Source: European Union/Re-open EU
13.03.2023
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted in Belgium. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result.
Learn more:
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted in Belgium. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result.
Learn more:
May I transit this country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted in Belgium. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result.
Learn more:
National health measures
With most COVID-19 measures lifted, public spaces in Belgium can be accessed without providing proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result.
Learn more:
Restrictions at the regional or local level
Please note: Belgium’s regional authorities can implement specific territorial regulations.
Measures per region
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
03.01.2023
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted in Belgium. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test. Exceptions remain when entering from countries or areas of variant concern (no such countries or areas are currently listed).
Countries and areas of variant concern: Travellers entering from countries and areas of variant concern are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or testing, and complete the Passenger Locator Form.
Learn more:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
31.05.2022
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Belgium. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test. Exceptions remain when entering from countries or areas of variant concern (no such countries or areas are currently listed).
Countries and areas of variant concern: Travellers entering from countries and areas of variant concern are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or testing, and complete the Passenger Locator Form.
Learn more:
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Belgium. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test. Exceptions remain when entering from countries or areas of variant concern (no such countries or areas are currently listed).
Countries and areas of variant concern: Travellers entering from countries and areas of variant concern are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or testing, and complete the Passenger Locator Form.
Learn more:
May I transit this country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Belgium. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test. Exceptions remain when entering from countries or areas of variant concern (no such countries or areas are currently listed).
Countries and areas of variant concern: Travellers entering from countries and areas of variant concern are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or testing, and complete the Passenger Locator Form.
Learn more:
__________________________________________________________________________
16.05.2022
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travellers with the 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' (EUDCC) are approved entry if they can provide one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination
Validity: at least two weeks after the primary vaccination series is completed. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Janssen, Novavax, Covishield, CoronaVac, Covaxin, Inactivated COVID-19 (Vero cell), and R-Covi.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19
Validity: 180 days.
- Negative result to a pre-departure test
Accepted tests: molecular (PCR) test, valid 72 hours, and rapid antigen test, valid 36 hours.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Learn more:
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Document checklist:
Travelers can enter Belgium without being subject to quarantine if they provide all the following documents:
- Passenger Locator Form: the PLF must be filled in by everyone who travels to Belgium from a country outside the EU/Schengen Area that is not on the white list, by train (e.g. Eurostar), bus, boat or plane.
- Proof of full vaccination.Validity: completed at least two weeks before travelling. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Janssen, Novavax, Covishiled, Covavax, CoronaVac, Covaxin, Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cell) and R-Covi.
Or
Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
Or
A negative result to a pre-departure test.
Accepted tests: molecular (PCR), valid 72 hours, and rapid antigen, valid 36 hours.
Children younger than 12 are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Learn more:
May I transit this country?
Transit by air
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test certificate before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to their destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders. From outside the EU+ area, if spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
National health measures
In Belgium, providing proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result is not required to access public spaces.
Learn more:
Restrictions at the regional or local level
Please note: Belgium’s regional authorities can implement specific territorial regulations.
Measures per region
Use of facemasks
Facemasks are worn when using public transport, and also in healthcare facilities and other vulnerable settings.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
OPEN
Safety measures for public transportation
Facemasks are worn when using public transport.
Places of worship
OPEN
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN
Tourist accommodations
OPEN
Catering establishments
OPEN
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN
Personal care services
OPEN
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
Information on Tourism at Regional level
BRUSSELS CAPITAL REGION
VLAAMS GEWEST
Prov. Antwerpen
Prov. Limburg (BE)
Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen
Prov. Vlaams-Brabant
Prov. West-Vlaanderen
RÉGION WALLONNE
Prov. Brabant Wallon
Prov. Hainaut
Prov. Liège
Prov. Luxembourg (BE)
Prov. Namur
OST-BELGIEN
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19.04.2022
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travellers can enter Belgium without being subject to quarantine if they provide one of the following documents:
- Proof of full vaccination.
Validity: completed at least two weeks before travelling.
Accepted vaccines: vaccinesauthorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Covidshield.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- A negative result to a pre-departure test.
Accepted tests: molecular (PCR) test, valid 72 hours), and rapid antigen test, valid 36 hours.
Travellers can provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or the negative test result with one of the following:
- A valid ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC), meeting the criteria listed above
- Certificates meeting the same requirements listed for the EUDCC (in French and in English)
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Learn more:
______________________
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about your passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
All travellers aged 12 and older can enter Belgium if their ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ contains one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination, completed at least two weeks before travelling. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Moderna, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca/Oxford), Janssen and Covidshield.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: 72 hours (PCR) and 36 hours (antigen).
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Documents equivalent to the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) in French and English are also accepted, if they meet the same requirements listed above for the EUDCC.
Learn more:
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange, dark red or grey areas.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Document checklist:
Tavellers must provide all the following documents:
- Passenger Locator Form: all travellers must fill it in within 6 months before entering Belgium, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please note that the PLF will now only be mandatory for people travelling with a carrier to Belgium from a third country that is not on the European Union’s whitelist.
- Proof of full vaccination.
Validity: completed at least two weeks before travelling.
Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Covidshield.
Or
Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
Or
A negative result to a pre-departure test.
Accepted tests: molecular (PCR) test, valid 72 hours), and rapid antigen test, valid 36 hours.
Travellers can provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or the negative test result with one of the following:
- A valid ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC), meeting the criteria listed above
- Certificates meeting the same requirements listed for the EUDCC (in French and in English)
May I transit this country?
YES
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test certificate before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to their destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
National health measures
Information on the situation in the country is available on the official website on COVID-19 information.
In Belgium, holding an 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' (EUDCC) is not necessary to access public spaces anymore. Restrictions to access events, bars, clubs and other public places and services have been lifted.
Restrictions at the regional or local level
Please note: Belgium’s regional authorities can implement specific territorial regulations.
Measures per region
Use of facemasks
The use of facemasks is mandatory in public transport, hospitals and residential care centres. Exemptions: Children under 12 years old.
Please note that wearing a face mask will still be recommended, including in indoor areas, in crowded areas and in places where the 1.5-meter distance cannot be guaranteed.
Physical Distancing
Wearing a mask remains recommended in public indoor spaces but is no longer mandatory except in places where the distance of 1.5 m cannot be guaranteed.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
There are no longer restrictions on the number of people at gatherings and events. However, it remains recommended to have social contact outdoors and to take a self-test before inviting people over.
Safety measures for public transportation
In all forms of public transport, facemasks are mandatory from the age of 12. It is no longer mandatory to wear a face mask in the airport, in the station, on the platform or at the bus stop.
Places of worship
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITHOUT LIMITATIONS
Quarantine
You have to quarantine:
- as soon as you feel sick, but have not yet taken a positive test
- when you aren’t fully vaccinated and had a high-risk contact with a person who has COVID-19 (you were together for more than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 1.5 metres and without both of you wearing a face mask).
- in some cases, if you were abroad for more than 48 hours or will be staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours. Read here about when you have to go into quarantine after arriving in Belgium. Quarantine and testing are mandatory. Those who do not abide by the rules risk a fine of EUR 250.
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITHOUT LIMITATIONS
Tourist accommodations
OPEN
OPEN
All forms of accommodation (including hotels, aparthotels, gîtes, B&Bs, holiday parks and campsites), including their restaurants and bars, are open, subject to compliance with the measures and protocols in force.
People staying in a tourist accommodation with more than 15 people are not allowed to receive additional guests indoors, except for a wedding or funeral.
Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITHOUT LIMITATIONS
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITHOUT LIMITATIONS
Personal care services
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITHOUT LIMITATIONS
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITHOUT LIMITATIONS
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
National website on the coronavirus
National coronavirus helpline
+32 800 14689
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
07.03.2022
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Document checklist:
Travellers must provide all the following documents:
- Passenger Locator Form: all travellers must fill it in within 6 months before entering Belgium.
- Important: To determine the quarantine measures, the PLF will take into consideration the areas where you have been in the 14 days before travelling. If the zones have changed colour, measures will apply retroactively.
- There is an exception when the person is traveling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area.
- Proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Covidshield.
Or
Proof of recovery. Validity: 180 days.
Or
Negative result to a pre-departure molecular test (valid 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid 36 hours).
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange, red, dark red or grey areas.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
All travellers aged 12 and older can enter Belgium if their ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ contains one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination, completed at least two weeks before travelling. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Moderna, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca/Oxford), Janssen and Covidshield.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: 72 hours (PCR) and 36 hours (antigen).
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Documents equivalent to the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) in French and English are also accepted, if they meet the same requirements listed above for the EUDCC.
Learn more:
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange, red, dark red or grey areas.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Document checklist:
Tavellers must provide all the following documents:
- Passenger Locator Form: all travellers must fill it in within 6 months before entering Belgium.
- Important: To determine the quarantine measures, the PLF will take into consideration the areas where you have been in the 14 days before travelling. If the zones have changed colour, measures will apply retroactively.
- There is an exception when the person is traveling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area.
- Proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Covidshield.
Or
Proof of recovery. Validity: 180 days.
Or
Negative result to a pre-departure molecular test (valid 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid 36 hours).
Learn more:
What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or traveling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within 6 months before their arrival.
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange, red, dark red or grey areas.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
May I transit this country?
YES
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test certificate before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to their destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
General measures
Information on the situation in the country is available on the official website on COVID-19 information.
In Belgium, holding an 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' (EUDCC) is not necessary to access public spaces anymore. Restrictions to access events, bars, clubs and other public places and services have been lifted.
Use of facemasks
The use of facemasks is mandatory in public transport, hospitals and residential care centres. Exemptions: Children under 12 years old.
Please note that wearing a face mask will still be recommended, including in indoor areas, in crowded areas and in places where the 1.5-meter distance cannot be guaranteed.
Physical Distancing
Wearing a mask remains recommended in public indoor spaces but is no longer mandatory except in places where the distance of 1.5 m cannot be guaranteed.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
There are no longer restrictions on the number of people at gatherings and events.
Safety measures for public transportation
In all forms of public transport (as well as in taxis), facemasks are mandatory from the age of 6. Also, social distance should be maintained as much as possible. It is recommended to regularly ventilate and clean the vehicle and to wear a mouth and nose covering.
Places of worship
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
Quarantine
You have to quarantine:
- as soon as you feel sick, but have not yet taken a positive test
- when you aren’t fully vaccinated and had a high-risk contact with a person who has COVID-19 (you were together for more than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 1.5 metres and without both of you wearing a face mask).
- in some cases, if you were abroad for more than 48 hours or will be staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours. Read here about when you have to go into quarantine after arriving in Belgium. Quarantine and testing are mandatory. Those who do not abide by the rules risk a fine of EUR 250.
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
All shops are open. There is no longer restrictions on shopping or closing time for night shops.
