Belgium’s government has -seemingly- reopened for tourism with no restrictions to EU countries plus some other Schengen ones. However, entering the country is not as easy as it may look.
On November 25, Belgium red-zoned most countries, meaning, although foreign nationals are allowed entry, “travel may not be possible or not authorized” according to official authorities.
Related:
– France Remains Open to Tourism with New Restrictions
– UK New COVID Travel Restrictions
– Denmark Travel Restrictions
Countries allowed entry to Belgium without restrictions if/when they are not red-zoned
- Austria
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Germany
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Luxembourg
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Lichtenstein
- Malta
- Monaco
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Spain
- Sweden
- Vatican City
Be aware of specific restrictions for red, orange and green zones
- Red zones: You will be required to take a PCR COVID-19 test and compelled to quarantine for 7 days.
- Orange zones: COVID-19 testing and quarantine are recommended but not mandatory.
- Green zones: You won’t need to get tested or to quarantine.
Important: if your flight is coming from a country other than the ones listed above or if it is coming from a red zone within one of the countries listed, your trip may not be authorised. Check with your embassy for further information.
Quarantine may be mandatory for most visitors
Visitors coming from a red zone do not have to be tested if they are not showing visible symptoms but they will have to undertake a mandatory quarantine for 7 days.
First step to be granted entry
Every traveler entering Belgium through any port must complete their Public Health Passenger Locator Form (link here) detailing travel and personal information.
Are there any travel restrictions for Belgium citizens and residents?
If you are traveling by air or boat, just complete the Public Health Passenger Locator Form. Also, take into account you may be subjected to a COVID-19 test or quarantine or both depending on the country you are returning from (check the list and restrictions above)
What are the rules for short trips from and to Belgium?
If you are leaving or staying for less than 48 hours and not travelling by air or boat you won’t need to complete the Passenger Locator Form, and you can transit freely.
What can Belgium offer to visitors right now?
All sorts of activities are now allowed in Belgium. Most public spaces and hospitality/service establishments are open.
- Most museums are open (check for updates)
- Concert Halls*
- Theatres*
- Cinemas*
- Shops
- Flea markets and other markets
- Public parks
- Restaurants and bars are open until 1 am (a maximum of 10 people per table)
- Hotels (Check the updated list of open hotels)
- Casinos
- Amusement parks
- Games halls
- Indoor playgrounds
- Swimming pools and saunas
- Wellness centers
- Sports facilities
- Places of worship (up to 100 people as long as there is room for social distancing)
*Events taking place at these venues or others have a maximum capacity of 200 people indoors or 400 outdoors as long as the space is enough for social distancing.
Activities that remain banned or heavily restricted
- Private ceremonies in event locations (weddings, baptisms, funerals, company functions) are restricted to 10 attendants only.
- Nightclubs remain closed for the time being.
Is the use of face masks mandatory?
No. You don’t need to wear it outdoors, unless it’s so crowded that you cannot practice social distancing.
When indoors you do have to wear it except if you are already seated at your table at a restaurant, bar, or other venue.
For more information on specific restrictions for Brussels click on visit Brussels website.
How is the COVID-19 situation in Belgium?
With 559,806 confirmed cases and 15,755 deaths, Belgium is seeing a similar level of contagion growth the country saw back in April, according to virologist Steven Van Gucht.
The doctor considers this is not a good sign since these numbers should be stabilizing instead of increasing.
On the other hand, the country has managed to keep a low death toll due to the measures to protect at risk-citizens and they are currently managing to flatten the second COVID-19 wave.
Suggestion
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test and the quarantine in Belgium, please contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an email to [email protected]