

• Under the current restrictions, close contact will be restricted to a single person from different households. Only one person can visit a house at a time, and no other visitors will be allowed.

• In public places, groups are limited to four people. The restrictions on gatherings do not include children under 12 years of age.

• Work-from-home is mandatory for most employees whenever possible.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Public transportation is operating. Face masks are compulsory for everyone over the age of 12.

• There are no restrictions on internal travel (bus, tram, and train).

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Until 26 April, all non-essential shops are allowed to open and operate on an appointment basis; only two people from one household will be allowed to attend. More information can be found here.

• All night shops must close by 22:00. The sale of alcohol is forbidden after 20:00.

• All essential shops, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, can operate as normal. Food markets are also allowed, provided no food or beverages will be allowed to be consumed on-site.

• In Brussels regions, all shops must close by 20:00, and alcohol consumption in public is prohibited.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• All types of accommodation are allowed to open, subject to compliance with general public health rules. Bars and restaurants inside the hotels must close. Meals must be served in rooms.

Restaurants open?

• No, with exceptions

• Restaurants are closed. However, take-away and delivery services will be permitted to operate until 22:00.

Bars and cafes open?

• No, with exceptions

• Bars and cafes throughout the country are closed. However, take-away and delivery services from cafes will be permitted until 22:00.

• Discotheques and nightclubs are closed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Museums are allowed to open.

*Personal care services open? *

• No

• All close contact services, such as tattoo parlours and beauty salons, are closed until 25 April.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Places of worship may open. Physical distancing and masks will be required.

• Religious services with up to 15 people are allowed. Children up to the age of 12 and the officiator of the service do not count. More information can be found here.

Events allowed?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Major large events and festivals are not allowed.

• Professional meetings, events, and conferences are allowed without spectators. Cultural or social events are banned.

• Exercise in outdoor areas is allowed in groups of up to four people; 1.5 meters of distance must be maintained. Sports facilities, except for swimming pools, are closed.

• Amateur athletes are permitted to exercise in groups of up to 10 people outdoors.

• Weddings may be attended by 15 people. Children up to the age of 12 and the civil registrar or the officiator of the service do not count. No food may be served afterwards.

• Funerals may be held with a maximum of 50 people and a maximum of 1 person per 10 square meters. Children up until and including 12 years old and the minister of worship (for example, a pastor or imam) do not need to be taken into account. No food may be served afterwards.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing face masks is mandatory for everyone from the age of 13 in public places and crowded areas where social distance cannot be maintained. Masks are mandatory everywhere within some municipalities or towns. More information can be found here.

Other

• Schools are allowed to reopen in a phased manner. Exams are allowed on-site. More information can be found here.

• Flea markets across the country are cancelled.

• All cultural venues, including cinemas, concert halls, and exhibition places, are closed. Casinos, amusement parks, and betting facilities are closed.

• Animal parks are closed. Holiday parks, zoos, indoor sports facilities (except for children under 12 years of age), campsites are closed.

• Libraries are open.

• Holiday villages and campsites are open. Animal parks (only outside areas) are currently open.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.