Tourist accommodations
OPEN
OPEN
All forms of accommodation (including hotels, aparthotels, gîtes, B&Bs, holiday parks and campsites), including their restaurants and bars, are open, subject to compliance with the measures and protocols in force.
People staying in a tourist accommodation with more than 15 people are not allowed to receive additional guests indoors, except for a wedding or funeral.
Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
Personal care services
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Other measures
OPEN
Information on Tourism at National level
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
_______________________________________________________________________________________
24.01.2022
EU Digital COVID Certificates
Information on EU Digital COVID Certificates issued in BELGIUM
Important: In Belgium, the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) or COVID SAFE TICKET is required to access public spaces, such as bars and restaurants, fitness centers, museums, swimming pools, large events, etc. Belgium’s regional authorities (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels Capital Region, German-speaking community) can implement specific territorial regulations. Please, consult the measures section for further details. Travellers are strongly advised to always carry relevant certificates.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination.
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Document checklist:
Travellers must provide all the following documents:
- Passenger Locator Form: all travellers must fill it in within 6 months before entering Belgium.
- Important: To determine the quarantine measures, the PLF will take into consideration the areas where you have been in the 14 days before travelling. If the zones have changed colour, measures will apply retroactively.
- There is an exception when the person is traveling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area.
- Proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Covidshield.
Or
Proof of recovery. Validity: 180 days.
Or
Negative result to a pre-departure molecular test (valid 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid 36 hours).
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange, or red areas.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
All travellers aged 12 and older can enter Belgium if their ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ contains one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination, completed at least two weeks before travelling. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Moderna, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca/Oxford), Janssen and Covidshield.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: 72 hours (PCR) and 36 hours (antigen).
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Documents equivalent to the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) in French and English are also accepted, if they meet the same requirements listed above for the EUDCC.
Learn more:
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange, or red areas.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Mandatory travel documents
Tavellers must provide all the following documents:
- Passenger Locator Form: all travellers must fill it in within 6 months before entering Belgium.
- Important: To determine the quarantine measures, the PLF will take into consideration the areas where you have been in the 14 days before travelling. If the zones have changed colour, measures will apply retroactively.
- There is an exception when the person is traveling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area.
- Proof of vaccination. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Covidshield.
Or
Proof of recovery. Validity: 180 days.
Or
Negative result to a pre-departure molecular test (valid 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid 36 hours).
Learn more:
What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or traveling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within 6 months before their arrival.
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange, or red areas.
Children younger than 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
May I transit this country?
YES
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test certificate before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to their destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
General measures
Information on the situation in the country is available on the official website on COVID-19 information.
Important: In Belgium, the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) is required to access the following public spaces:
- Catering establishments (restaurants, bars, cafés)
- Cinemas and museums
- Fitness centres and swimming pools
- Large events
To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination completed at least two weeks before travelling. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Moderna, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca/Oxford), Janssen and Covidshield.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: 72 hours (PCR) and 36 hours (antigen).
Citizens of countries that do not issue the EUDCC should provide equivalent certificates, in English, Dutch or French.
Travellers are strongly advised to always carry relevant certificates.
Use of facemasks
The use of facemasks is mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, including public transport. Exemptions:
- Children under 6 years old.
- People working alone in the office.
- TV presenters and their guests, and representatives of religious cults during services. People must keep a distance of 3 metres from each other.
Physical Distancing
Wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance of 1.5m is mandatory everywhere and when possible.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Public events
All mass indoor events inside are prohibited. This also applies to cultural and other performances, as well as congresses organized inside. For others indoor public events (concerts, etc.): large events with more than 200 people are not allowed indoors.
Indoor events with less than 200 participants must be seated and organized in accordance with the CST rules and accompanied by the wearing of a mask. Measures applicable in the hotel and catering sector are also valid for events.
Regarding outdoor events, stricter regulations are in place to avoid crowd effects:
- A prohibition on the use of marquees and other covered spaces welcoming visitors.
- A maximum one visitor / 4 m2.
- From 100 visitors: one-way traffic plan with separate entrances and exits should be established.
Please note that no audience is allowed for sports competitions. Each participant up to and including seventeen years of age and each participant who needs guidance may be accompanied by two adult persons.
As of January 28, public events such as theater performances and football matches will be allowed indoors and out, except for dynamic indoor events such as dance parties.
Private meetings
Private meetings are allowed at home only and not at external venues (exp: party halls) with recommendation on small groups. But authorities recommend favoring outdoor meetings. Self-tests prior to home gatherings are highly recommended. Self-test can be bought in pharmacies.
Weddings or funerals are allowed on location. Follow these rules:
- You may sit at a table with a maximum of 6 people.
- More than 50 people inside or 100 outside?
- Wear a mask.
- Have a Covid Safe Ticket: available at https://covidsafe.be/en/ or via the CovidSafeBE app.
Safety measures for public transportation
In all forms of public transport (as well as in taxis), facemasks are mandatory from the age of 6. Also, social distance should be maintained as much as possible. It is recommended to regularly ventilate and clean the vehicle and to wear a mouth and nose covering.
Places of worship
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Religious activities and services can be carried out inside and outside places of worship, provided they adhere to strict health protocols.
It is compulsory to:
- Wear a facemask, except for religious representatives during services.
Quarantine
You must quarantine:
- as soon as you feel sick, but have not yet taken a positive test
- when you aren’t fully vaccinated and had a high-risk contact with a person who has COVID-19 (you were together for more than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 1.5 meters and without both of you wearing a face mask).
- in some cases, if you were abroad for more than 48 hours or will be staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours. Read here about when you have to go into quarantine after arriving in Belgium. Quarantine and testing are mandatory. Those who do not abide by the rules risk a fine of EUR 250.
Learn more:
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
- You may go shopping in groups of maximum 2 people. Children under 13 years old are exempted from this rule.
- When you enter the store disinfect your hands first and always wear a face mask.
- Markets are being organized.
- Night shops are open until 23h.
Tourist accommodations
OPEN
OPEN
All forms of accommodation (including hotels, aparthotels, gîtes, B&Bs, holiday parks and campsites), including their restaurants and bars, are open, subject to compliance with the measures and protocols in force.
People staying in a tourist accommodation with more than 15 people are not allowed to receive additional guests indoors, except for a wedding or funeral.
Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
- Bars and restaurants are open until 11 PM.
- Covid Safe Ticket is required. You can find your Covid Safe Ticket at https://covidsafe.be/en/ or via the CovidSafeBE app.
- Wear a face mask. When you are seated at the table you may take your face mask off.
- You may sit at the table in groups of maximum 6 people.
As of January 28, all catering establishments will be able to remain open until midnight.
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Night bars and dance clubs and indoor amusement parks are closed.
The following establishments are open:
- Museums, libraries, bookstores.
- Cinemas (maximum of 200 visitors per screening).
- Gyms and fitness centers, indoor swimming pools.
As of January 28, the following indoor areas will reopen to the public: amusement parks, indoor playgrounds, zoos and animal parks, subtropical swimming pools and recreational areas of swimming pools, trampoline parks, bowling and darts halls, snooker and billiard halls, paintball and laser tag centers, escape rooms, casinos, arcades, and betting shops.
Personal care services
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN
Wearing a face mask remains mandatory for both service providers and customers in establishments and places where close-contact professions are carried out, i.e., where there is direct physical contact between the service provider and the customer or where the distance of 1.5 meters cannot be guaranteed between the service provider and the customer for a duration of at least 15 minutes. This includes both medical and non-medical close-contact professions, for example, hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, and sex workers.
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Wearing facemasks is compulsory.
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Other measures
Work
Work from home. This is mandatory.
- You may work one day per week at your workplace. Please note that if you cannot work from home, you will receive a certificate from your boss.
Education
The following preventive measures must be observed:
- Permanent ventilation
- Wearing a mask is compulsory from 6 years old
- Compliance with testing and quarantine measures. Classes will be closed from four infections (symptomatic children)
- Meetings continue to be organized online
- The mixing of classes in common interior spaces (study room, dining hall, etc.) should be avoided as much as possible
- Day trips are allowed in accordance with the rules in force in the company
- Extra muros activities with overnight stay remain suspended
Vaccination
The Consultative Committee decided to reduce the validity of the Covid Safe Ticket’s vaccination certificate from 270 days to 150 days from 1 March. The validity of the booster dose is not limited in time.
Anyone who was vaccinated with a single dose (Janssen) or two doses (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford) before 1 October must have had a booster dose by 1 March. Otherwise, the validity of the vaccination certificate will expire.
The validity period of the recovery certificate will also be amended to 150 days.
These changes only apply to 18 years and older.
Learn more:
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
______________________________________________________________
03.12.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Mandatory travel documentation
All travellers entering this country must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) withing 6 months before their arrival in Belgium, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Important: to determine the quarantine measures, the PLF will take into consideration the areas where you have been in the 14 days before travelling. If the zones have changed colour,measures will apply retroactively.
You must ALWAYS fill in the PLF in the following cases:
- You are travelling to Belgium by air or by sea
- You are travelling to Belgium by train or bus from a country outside the EU or the Schengen area (e.g., Eurostar from the UK)
- You have stayed in a very hight risk country during the last 14 days
Entry requirements depend on the colour attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium own national classification of risk areas: green, orange or red areas.
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Belgium accepts the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
Travellers arriving from "green" or "orange" zones, with or without a EUDCC, are not subject to testing or quarantine requirements.
Travellers arriving from a "red" zone, and holding a EUDCC, are exempted from further testing and quarantine requirements only if their EUDCC contains either:
- a certificate of full vaccination
The vaccination is considered to be completed (full) 14 days after taking the second dose (or 14 days after the single dose for vaccines requiring 1 dose only). For people who had been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the vaccination is considered to be completed also after a single dose of a vaccine requiring 2 doses - a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test
- a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents in Belgium and persons of Belgian nationality can replace the pre-departure PCR test by a PCR test taken within 48 hours from arrival, by remaining in self-isolation while waiting for the test result.
All travellers from an EU "red zone”, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, an isolation of 10 days must be observed.
Brussels Region applies stricter rules: all travellers coming from a red area and not holding a EUDCC must, in addition to the tests obligations, respect a mandatory quarantine of 10 days. The quarantine can be shorted if the result of the test taken on day 7 after arrival is negative.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from the testing requirement.
When arriving from a very high-risk country inside the European Union or Schengen Area, people who do not have a certificate of full vaccination must present a test certificate and take a PCR test on day 7 after their arrival in Belgium.
