Belgium as many countries in Europe has put in place measures to safeguard its citizens and prevent the importation of the dreaded Covid -19. With new strains of the virus being discovered, the country has imposed stringent travel restrictions and requirements.
Over 24, 000 people have so far lost their lives from the 1 million-plus people infected. Luckily, over 910, 000 persons have recovered.
Belgium travel restrictions – COVID-19
All passengers either by flight, train, boat, or bus have been prohibited the exception of the following essential authorized trips:
- Professional travels of transport personnel and seafarers
- Travels of diplomats, staff of international organizations, and people who are invited by international organizations and whose physical presence is required for the well‑functioning of these organizations in the exercise of their function
Again, a ban for non‑essential travel to Belgium has been imposed. The travel ban restrictions are not applicable to nationals of the EU and the Schengen Member States and third-country nationals who have a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen State or a valid D visa.
Passengers who are residing in other EU or the Schengen Member States and who are traveling to Belgium have to provide proof of their journey (airline/bus/train ticket) from Belgium to the EU/ Schengen Member State.
Below exceptions are applicable and evidence such as a certificate from employer, mourning letter, photos of relation, etc. has to be provided at the time of check‑in:
- Professional travel
- Medical reasons
- Frontline workers
- Humanitarian reasons
- Student travel
- Co‑parenting travel
- Death or marriage of immediate family
- Partner with a long-lasting relation
- To care for the vulnerable person
- Border residents (daily life can continue; e.g. going to bakery close by)
Do you need a PCR test to enter Belgium?
Effective 13th February 2021, all passengers from the age of six who arrives on Belgian territory from a red zone country and who does not have a main residence in Belgium, need to have a negative COVID‑19 PCR test result for a test taken 72 hours before departure to Belgian territory. However, Belgian residents do not need a COVID‑19 test prior departure but will have to be tested on days 1 and 7.
Quarantine restrictions in Belgium
Passengers arriving in Belgium after a stay of at least 48 hours in a red zone must quarantine. The quarantine can only end after a negative PCR test on day 7 of quarantine. Also, travelers from UK, South Africa, and South America are required to quarantine for a period of 10 days, followed by a COVID‑19 PCR test on day 1 and day 7 of the quarantine.
Which countries are banned from entering Belgium
An entry ban for passengers traveling to Belgium from Brazil, India, and South Africa has been imposed. Only passengers of Belgian nationality and passengers with their main residency in Belgium are allowed to return to Belgium.
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