Residents in Belgium must perform a PCR test on day 1 or 2 of their arrival in Belgium, and get tested again on day 7. Quarantine is mandatory, until the test result is known.Important: Belgium has developed a national COVID certificate, the “Covid Safe Ticket” (CST) that allows access to various places and activities in the country without any restriction (restaurants, movie theaters etc.). There are three different types of certificates that prove you are Covid-safe:
- A vaccination certificate proves that you have been fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus (prior to 2 weeks)
- A test certificate proves that you have taken a negative Covid-10 test (less than 48 hours)
- A recovery certificate shows that you have recovered from Covid-19 after a previous positive Covid-19 test (less than 6 months)
The Covid Safe Ticket could be extended by regional authorities. More information on: https://covidsafe.be
Different rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check https://visit.brussels/en/ e CST is required. More information on:https://www.wallonie.be/fr/actualites/coronavirus-covid-19-mesures-regionales
Measures for Flanders are available on:https://www.vlaanderen.be/evenementen-met-covid-certificaat-als-toegangsvoorwaarde-het-covid-safe-ticket
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Belgian Government has introduced a traffic light system of "green", "orange", "red" and "very high-risk" zones. Belgium's classification isupdated every Sunday and is valid from the Monday immediately following. It is based on the data and criteria communicated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) every Thursday. Each country is given a colour code (red, orange, green). The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country. In addition to the colour code, countries of origin may also be classified as “very high-risk" zones, to which additional stricter measures apply. From 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern, regardless of the colour classification.
Find out the current colour code assigned by Belgium to each country.
The country or region has to be classified "orange" or "green" for at least 14 days, without being classified as “very high-risk” zone, before being exempted from the requirements applied to "red" zones and “very high-risk” zones.
ALSO: Travellers can access Belgium if they fill in the Passenger Location Form (PLF) within 6 months before their arrival in Belgium, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Are a coronavirus test or quarantine required?
All travellers from an EU "red zone”, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a test certificate prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, a quarantine of 10 days must be observed.
When arriving from an EU or Schengen associated country with high rates of variants of concern, regardless of their colour classification, people who have not been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks must present a test certificate before arrival, or on day 1 after the arrival for Belgian residents (in this case, a quarantine must be observed while waiting for the results). If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, a quarantine of 10 days must be observed. More information on inbound travel exemptions because of the “essential reasons” is available at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/
Important: Check your Belgium national COVID certificate at www.covidsafe.be to be able to access specific places (restaurants, theatres etc ) without any restriction.
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
Arriving in Belgium
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area is strongly discouraged. Depending on the epidemiological situation, the country or zone of origin is classified as 'green', 'orange', 'red' or 'very high-risk' zone, and different measures apply.
Non-EU countries are considered to be 'red zones', unless they are included in the Council's list of countries* for which COVID-19 travel restrictions should be lifted (Annex I of Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of 30 June 2020). This list is updated every two weeks by the Council of the EU.
* Some of the countries listed in the Annex I are considered 'red' by Belgium. These are Singapore and Ukraine. Non-essential travel to Belgium from these third countries is still allowed, but travellers must respect the following measures: all travellers who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, a quarantine of 10 days must be observed.
Brussels Region applies stricter rules: all travellers coming from a red area and not holding a EUDCC must, in addition to the tests obligations, respect a mandatory quarantine of 10 days. The quarantine can be shorted if the result of the test taken on day 7 after arrival is negative.
For more information, check: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/redcountrieswhitelist/
Non-essential travel to Belgium from non-EU 'red zones' is prohibited for people who are neither nationals of the EU, nor of a country that is part of the Schengen Area, and who have their primary residence in a non-EU 'red zone' (third countries not listed in Annex I to Council Recommendation), except for fully vaccinated individuals with a recognised vaccination certificate.
Authorised travellers from a 'red zone' outside the European Union who can present a recognised European or Belgian certificate of vaccination or recovery certificate must get tested on day 1 or day 2 after their arrival in Belgium. If the result is negative the quarantine is lifted. This does not apply to children under the age of 12. Authorised travellers who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate must quarantine for 10 days and get tested on days 1 and 7 after their arrival.
More information on essential travels on: www.info-coronavirus.be - FAQ
In addition, an entry ban applies to non-EU countries classified as 'very high-risk' zones. People who have been in these countries during the past 14 days can travel to Belgium only if they meet one of the exceptions listed on www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/.
Belgians and Belgian residents travelling from a non-EU 'very high-risk' zone - even if holding a valid EUDCC and fully vaccinated - are subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry. People without a valid EUDCC certificate must present a negative test certificate. This applies also if the stay in the country has been of less than 48h.
Some countries of origin are exempt from the quarantine obligation, see https://www.info-coronavirus.be for further details.
Non-nationals and non-residents of Belgium, who have stayed in a 'very high-risk' zone (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - can enter Belgium only in the case of 'travels for essential reasons'. A negative test certificate or an EU Digital COVID Certificate are required. A mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry will also apply. If the second test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area. This exception does not apply to travellers from 'very high-risk' zones, who are always required to fill-in the form.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or traveling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form 48h before the arrival. Some exceptions to the compilation of the PLF are in place
Anyone staying more than 48 hours in a "red zone” will be considered a high-risk contact. The colour assigned to each country or region is available at www.info-coronavirus.be/en/colour-codes-by-country/
Travellers arriving from a "red zone” in the European Union, and holding an EUDCC, are exempted from further testing and quarantine requirements if their EUDCC contains either: a certificate of full vaccination, or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 (valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test).
Travellers from a "red zone” in the European Union, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a test certificate . Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, an isolation of 10 days must be observed. Children under 12 years old are exempted.
Brussels Region applies stricter rules: all travellers coming from a red area and not holding a EUDCC must, in addition to the tests obligations, respect a mandatory quarantine of 10 days. The quarantine can be shorted if the result of the test taken on day 7 after arrival is negative.
When arriving from an EU or Schengen associated country with high rates of variants of concern, regardless of their colour classification, people who have not been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks must quarantine for 10 days and get a test certificate or on day 1 after the arrival, as well as on day 7. If the second test is negative, the quarantine period can be lifted.
Belgians and Belgian residents returning from a "very high-risk zone" (with variants of concern) - even if holding a valid EUDCC and fully vaccinated - are subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry. If the second test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
Non-nationals and non-residents in Belgium, who have stayed in a "very high-risk zone" (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - can enter the country only for essential reasons. In this case, a negative test certificate or an EU Digital COVID Certificate are required. A mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry will apply. If the test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
Travel Information for each country can be found at travel advice by country
May I transit this country?
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test certificate before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to the final destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
May I fly to this country?
Essential travel for persons whose main residence is in third countries considered as “red” zones, and who are not EU/Schengen citizens or residents, must be accompanied by an essential travel certificate issued by the Belgian diplomatic or consular post.
All persons traveling to Belgium by airplane must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium and non-residents must present the result of a negative PCR-test (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before departure for Belgium).
People travelling from South Africa, Brazil and India must always complete a PLF.
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
General measures
The latest measures are available at www.info-coronavirus.be
Belgium has developed a national COVID certificate, the Covid Safe Ticket (CST). This is proof (via a QR code) of a complete vaccination (prior to 2 weeks), a negative PCR test (less than 48 hours old) or a recovery certificate (less than 6 months). The Covid Safe Ticket is requested in various situations and locations in the country.
In places or events where the Covid Safe Ticket is applicable, wearing a mask has become also compulsory. The Covid Safe Ticket and the wearing of a mask are therefore required.
The Covid Safe Ticket and the mask must be worn in the following situations:
- for public events and private meetings of more than 50 people indoors or more than 100 people outdoors;
- in catering establishments (including private events held there);
- in theatres, concert halls, music halls, cabarets and other performance halls, multi-purpose halls for cultural activities, indoor circuses, cinemas, museums and amusement and other theme parks (indoor).
Discotheques and dance halls that do not want to impose the wearing of masks are obliged to ask their customers to present the Covid Safe Ticket and to perform a self-test on the spot.
Teleworking becomes compulsory in the private sector and in all public administrations, unless the nature of the function or the continuity of the activities do not allow it. One day's attendance at work per staff member is allowed. The period during which workers can go to their place of work a maximum of once has been extended to December 19, instead of December 12. The period from which workers will be able to return to their place of work at most twice a week begins on December 20.
All fully vaccinated people will soon have the opportunity to receive an additional booster dose.
Several target groups - including people over 65 years of age, immunocompromised people and people vaccinated with Johnson and Johnson vaccine - have already been given the opportunity to receive this extra dose of vaccine. Now it is the turn of the rest of the population.
The vaccination campaign for children aged 5 to 11 years will be launched as soon as possible. This vaccination will be voluntary.
Three instructions to stay safe:
- Limit your contacts. Adapt your behavior and exercise great caution, especially around vulnerable people. If you still want to see friends, it is best to do so outside.
- Use self-tests. If you still invite people to your home, tale a self-test and wear a mask. To put the odds on your side. Self-tests are available in pharmacies and supermarkets.
- Make sure that the interior spaces are sufficiently ventilated. A habit to take which is healthy anyway, but even more so during these times of coronavirus circulation.
Different rules may apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels/en/ and https://www.commissioner.brussels/en
Wallonia has defined specific situations in which the CST is required. More information on: https://www.wallonie.be/fr/actualites/coronavirus-covid-19-mesures-regionales
Measures for Flanders are available on: https://www.vlaanderen.be/evenementen-met-covid-certificaat-als-toegangsvoorwaarde-het-covid-safe-ticket
Use of facemasks
Wearing a mask is becoming topical again in Belgium. From 20 November 2021 to 28 January 2022, wearing a face mask will be mandatory from the age of 10. In educational settings, communities must decide whether they want to introduce a face mask requirement for children under the age of 12. Face masks may only be removed occasionally whilst eating and drinking, and when it is impossible to wear one due to the nature of the activity, for instance, whilst exercising.
It will be mandatory to wear a face mask in the following situations:
- on public transport and organised collective transport;
- in medical and non-medical contact professions;
- in care settings;
- in establishments and places where catering activities are carried out;
- at events, both indoors and out, regardless of the size of the event;
- in shops and shopping centres;
- in publicly accessible areas of companies and government buildings;
- in public buildings and courthouses;
- in libraries, game and multimedia libraries;
- in areas accessible to the public of establishments belonging to the cultural, festive, sports, recreational and event sectors;
- in trade fairs;
- in fitness centres;
- in places of worship.
These obligations constitute a federal basis that applies to the entire country. Regional authorities may foresee stricter obligations if the epidemiological situation requires it.
Stricter rules apply in Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels/en/article/coronavirus-info-state-of-play-brusselshttps://www.commissioner.brussels/en/updates-covid-19/item/877-20-august-new-stage-of-the-summer-plan
Physical Distancing
Wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance of 1.5 m remain recommended.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels and https://www.commissioner.brussels
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Public events
Indoor sports competitions, both amateur and professional, can only take place without an audience. Participants up to the age of 18 may however be accompanied by their parents.
For others indoor public events (concerts, etc.): only seats are allowed, in accordance with the CST rule accompanied by the wearing of a mask. Public outdoor events: if the organizers do not respect the rules of social distancing and maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters between each group, their event will be closed.
The terms applicable in the hotel and catering sector are also valid for events.
The effective date of application of the measures concerning events organized by professionals is November 29.
Private meetings
Private meetings inside are prohibited, with the exception of weddings and funerals (reception after the ceremony). These should be organized with the Covid-19 certificate from 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. The terms and conditions applicable to the Horeca apply, although dancing with a mask is permitted.
This provision does not apply to meetings held in private homes. The Committee strongly encourages the use of self-tests when receiving guests in private homes. The use of the Covid-19 certificate does not apply to private meetings organized at private homes, except in the case of recourse to Horeca activities offered by a professional.
Religious ceremonies are allowed with no restrictions on the number of participants, but it is compulsory to wear a face mask. Stricter rules may apply in the Brussels Capital Region.
Open-air manifestations and events are allowed with no limit on the maximum number of participants; however, wearing a facemask and keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from other people remain mandatory, apart from when people are seated.
The restrictions on activities in an organised context, such as those organised by a club or association, are lifted.
Conference venues are open. Professional meetings are allowed.
The restrictions on buffets and dancing at private parties, including weddings, are lifted. This does not apply to the Brussels Capital Region, where receptions, parties and banquets are allowed up to 250 persons (and applying the same sanitary rules as the horeca sector).
Funfairs are allowed. For more than 5000 visitors, a one-way traffic system must be put in place with separate entrances and exits. Face masks are mandatory and social distancing and hygiene rules must be followed.
For public events (including sports events), restrictions on events with less than 500 spectators indoors and less than 750 spectators outdoors are becoming topical.
For events between 500 and 3,000 participants indoors, and between 750 and 5,000 participants outdoors, participants can choose to use the Covid Safe Ticket as a condition of access. If the CST is not used, the requirements concerning face masks, social distancing and the use of CIRM and CERM online tools (Covid Infrastructure Risk Model/Covid Events Risk Model) must be applied.
The use of the Covid Safe Ticket (CST) is mandatory for indoor events with more than 3,000 participants, and outdoor events with more than 5,000 participants.
Yes, buffets are allowed. In the case of a self-service buffet, particular attention must be paid to hand hygiene (customers must disinfect their hands before serving themselves). Customers should keep their distance when queuing at the buffet. The same logic applies when customers go to (beverage) vending machines, refrigerators, etc.
However, these maximum numbers can be exceeded as long as the conditions for larger events that do not use the Covid Safe Ticket are applied, in accordance with the Cooperation Agreement of 14 July 2021.
For more information on the specific rules that apply to the Brussels Capital Region, check: https://visit.brussels/en/article/coronavirus-info-state-of-play-brussels
Safety measures for public transportation
Public transport users who are 12 years of age or older are obliged to cover their mouths and noses by wearing a facemask. This applies from the moment they enter the airport, station, at stops or on the platform, train or other means of transport organized by a public authority. If it is not possible to wear a face mask for medical reasons, a face shield can be worn. Public transport drivers are not required to cover their nose and mouth if they are well-isolated in a cabin. Taxis are allowed to transport customers provided that a minimum distance of 1.5 meters is maintained between each person, apart for people belonging to the same bubble. It is recommended to regularly ventilate and clean the vehicle and to wear a mouth and nose covering.
In addition, the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB) will take the necessary measures to ensure maximum compliance with preventive measures in stations, on platforms or at stops, on trains or on any other means of transport it organizes, in cooperation with the local authorities concerned as well as the police.
Places of worship
Open with limitations
Places of worship and public buildings are open, restrictions on funerals are lifted, but the obligation to wear a mask will be maintained.
Stricter rules apply the in Brussels Capital Region, where a maximum of 200 people indoors, or 400 people outdoors, excluding children up to the age of 12 as well as the civil registrar and the minister of religion, may attend the following activities:
- civil marriages;
- cremations, without the possibility of the body to be exposed;
- congregational worship and the collective practice of non-denominational moral services and of activities within a philosophical association
Groups of 8 must be respected, apart from children up to the age of 12 and people living under the same roof.
Quarantine
The following rules for isolation/quarantine are in place:
1. Period of isolation for people who received a positive PCR test
For patients with a positive PCR test and having symptoms, isolation may be stopped at the earliest 10 days after the first symptoms appeared, AND after 3 days without fever, as well as improvement of respiratory condition. You should stay in a separate room as much as possible, wear a face mask to protect other people in the house, and ask someone to take care of your groceries.
For persons with a positive PCR test without symptoms, the 10 days isolation period begins from the day the test has been performed.
2. Quarantine period for high-risk contacts
All persons who are high-risks contacts, including fully vaccinated people, must be tested on day 1 and day 7. The period begins on the day of the last high-risk contact, or the last day of travel in a high-risk territory (for people considered as high-risk contacts according to the self-assessment). For people who are not fully vaccinated, a quarantine of 10 days is mandatory. The quarantine period may be reduced to 7 days in case of negative result to a PCR test performed no earlier than on day 7 of the quarantine.
You should stay in quarantine at the same place all the time, and maintain social distance from other people, including your household members. It is advised not to go into quarantine in a household that includes people with an increased chance of serious disease. Visitors from outside the household are not allowed. It is not allowed to physically attend work or school. You should be available for contact with the health authorities at all times. You can only leave your place of quarantine for urgent medical care, or urgent legal/financial affairs. If you get ill with Covid-19 disease, all members of your household are high-risk contacts.
The website of the Belgian health authorities Sciensano offers more information in Dutch, French and German
It also offers a document with FAQ (in Dutch)
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Open with limitations
OPEN
- When you enter the store disinfect your hands first and always wear a face mask.
- Markets are being organized.
- Night shops are open until 23h.
Tourist accommodations
Open
OPEN
- Hotels can welcome guests. However, we invite you to check the opening of the hotel of your choice before your arrival.
- Other accommodations such as bedbreakfast or youth hostels may welcome guests. However, we invite you to check with the establishment of your choice before your arrival.
- The camping sites are open.
Catering establishments
Open with limitations
Bars and restaurants are open between 5 am and 11 pm.
- A maximum of 6 people per table is allowed.
- In restaurants, meals can be ordered to take away upon the restaurant service hours. Hotel restaurants can provide room service meals for hotel guests.
- A Covid Safe Ticket or certificate is required for customers in restaurants and cafes indoors, but not for customers sitting on the terrace or for take-away food. The mask is mandatory for common areas.
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
Open with limitations
Discos and dance halls must close. Indoor public events: only seats are allowed, in accordance with the Covid-19 certificate rule. The wearing of a mask is also applicable. The effective date of application of the measures concerning events organized by professionals is November 29.
Personal care services
Open with limitations
OPEN
Non-medical close-contact professions, including hairdressers and beauticians, are open. When you enter the store disinfect your hands first. Wear a face mask.
Outdoors areas and beaches
Open with limitations
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Other measures
More information on the measures applicable in Belgium can be found at info-coronavirus.be
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
______________________________________________________________________
10.11.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Mandatory travel documentation
All travellers entering this country must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) withing 6 months before their arrival in Belgium, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Important: to determine the quarantine measures, the PLF will take into consideration the areas where you have been in the 14 days before travelling. If the zones have changed colour, measures will apply retroactively.
You must ALWAYS fill in the PLF in the following cases:
- You are travelling to Belgium by air or by sea
- You are travelling to Belgium by train or bus from a country outside the EU or the Schengen area (e.g., Eurostar from the UK)
- You have stayed in a very hight risk country during the last 14 days
Entry requirements depend on the colour attributed to the country of departure, according to Belgium’s own national classification of risk areas: green, orange or red areas.
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Belgium accepts the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
Travellers arriving from "green" or "orange" zones, with or without a EUDCC, are not subject to testing or quarantine requirements.
Travellers arriving from a "red" zone, and holding a EUDCC, are exempted from further testing and quarantine requirements only if their EUDCC contains either:
- a certificate of full vaccination
The vaccination is considered to be completed (full) 14 days after taking the second dose (or 14 days after the single dose for vaccines requiring 1 dose only). For people who had been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the vaccination is considered to be completed also after a single dose of a vaccine requiring 2 doses - a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test
- a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents in Belgium and persons of Belgian nationality can replace the pre-departure PCR test by a PCR test taken within 48 hours from arrival, by remaining in self-isolation while waiting for the test result.
All travellers from an EU "red zone”, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, an isolation of 10 days must be observed.
Brussels Region applies stricter rules: all travellers coming from a red area and not holding a EUDCC must, in addition to the tests obligations, respect a mandatory quarantine of 10 days. The quarantine can be shorted if the result of the test taken on day 7 after arrival is negative.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from the testing requirement.
When arriving from a very high-risk country inside the European Union or Schengen Area, people who do not have a certificate of full vaccination must present a test certificate and take a PCR test on day 7 after their arrival in Belgium.
Residents in Belgium must perform a PCR test on day 1 or 2 of their arrival in Belgium, and get tested again on day 7. Quarantine is mandatory, until the test result is known.Important: Belgium has developed a national COVID certificate, the “Covid Safe Ticket” (CST) that allows access to various places and activities in the country without any restriction (restaurants, movie theaters etc.). There are three different types of certificates that prove you are Covid-safe:
- A vaccination certificate proves that you have been fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus (prior to 2 weeks)
- A test certificate proves that you have taken a negative Covid-10 test (less than 48 hours)
- A recovery certificate shows that you have recovered from Covid-19 after a previous positive Covid-19 test (less than 6 months)
The Covid Safe Ticket could be extended by regional authorities. More information on: https://covidsafe.be
Different rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check https://visit.brussels/en/ e CST is required. More information on:https://www.wallonie.be/fr/actualites/coronavirus-covid-19-mesures-regionales
Measures for Flanders are available on:https://www.vlaanderen.be/evenementen-met-covid-certificaat-als-toegangsvoorwaarde-het-covid-safe-ticket
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Belgian Government has introduced a traffic light system of "green", "orange", "red" and "very high-risk" zones. Belgium's classification isupdated every Sunday and is valid from the Monday immediately following. It is based on the data and criteria communicated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) every Thursday. Each country is given a colour code (red, orange, green). The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country. In addition to the colour code, countries of origin may also be classified as “very high-risk" zones, to which additional stricter measures apply. From 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern, regardless of the colour classification.
Find out the current colour code assigned by Belgium to each country.
The country or region has to be classified "orange" or "green" for at least 14 days, without being classified as “very high-risk” zone, before being exempted from the requirements applied to "red" zones and “very high-risk” zones.
ALSO: Travellers can access Belgium if they fill in the Passenger Location Form (PLF) within 6 months before their arrival in Belgium, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Are a coronavirus test or quarantine required?
All travellers from an EU "red zone”, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a test certificate prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, a quarantine of 10 days must be observed.
When arriving from an EU or Schengen associated country with high rates of variants of concern, regardless of their colour classification, people who have not been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks must present a test certificate before arrival, or on day 1 after the arrival for Belgian residents (in this case, a quarantine must be observed while waiting for the results). If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, a quarantine of 10 days must be observed. More information on inbound travel exemptions because of the “essential reasons” is available at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/
Important: Check your Belgium national COVID certificate at www.covidsafe.be to be able to access specific places (restaurants, theatres etc ) without any restriction.
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
Arriving in Belgium
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area is strongly discouraged. Depending on the epidemiological situation, the country or zone of origin is classified as 'green', 'orange', 'red' or 'very high-risk' zone, and different measures apply.
Non-EU countries are considered to be 'red zones', unless they are included in the Council's list of countries* for which COVID-19 travel restrictions should be lifted (Annex I of Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of 30 June 2020). This list is updated every two weeks by the Council of the EU.
* Some of the countries listed in the Annex I are considered 'red' by Belgium. These are Singapore and Ukraine. Non-essential travel to Belgium from these third countries is still allowed, but travellers must respect the following measures: all travellers who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine. A second test must be taken on day 7. If any of these tests is positive, a quarantine of 10 days must be observed.
Brussels Region applies stricter rules: all travellers coming from a red area and not holding a EUDCC must, in addition to the tests obligations, respect a mandatory quarantine of 10 days. The quarantine can be shorted if the result of the test taken on day 7 after arrival is negative.
For more information, check: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/redcountrieswhitelist/
Non-essential travel to Belgium from non-EU 'red zones' is prohibited for people who are neither nationals of the EU, nor of a country that is part of the Schengen Area, and who have their primary residence in a non-EU 'red zone' (third countries not listed in Annex I to Council Recommendation), except for fully vaccinated individuals with a recognised vaccination certificate.
Authorised travellers from a 'red zone' outside the European Union who can present a recognised European or Belgian certificate of vaccination or recovery certificate must get tested on day 1 or day 2 after their arrival in Belgium. If the result is negative the quarantine is lifted. This does not apply to children under the age of 12. Authorised travellers who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate must quarantine for 10 days and get tested on days 1 and 7 after their arrival.
More information on essential travels on: www.info-coronavirus.be - FAQ
In addition, an entry ban applies to non-EU countries classified as 'very high-risk' zones. People who have been in these countries during the past 14 days can travel to Belgium only if they meet one of the exceptions listed on www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/.
Belgians and Belgian residents travelling from a non-EU 'very high-risk' zone - even if holding a valid EUDCC and fully vaccinated - are subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry. People without a valid EUDCC certificate must present a negative test certificate. This applies also if the stay in the country has been of less than 48h.
Some countries of origin are exempt from the quarantine obligation, see https://www.info-coronavirus.be for further details.
Non-nationals and non-residents of Belgium, who have stayed in a 'very high-risk' zone (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - can enter Belgium only in the case of 'travels for essential reasons'. A negative test certificate or an EU Digital COVID Certificate are required. A mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry will also apply. If the second test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area. This exception does not apply to travellers from 'very high-risk' zones, who are always required to fill-in the form.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
May I transit this country?
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test certificate before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to the final destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
General measures
The latest measures are available at www.info-coronavirus.be
Belgium has developed a national COVID certificate, the “Covid Safe Ticket” (CST). This is proof (via a QR code) of a complete vaccination (prior to 2 weeks), a negative PCR test (less than 48 hours old) or a recovery certificate (less than 6 months). The Covid Safe Ticket is requested for specific activities in the country, and its use could be extended by regional authorities. More information on: https://covidsafe.be
Different rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels/en/ and https://www.commissioner.brussels/en
Wallonia has defined specific situations in which the CST is required. More information on: https://www.wallonie.be/fr/actualites/coronavirus-covid-19-mesures-regionales
Measures for Flanders are available on: https://www.vlaanderen.be/evenementen-met-covid-certificaat-als-toegangsvoorwaarde-het-covid-safe-ticket
Use of facemasks
Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory outdoors unless a distance of 1.5 meters cannot be respected and unless different restrictions apply.
From the age of 12, wearing a face mask remains mandatory on public transport, in stations and airports, in care settings, in medical and non-medical contact professions (for all staff and customers), during events (e.g. cultural performances, sports competitions, sports training sessions and conferences) with more than 500 people indoors.
In catering establishments such as bars and restaurants, facemasks are mandatory when moving or doing recreational activities, but can be removed when seated at a table.
Masks are no longer required in publicly accessible areas of companies, public authorities or associations, and private events and parties with less than 500 people indoors and 750 people outdoors, unless there is a different decision from the local authority.
These obligations constitute a federal basis that applies to the entire country. Regional authorities may foresee stricter obligations if the epidemiological situation requires it.
Stricter rules apply in Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels/en/article/coronavirus-info-state-of-play-brussels https://www.commissioner.brussels/en/updates-covid-19/item/877-20-august-new-stage-of-the-summer-plan
Physical Distancing
Wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance of 1.5 m remain recommended.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels and https://www.commissioner.brussels
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Restrictions on receiving people at home are lifted.
Religious ceremonies are allowed with no restrictions on the number of participants, but it is compulsory to wear a face mask. Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where a maximum number of 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors can attend ceremonies.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where a maximum number of 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors can attend ceremonies.
Open-air manifestations and events are allowed with no limit on the maximum number of participants; however, wearing a facemask and keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from other people remain mandatory, apart from when people are seated.
The restrictions on activities in an organised context, such as those organised by a club or association, are lifted.
Conference venues are open. Professional meetings are allowed.
The restrictions on buffets and dancing at private parties, including weddings, are lifted. This does not apply to the Brussels Capital Region, where receptions, parties and banquets are allowed up to 250 persons (and applying the same sanitary rules as the horeca sector).
Funfairs are allowed. For more than 5000 visitors, a one-way traffic system must be put in place with separate entrances and exits. Face masks are mandatory and social distancing and hygiene rules must be followed.
For public events (including sports events), restrictions on events with less than 500 spectators indoors and less than 750 spectators outdoors are removed, unless the relevant local authority decides otherwise. This does not apply to the Brussels Capital Region, where the restrictions remain.
For events between 500 and 3,000 participants indoors, and between 750 and 5,000 participants outdoors, participants can choose to use the Covid Safe Ticket as a condition of access. If the CST is not used, the requirements concerning face masks, social distancing and the use of CIRM and CERM online tools (Covid Infrastructure Risk Model/Covid Events Risk Model) must be applied.
The use of the Covid Safe Ticket (CST) is mandatory for indoor events with more than 3,000 participants, and outdoor events with more than 5,000 participants.
For more information on the specific rules that apply to the Brussels Capital Region, check: https://visit.brussels
Safety measures for public transportation
Public transport users who are 12 years of age or older are obliged to cover their mouths and noses by wearing a facemask. This applies from the moment they enter the airport, station, at stops or on the platform, train or other means of transport organised by a public authority. Public transport drivers are not required to cover their nose and mouth if they are well-isolated in a cabin. Taxis are allowed to transport customers provided that a minimum distance of 1.5 metres is maintained between each person, apart for people belonging to the same bubble. It is recommended to regularly ventilate and clean the vehicle and to wear a mouth and nose covering.
Places of worship
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Places of worship and public buildings are open, restrictions on funerals are lifted, but the obligation to wear a mask will be maintained.
Stricter rules apply the in Brussels Capital Region, where a maximum of 200 people indoors, or 400 people outdoors, excluding children up to the age of 12 as well as the civil registrar and the minister of religion, may attend the following activities:
- civil marriages;
- cremations, without the possibility of the body to be exposed;
- congregational worship and the collective practice of non-denominational moral services and of activities within a philosophical association
Groups of 8 must be respected, apart from children up to the age of 12 and people living under the same roof.
Quarantine
The following rules for isolation/quarantine are in place:
1. Period of isolation for people who received a positive PCR test
For patients with a positive PCR test and having symptoms, isolation may be stopped at the earliest 10 days after the first symptoms appeared, AND after 3 days without fever, as well as improvement of respiratory condition. You should stay in a separate room as much as possible, wear a face mask to protect other people in the house, and ask someone to take care of your groceries.
For persons with a positive PCR test without symptoms, the 10 days isolation period begins from the day the test has been performed.
2. Quarantine period for high-risk contacts
All persons who are high-risks contacts, including fully vaccinated people, must be tested on day 1 and day 7. The period begins on the day of the last high-risk contact, or the last day of travel in a high-risk territory (for people considered as high-risk contacts according to the self-assessment). For people who are not fully vaccinated, a quarantine of 10 days is mandatory. The quarantine period may be reduced to 7 days in case of negative result to a PCR test performed no earlier than on day 7 of the quarantine.
You should stay in quarantine at the same place all the time, and maintain social distance from other people, including your household members. It is advised not to go into quarantine in a household that includes people with an increased chance of serious disease. Visitors from outside the household are not allowed. It is not allowed to physically attend work or school. You should be available for contact with the health authorities at all times. You can only leave your place of quarantine for urgent medical care, or urgent legal/financial affairs. If you get ill with Covid-19 disease, all members of your household are high-risk contacts.
The website of the Belgian health authorities Sciensano offers more information in Dutch, French and German
It also offers a document with FAQ (in Dutch)
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Non-essential shops are open. Wearing a face mask is mandatory. Safety measures apply (avoid crowding inside and outside the shop, disinfect hands).
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where night shops are open until 1:00.
Tourist accommodations
OPEN
Accommodations (hotels, B&B's etc.) are open. The same applies to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, where community protocols regulate access and the general organisation. Spa and wellness centres are open, as well as holiday parks (campsites, bungalow parks).
Hotel restaurants can provide room service meals for hotel guests.
Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Some restrictions (e.g. opening and closing times, the limit on the number of people at the table, the distance between groups of people at the table, noise levels and bar service) will be abolished. In addition, it is no longer compulsory to provide seating only. It is still compulsory to wear a facemask when moving around in a restaurant or bar.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where restaurants, bars and cafés are open from 5:00 to 1:00. Clients are allowed both indoors and on open terraces. A maximum of 8 people per table is allowed, children up to the age of 12 not included. An entire household can share a table. Facemasks are not mandatory when seated at the table. Takeaway services are permitted until 1.00. Hotel restaurants can provide room service meals for hotel guests. Buffets are allowed with specific measures.
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Museums are open with a reservation system. Cinemas, theatres, concert halls, casinos and party halls are open with a specific protocol.
Dancing in pubs is allowed. Night clubs and dance halls can also reopen, provided that the Covid Safe Ticket is used and adequate air quality and ventilation are provided in line with stricter protocols.
Personal care services
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Non-medical close-contact professions, including hairdressers and beauticians, are open under tightened protocols.
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Other measures
More information on the measures applicable in Belgium can be found at info-coronavirus.be
____________________________________________________________________
03.09.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before arriving in Belgium. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception for people staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours, or returning to Belgium after a stay abroad inferior to 48 hours. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form.
The obligations of testing and quarantine depend on the colour of the area of origin (green / orange / red). However, from 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern (“very high-risk” zones), regardless of their colour classification.
More information and the form can be found at https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be and, if needed, contact the FPS Public Health on +32 (0)2 524.97.97 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Belgium accepts the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
Travellers arriving from "green" or "orange" zones, with or without a EUDCC, are not subject to testing or quarantine requirements.
Travellers arriving from a "red" zone, and holding a EUDCC, are exempted from further testing and quarantine requirements if their EUDCC contains either:
- a certificate of full vaccination
The vaccination is considered to be completed (full) 14 days after taking the second dose (or 14 days after the single dose for vaccines requiring 1 dose only). For people who had been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the vaccination is considered to be completed also after a single dose of a vaccine requiring 2 doses - a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test
- a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents in Belgium and persons of Belgian nationality can replace the pre-departure PCR test by a PCR test taken within 48 hours from arrival, by remaining in self-isolation while waiting for the test result.
All travellers returning from a "red" area, not holding an EUDCC, should be tested when arriving in Belgium, on day 1 or day 2. Non-residents in Belgium must present a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from the testing requirement.
When arriving from a very high-risk country inside the European Union or Schengen Area, people who do not have a certificate of full vaccination must present a pre-departure PCR test, taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival, and take a PCR test on day 7 after their arrival in Belgium.
Residents in Belgium must perform a PCR test on day 1 or 2 of their arrival in Belgium, and get tested again on day 7. Quarantine is mandatory, until the test result is known.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Belgian Government has introduced a traffic light system of "green", "orange", "red" and "very high-risk" zones. Belgium's classification is updated every Sunday and is valid from the Monday immediately following. It is based on the data and criteria communicated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) every Thursday. Each country is given a colour code (red, orange, green). The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country. In addition to the colour code, countries of origin may also be classified as “very high-risk" zones, to which additional stricter measures apply. From 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern, regardless of the colour classification.
Find out the current colour code assigned by Belgium to each country.
The country or region has to be classified "orange" or "green" for at least 14 days, without being classified as “very high-risk” zone, before being exempted from the requirements applied to "red" zones and “very high-risk” zones.
Are a coronavirus test or quarantine required?
All travellers from an EU "red zone”, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine.
When arriving from an EU or Schengen associated country with high rates of variants of concern, regardless of their colour classification, people who have not been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks must get a PCR test either within 72 hours before arrival or on day 1 after the arrival for Belgian residents, as well as on day 7, and quarantine while waiting for the result.
More information on inbound travel exemptions because of the “essential reasons” is available at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area is strongly discouraged. Depending on the epidemiological situation, the country or zone of origin is classified as "green", "orange", "red" or "very high-risk" zone, and different measures apply.
Third countries are considered to be "red zones”, unless they are listed in Annex I of Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of 30 June 2020 (Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Hong Kong, Israël, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macao, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, USA, China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity), for which the travel restrictions have temporarily been lifted. This list is updated every two weeks by the Council of the EU.
For more information, please check: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/colour-codes-by-country/.
Non-essential travel to Belgium from non-EU “red zones” is prohibited for people who are neither nationals of the EU, nor of a country that is part of the Schengen Area, and who have their primary residence in a non-EU ”red zone” (third countries not listed in Annex I to Council Recommendation), except for fully vaccinated individuals with a recognised vaccination certificate.
Authorised travellers from a "red zone" outside the European Union who can present a recognised European or Belgian certificate of vaccination or recovery certificate must get tested on day 1 or day 2 after their arrival in Belgium. If the result is negative the quarantine is lifted. This does not apply to children under the age of 12. Authorised travellers who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate must quarantine for 10 days and get tested on days 1 and 7 after their arrival.
More information on essential travels on: www.info-coronavirus.be - FAQ
In addition, an entry ban applies to non-EU countries classified as "very high-risk" zones. People who have been in these countries during the past 14 days can travel to Belgium only if they meet one of the exceptions listed on www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/.
Belgians and Belgian residents travelling from a non-EU “very high-risk" zone - even if holding a valid EUDCC and fully vaccinated - are subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry. People without a valid EUDCC certificate must present a negative PCR test result of less than 72 hours. This applies also if the stay in the country has been of less than 48h.
Some countries of origin are exempt from the quarantine obligation, see https://www.info-coronavirus.be for further details.
Non-nationals and non-residents of Belgium, who have stayed in a “very high-risk" zone (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - can enter Belgium only in the case of "travels for essential reasons”. A pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or an EU Digital COVID Certificate are required. A mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry will also apply. If the second test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
Finally, as from 28 April 2021, people who were in Brazil, South Africa or India at any time during the past 14 days, are prohibited to travel directly or indirectly to Belgium, provided that they do not have Belgian nationality or do not have their main residence in Belgium, with the exception of essential journeys. (www.info-coronavirus.be).
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area. This exception does not apply to travellers from “very high-risk” zones, who are always required to fill-in the form.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
May I transit this country?
Yes
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test result before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to the final destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
May I fly to this country?
Essential travel for persons whose main residence is in third countries considered as “red” zones, and who are not EU/Schengen citizens or residents, must be accompanied by an essential travel certificate issued by the Belgian diplomatic or consular post.
All persons traveling to Belgium by airplane must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium and non-residents must present the result of a negative PCR-test (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before departure for Belgium).
People travelling from South Africa, Brazil and India must always complete a PLF.
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
General measures
The latest measures are available at info-coronavirus.be
From 1st September, different rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: visit.brussels and www.commissioner.brussels
Use of facemasks
Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory outdoors unless a distance of 1.5 meters cannot be respected and unless different restrictions apply.
From the age of 12, face masks are mandatory in public transport (including at stops and stations), in shops and shopping centres, cinemas, theatres, concert and conference venues, auditoria, places of worship, museums, libraries, justice buildings, markets, flea markets and funfairs, public buildings for the parts accessible to the public, in catering establishments, in shopping streets, for close-contact professions and their customers, during manifestations and in all crowded private and public spaces, and when it is not possible to maintain a physical distancing of 1.5 meters.
In catering establishments such as bars and restaurants, facemasks are mandatory when moving or doing recreational activities, but can be removed when seated at a table.
Masks are no longer required in publicly accessible areas of companies, public authorities or associations, and in the cultural, festive, sports, recreational and event sector for private events and parties with less than 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors, unless the local authority decides differently.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels and https://www.commissioner.brussels
Physical Distancing
Wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance of 1.5 m remain recommended.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region. For more information, check: https://visit.brussels and https://www.commissioner.brussels
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Restrictions on receiving people at home are lifted.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where a maximum of 8 persons can be invited at home. Children up to the age of 12 are not included in the limit. A 1,5 metres distance must be kept (excluding your close contacts).
Religious ceremonies are allowed with no restrictions on the number of participants, but it is compulsory to wear a face mask.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where a maximum number of 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors can attend ceremonies.
Open-air manifestations and events are allowed with no limit on the maximum number of participants; however, wearing a facemask and keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from other people remain mandatory, apart from when people are seated.
Public events (including sports events) are allowed with a maximum of 5000 people (outdoors), and 3000 people (indoors).
The restrictions on activities in an organised context, such as those organised by a club or association, are lifted.
Conference venues are open. Professional meetings are allowed.
The restrictions on buffets and dancing at private parties, including weddings, are lifted. This does not apply to the Brussels Capital Region, where receptions, parties and banquets are allowed up to 250 persons (and applying the same sanitary rules as the Horeca sector).
Funfairs are allowed. For more than 5000 visitors, a one-way traffic system must be put in place with separate entrances and exits. Face masks are mandatory and social distancing and hygiene rules must be followed.
For the events sector, restrictions on events with less than 200 spectators indoors and less than 400 spectators outdoors will be removed, unless the relevant local authority decides otherwise. This does not apply to the Brussels Capital Region, where the restrictions remain in force.
For events with more than 200 spectators indoors and more than 400 spectators outdoors, the Covid Safe Ticket can be used from 1 September. In this case, the requirements concerning facemasks, social distancing and the use of CIRM and CERM online tools (Covid Infrastructure Risk Model/Covid Events Risk Model) will be waived. The CST is available for the following categories:
- People who have been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks;
- People providing a negative PCR test less than 48 hours old (antigenic tests are not accepted);
- People providing a certificate proving that they recovered from Covid-19.
For more information on the specific rules that apply to the Brussels Capital Region, check: https://visit.brussels
Safety measures for public transportation
Public transport users who are 12 years of age or older are obliged to cover their mouths and noses by wearing a facemask. This applies from the moment they enter the airport, station, at stops or on the platform, train or other means of transport organised by a public authority. Public transport drivers are not required to cover their nose and mouth if they are well-isolated in a cabin. Taxis are allowed to transport customers provided that a minimum distance of 1.5 metres is maintained between each person, apart for people belonging to the same bubble. It is recommended to regularly ventilate and clean the vehicle and to wear a mouth and nose covering.
Places of worship
Open with limitations
Places of worship and public buildings are open, restrictions on funerals are lifted, but the obligation to wear a mask will be maintained.
Stricter rules apply the in Brussels Capital Region, where a maximum of 200 people indoors, or 400 people outdoors, excluding children up to the age of 12 as well as the civil registrar and the minister of religion, may attend the following activities:
- civil marriages;
- cremations, without the possibility of the body to be exposed;
- congregational worship and the collective practice of non-denominational moral services and of activities within a philosophical association
Groups of 8 must be respected, apart from children up to the age of 12 and people living under the same roof.
Quarantine
The following rules for isolation/quarantine are in place:
1. Period of isolation for people who received a positive PCR test
For patients with a positive PCR test and having symptoms, isolation may be stopped at the earliest 10 days after the first symptoms appeared, AND after 3 days without fever, as well as improvement of respiratory condition. You should stay in a separate room as much as possible, wear a face mask to protect other people in the house, and ask someone to take care of your groceries.
For persons with a positive PCR test without symptoms, the 10 days isolation period begins from the day the test has been performed.
2. Quarantine period for high-risk contacts
The quarantine period for high-risk contacts who are not being tested is 10 days. The period begins on the day of the last high-risk contact. The quarantine period begins the last day of travel in a high-risk territory (for people considered as high-risk contacts according to the self-assessment).
The quarantine period may be reduced to 7 days in case of negative result to a PCR test performed no earlier than on day 7 of the quarantine.
You should stay in quarantine at the same place all the time, and maintain social distance from other people, including your household members. It is advised not to go into quarantine in a household that includes people with an increased chance of serious disease. Visitors from outside the household are not allowed. It is not allowed to physically attend work or school. You should be available for contact with the health authorities at all times. You can only leave your place of quarantine for urgent medical care, or urgent legal/financial affairs. If you get ill with Covid-19 disease, all members of your household are high-risk contacts.
The website of the Belgian health authorities Sciensano offers more information in Dutch, French and German
It also offers a document with FAQ (in Dutch)
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Open with limitations
Non-essential shops are open. Wearing a face mask is mandatory. Safety measures apply (avoid crowding inside and outside the shop, disinfect hands). Night shops are open.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where night shops are open until 1:00.
Tourist accommodations
Open
Accommodations (hotels, B&B's etc.) are open. The same applies to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, where community protocols regulate access and the general organisation. Spa and wellness centres are open, as well as holiday parks (campsites, bungalow parks).
Hotel restaurants can provide room service meals for hotel guests.
Catering establishments
Open with limitations
Some restrictions (e.g. opening and closing times, the limit on the number of people at the table, the distance between groups of people at the table, noise levels and bar service) will be abolished. In addition, it is no longer compulsory to provide seating only. It is still compulsory to wear a facemask when moving around in a restaurant or bar.
Stricter rules apply in the Brussels Capital Region, where restaurants, bars and cafés are open from 5:00 to 1:00. Clients are allowed both indoors and on open terraces. A maximum of 8 people per table is allowed, children up to the age of 12 not included. An entire household can share a table. Facemasks are not mandatory when seated at the table. Takeaway services are permitted until 1.00. Hotel restaurants can provide room service meals for hotel guests. Buffets are allowed with specific measures.
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
Open with limitations
Museums are open with a reservation system. Cinemas, theatres, concert halls, casinos and party halls are open with a specific protocol. Discotheques and nightclubs remain closed.
Personal care services
Open with limitations
Non-medical close-contact professions, including hairdressers and beauticians, are open under tightened protocols.
Outdoors areas and beaches
Open with limitations
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In Brussels, a safety label has been developed to reassure visitors that the site, venue or establishment in question is safe. The criteria for receiving such a label are based on checklists drawn up on the basis of specific protocols, developed in close cooperation with sectoral entities and representatives.
More on Brussels: Visit Brussels
Information for the other regions is available at:
Health protocols for Flanders (in Dutch)
Health protocols for Wallonia (in French)
Other measures
More information on the measures applicable in Belgium can be found at info-coronavirus.be
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
________________________________________________________________________
18.08.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before arriving in Belgium. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception for people staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours, or returning to Belgium after a stay abroad inferior to 48 hours. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form.
The obligations of testing and quarantine depend on the colour of the area of origin (green / orange / red). However, from 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern (“very high-risk” zones), regardless of their colour classification.
More information and the form can be found at https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be and, if needed, contact the FPS Public Health on +32 (0)2 524.97.97 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Belgium accepts the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
Travellers arriving from "green" or "orange" zones, with or without a EUDCC, are not subject to testing or quarantine requirements.
Travellers arriving from a "red" zone, and holding a EUDCC, are exempted from further testing and quarantine requirements if their EUDCC contains either:
- a certificate of full vaccination
The vaccination is considered to be completed (full) 14 days after taking the second dose (or 14 days after the single dose for vaccines requiring 1 dose only). For people who had been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the vaccination is considered to be completed also after a single dose of a vaccine requiring 2 doses - a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test
- a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents in Belgium and persons of Belgian nationality can replace the pre-departure PCR test by a PCR test taken within 48 hours from arrival, by remaining in self-isolation while waiting for the test result.
All travellers returning from a "red" area, not holding an EUDCC, should be tested when arriving in Belgium, on day 1 or day 2. Non-residents in Belgium must present a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from the testing requirement.
When arriving from a very high-risk country inside the European Union or Schengen Area, people who do not have a certificate of full vaccination must present a pre-departure PCR test, taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival, and take a PCR test on day 7 after their arrival in Belgium.
Residents in Belgium must perform a PCR test on day 1 or 2 of their arrival in Belgium, and get tested again on day 7. Quarantine is mandatory, until the test result is known.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Belgian Government has introduced a traffic light system of "green", "orange", "red" and "very high-risk" zones. Belgium's classification is updated every Sunday and is valid from the Monday immediately following. It is based on the data and criteria communicated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) every Thursday. Each country is given a colour code (red, orange, green). The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country. In addition to the colour code, countries of origin may also be classified as “very high-risk" zones, to which additional stricter measures apply. From 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern, regardless of the colour classification.
Find out the current colour code assigned by Belgium to each country.
The country or region has to be classified "orange" or "green" for at least 14 days, without being classified as “very high-risk” zone, before being exempted from the requirements applied to "red" zones and “very high-risk” zones.
Are a coronavirus test or quarantine required?
All travellers from an EU "red zone”, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Belgian residents can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine.
When arriving from an EU or Schengen associated country with high rates of variants of concern, regardless of their colour classification, people who have not been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks must get a PCR test either within 72 hours before arrival or on day 1 after the arrival for Belgian residents, as well as on day 7, and quarantine while waiting for the result.
More information on inbound travel exemptions because of the “essential reasons” is available at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area is strongly discouraged. Depending on the epidemiological situation, the country or zone of origin is classified as "green", "orange", "red" or "very high-risk" zone, and different measures apply.
Third countries are considered to be "red zones”, unless they are listed in Annex I of Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of 30 June 2020 (Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Hong Kong, Israël, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macao, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, USA, China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity), for which the travel restrictions have temporarily been lifted. This list is updated every two weeks by the Council of the EU.
For more information, please check: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/colour-codes-by-country/.
Non-essential travel to Belgium from non-EU “red zones” is prohibited for people who are neither nationals of the EU, nor of a country that is part of the Schengen Area, and who have their primary residence in a non-EU ”red zone” (third countries not listed in Annex I to Council Recommendation), except for fully vaccinated individuals with a recognised vaccination certificate.
Authorised travellers from a "red zone" outside the European Union who can present a recognised European or Belgian certificate of vaccination or recovery certificate must get tested on day 1 or day 2 after their arrival in Belgium. If the result is negative the quarantine is lifted. This does not apply to children under the age of 12. Authorised travellers who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate must quarantine for 10 days and get tested on days 1 and 7 after their arrival.
More information on essential travels on: www.info-coronavirus.be - FAQ
In addition, an entry ban applies to non-EU countries classified as "very high-risk" zones. People who have been in these countries during the past 14 days can travel to Belgium only if they meet one of the exceptions listed on www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/.
Belgians and Belgian residents travelling from a non-EU “very high-risk" zone - even if holding a valid EUDCC and fully vaccinated - are subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry. People without a valid EUDCC certificate must present a negative PCR test result of less than 72 hours. This applies also if the stay in the country has been of less than 48h.
Some countries of origin are exempt from the quarantine obligation, see https://www.info-coronavirus.be for further details.
Non-nationals and non-residents of Belgium, who have stayed in a “very high-risk" zone (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - can enter Belgium only in the case of "travels for essential reasons”. A pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or an EU Digital COVID Certificate are required. A mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry will also apply. If the second test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
Finally, as from 28 April 2021, people who were in Brazil, South Africa or India at any time during the past 14 days, are prohibited to travel directly or indirectly to Belgium, provided that they do not have Belgian nationality or do not have their main residence in Belgium, with the exception of essential journeys. (www.info-coronavirus.be).
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area. This exception does not apply to travellers from “very high-risk” zones, who are always required to fill-in the form.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
May I transit this country?
Yes
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test result before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to the final destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BEL/7004
______________________________________________________________________________
21.07.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before arriving in Belgium. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception for people staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours or returning to Belgium after a stay abroad inferior to 48 hours. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form and the same applies also to travellers from “very high-risk" zones.
The obligations of testing and quarantine depend on the colour of the area of origin (green / orange / red / very high risk). However, from 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern, regardless of the colour classification.
More information and the form can be found at https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be and, if needed, contact the FPS Public Health on +32 (0)2 524.97.97 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Belgium accepts the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
Travellers arriving from "green" or "orange" zones, with or without a EUDCC, are not subject to testing or quarantine requirements.
Travellers arriving from a "red" zone, and holding a EUDCC, are exempted from further testing and quarantine requirements if their EUDCC contains either:
- a certificate of full vaccination
The vaccination is considered to be completed (full) 14 days after taking the second dose (or 14 days after the single dose for vaccines requiring 1 dose only). For people who had been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the vaccination is considered to be completed also after a single dose of a vaccine requiring 2 doses
- a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test
- a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents in Belgium and persons of Belgian nationality can replace the pre-departure PCR test by a PCR test taken within 48 hours from arrival, by remaining in self-isolation while waiting for the test result.
All travellers returning from a "red" area, not holding an EUDCC, should be tested when arriving in Belgium, on day 1 or day 2.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from the testing requirement.
When arriving from an EU or Schengen associated country with high rates of variants of concern, regardless of their colour classification, people who have not been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks must quarantine for 10 days and get a PCR test either within 72 hours before arrival or on day 1 after the arrival, as well as on day 7. If the second test is negative, the quarantine can be lifted.
Travellers arriving from a "very high-risk" zone (with variants of concern):
Non-nationals and non-residents in Belgium, who have stayed in a "very high-risk" zone (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - are prohibited from entering Belgium, with the exception of essential travel authorised for transport personnel and diplomats.
Belgians and Belgian residents who have stayed in a "very high-risk" zone (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC and fully vaccinated - are subject to mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Belgian Government has introduced a traffic light system of very "green", "yellow", "red" and "very high-risk" zones. Belgium's classification is updated every Sunday and is valid from the Monday immediately following. It is based on the data and criteria communicated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) every Thursday. Each country is given a colour code (red, orange, green). The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country. In addition to the colour code red, countries of origin may also be classified as “very high-risk" zones, to which additional stricter measures apply. From 19 July 2021 stricter rules can apply to travellers coming from EU and Schengen associated countries characterised by high rates of variants of concern, regardless of the colour classification.
Find out the current colour code assigned by Belgium to each country
The country or region has to be classified "orange" or "green" for at least 14 days before being exempted from the requirements applied to "red" zones.
Are a coronavirus test or quarantine required?
All travellers from an EU "red" zone, who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. If they do not have a pre-departure negative PCR test, they can get tested on day 1 or 2 after the arrival in Belgium and must undergo a quarantine while waiting for the result. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine.
When arriving from an EU or Schengen associated country with high rates of variants of concern, regardless of their colour classification, people who have not been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks must quarantine for 10 days and get a PCR test either within 72 hours before arrival or on day 1 after the arrival, as well as on day 7. If the second test is negative, the quarantine period can be lifted.
Belgians and Belgian residents travelling from a “very high-risk" zone (with variants of concern) - even if holding a valid EUDCC and fully vaccinated - are subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry. If the second test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
Non-nationals and non-residents of Belgium, who have stayed in a “very high-risk" zone (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - can enter Belgium only in the case of "travels for essential reasons”. A pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or an EU Digital COVID Certificate are required. A mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry will also apply. If the second test is negative, the quarantine is lifted.
More information on inbound travel exemptions because of the “essential reasons” is available at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area is strongly discouraged. Depending on the epidemiological situation, the country or zone of origin is classified as "green", "orange", "red" or "very high-risk", and different measures apply.
Third countries are considered to be "red" zones, unless they are listed in Annex I of Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of 30 June 2020 (Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Hong Kong, Israël, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macau, Montenegro, New Zealand, Katar, Moldova, Macedonia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, USA, China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity), for which the travel restrictions have temporarily been lifted. This list is updated every two weeks by the Council of the EU.
For more information, please check: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/colour-codes-by-country/.
Non-essential travel to Belgium from non-EU “red zones” is prohibited for people who are neither nationals of the EU, nor of a country that is part of the Schengen Area, and who have their primary residence in a non-EU ‘red zone” (third countries not listed in Annex I to Council Recommendation), except for fully vaccinated individuals with a recognised vaccination certificate as from 1 July 2021.
Authorised travellers from a "red zone" outside the European Union who can present a recognised European or Belgian certificate of vaccination or recovery certificate must get tested on day 1 or day 2 after their arrival in Belgium. If the result is negative the quarantine is lifted. This does not apply to children under the age of 12. Authorised travellers who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate must quarantine for 10 days and get tested on days 1 and 7 after their arrival.
More information on essential travels on: www.info-coronavirus.be - FAQ
In addition, some countries are classified as "very high-risk", and an entry ban applies. People who have been in these countries during the past 14 days can travel only if they meet one of the exceptions listed on www.info-coronavirus.be/en/countries-with-high-risk/. In this case, the following stricter measures apply before and upon arrival in Belgium:
- Before arrival in Belgium, a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) must always be filled-in.
- For non-residents, either a pre-departure negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival or an EU Digital COVID Certificate (or one deemed equivalent by the European Commission or Belgium) is required. A 10-day quarantine is required as well as a PCR test on day 7 of the mandatory quarantine.
- For Belgians and belgian residents, a 10-day quarantine is required as well as a PCR test on day 1 and day 7 of the mandatory quarantine.
Finally, as from 28 April 2021, people who were in Brazil, South Africa or India at any time during the past 14 days, are prohibited to travel directly or indirectly to Belgium, provided that they do not have Belgian nationality or do not have their main residence in Belgium, with the exception of essential journeys. (www.info-coronavirus.be)
Is a quarantine required?
Any person coming (or returning) to Belgium for at least 48 hours, after a stay of at least 48 hours in a non-EU "red" zone, must be placed in quarantine.
Travellers who have a recognized European or Belgian vaccination or recovery certificate must get tested on day 1 or day 2 after arrival. If the result is negative, the quarantine can end. Travellers who do not have a recognized European or Belgian vaccination or recovery certificate must quarantine for 10 days and get tested on day 1 and day 7 of the mandatory quarantine. Some countries of origin are exempt from the quarantine obligation, see https://www.info-coronavirus.be for further details.
Authorized travellers from "very high-risk" zones must quarantine for 10 days. Belgians and Belgian residents must be tested on day 1 and day 7 after arrival; non-residents must present a pre-departure negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival, and be tested on day 7.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by specific travel means and staying less than 48 hours abroad, or less than 48 hours in Belgium. Persons who travel to Belgium by boat or plane are always obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form. The same applies to people who travel to Belgium by train or bus from outside the EU or Schengen area. This exception does not apply to travellers from “very high-risk” zones, who are always required to fill-in the form.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
May I transit this country?
Yes
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Transit by air
Travellers who only transit by air and who only enter the transit zone are not required to present a negative test. However, these travellers are required to show a negative test result before arriving in Belgium if this is needed to travel on to the final destination.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required. The same applies also to cross-border workers. For people arriving in Belgium with their own vehicle, random checks may be carried out at the borders.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
May I fly to this country?
Essential travel for persons whose main residence is in third countries considered as “red” zones, and who are not EU/Schengen citizens or residents, must be accompanied by an essential travel certificate issued by the Belgian diplomatic or consular post.
All persons traveling to Belgium by airplane must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium and non-residents must present the result of a negative PCR-test (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before departure for Belgium).
People travelling from South Africa, Brazil and India must always complete a PLF.
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
General measures
The latest measures are available at info-coronavirus.be
Use of facemasks
Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory outdoors unless a distance of 1.5 meters cannot be respected and unless different restrictions apply.
From the age of 12, face masks are mandatory in public transport (including at stops and stations), in shops and shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, concert and conference venues, auditoria, places of worship, museums, libraries, justice buildings, markets, flea markets and funfairs, public buildings for the parts accessible to the public, in catering establishments, in shopping streets, for close-contact professions and their customers, during manifestations and in all crowded private and public spaces, and when it is not possible to maintain a physical distancing of 1.5 meters.
In catering establishments such as bars and restaurants, facemasks are mandatory when moving or doing recreational activities, but can be removed when seated at a table.
Wearing a mask remains strongly recommended in all other public places, and is mandatory when it is not possible to maintain a physical distancing of 1.5 metres.
During open-air cultural or sports events, manifestations and congress where the public is seated, it is possible to remove the facemasks. Local authorities may also take more restrictive measures.
Local authorities may also take more restrictive measures.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing of at least 1.5 meters is required, except for people living under the same roof, children under the age of 12, and for care takers. Each person can have close contact (less than 1.5 metres) with 8 persons indoors, excluding members of the same household and children up to the age of 12. This also applies to family holidays in tourist accommodation.
Per household, you can receive maximum 8 close contact persons at home.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
A maximum number of 8 persons can be invited at home. Children up to the age of 12 are not included in the limit. 1,5 metres distance must be kept (excluding your close contact).
Ceremonies are allowed with up to 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors.
Open-air manifestations and events are allowed with no limit on the maximum number of participants. Wearing a facemask and keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from other people remain mandatory, apart from when people are seated.
Conference venues are open. Professional meetings are allowed.
Activities in an organised context (e.g. sports clubs or associations) can take place indoors with up to 50 people of all ages, but without an audience and without overnight stays. Outdoors, the number of people is limited to 100. Participants should remain as much as possible in close groups of maximum 8 people, with some exceptions. A trainer or supervisor needs to be present.
Youth activities and youth camps and community life: up to 50 people, without an overnight stay. Pre-testing is highly recommended.
From 13 August 2021, the Covid Safety Ticket will be introduced for outdoor events with more than 1500 people. The CST will be available for the following categories:
- People who have been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks;
- People providing a negative PCR test less than 48 hours old (antigenic tests are not accepted),;
- People providing a certificate proving that they recovered from Covid-19.
For outdoor events organised with the use of the Covid Safety ticket, the obligations of wearing masks and keeping physical distancing are lifted.
Information on Tourism at National level
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
Useful Info for tourists
Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements for your destination at: The Schengen visa
EU Digital COVID Certificates
This country is already connected to the Gateway and is issuing and/or verifying at least one EU Digital COVID Certificate (Vaccination, Recovery, Test)
App for "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Belgium
_________
The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination.
Find out more:
Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate"
Further information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BEL/7011
16.06.20201
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Provisional information subject to further revision
Belgium is expected to start accepting Digital EU COVID Certificates (EUDCC) from 1 July.
Travellers arriving from "green" or "orange" areas, with or without an EUDCC, are not subject to testing or quarantine requirements.
Travellers holding an EUDCC, and arriving from a "red" area, are exempted from further testing and quarantine requirements if their EUDCC contains either:
- a certificate of full vaccination
The vaccination is considered to be completed (full) 14 days after taking the second dose (or 14 days after the single dose for vaccines requiring 1 dose only). For people who had been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the vaccination is considered to be completed also after a single dose of a vaccine requiring 2 doses
- a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test
- a pre-departure PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents in Belgium and persons of Belgian nationality can replace the pre-departure PCR test by a PCR test taken within 48 hours from arrival, by remaining in self-isolation while waiting for the test result.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from the testing requirement.
Non-residents in Belgium, who have stayed in a high-risk area (with variants of concern) in the last 14 days - even if holding a valid EUDCC - are prohibited from entering Belgium, with the exception of essential travel authorised for transport personnel and diplomats. Residents in Belgium and persons of Belgian nationality are subject to mandatory 10-day quarantine and PCR test on day 1 and day 7 from entry.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Belgian Government has introduced a traffic light system of high, medium and low-risk regions. Belgium's classification is updated every Sunday and is valid from the Monday immediately following. It is based on the data and criteria communicated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) every Thursday. Each country is given a colour code (red, orange, green). The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country.
Find out the current colour code assigned by Belgium to each country
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers from a "red" zone, who are not resident in Belgium, are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours before departure.
Children under 12 years old are exempted.
This test is also mandatory for passengers connecting via Belgium to a Schengen destination (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland).
All travellers from a "red" zone must also undergo a second test on day 7 of the mandatory quarantine.
Residents of Belgium, returning from a "red" zone after a stay of more than 48 hours, must undergo a mandatory test on day 1 and day 7 of quarantine.
There are exceptions in a few strictly limited cases. More information is available at https://www.info-coronavirus.be
Is a quarantine required?
All travellers who have been at least 48 hours in a "red" zone, and who will stay at least 48 hours in Belgium, must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine. Travellers arriving from a red zone by air or sea must always complete a 10-day quarantine, regardless of the length of their stay.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a second PCR test no less than 7 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by other means than plane or boat and staying less than 48 hours abroad or less than 48 hours in Belgium. This is a very strict exception that can be subject to control.
Travellers have to fill out a declaration indicating the reason for their journey (more information and the form can be found at https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be and, if needed, contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to Belgium is prohibited for persons whose main residence is in third countries considered as “red” zones, except if they are EU/Schengen citizens or residents.
Third countries are considered to be "red" zones, with the exception of third countries listed in Annex I of Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of 30 June 2020 (Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Israël).
Essential travel is allowed while respecting restrictions.
Depending on the country or region you are travelling from, different measures apply.
- "Red" zones are regions or countries where individuals are at a high risk of infection.
- "Orange" zones are regions or countries for which a moderately elevated risk of infection has been identified.
- "Green" zones are regions or countries for which a low risk of infection has been identified.
Is a quarantine required?
Any person coming (or returning) to Belgium for at least 48 hours, after a stay of at least 48 hours in a "red" zone, must be placed in quarantine. Quarantine lasts 10 days, but can be shortened with a negative PCR test on day 7. Residents in Belgium must also be tested on day 1 of quarantine.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by other means than carrier and staying less than 48 hours abroad or less than 48 hours in Belgium. This is a very strict exception that can be subject to control.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
May I transit this country?
YES
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Transit by land
From within the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air or boat, no PCR test is required.
From outside the EU+ area, if you will be spending less than 48 hours in Belgium and if you are not travelling by air, boat, train or bus, no PCR test is required.
May I fly to this country?
Essential travel for persons whose main residence is in third countries considered as “red” zones, and who are not EU/Schengen citizens or residents, must be accompanied by an essential travel certificate issued by the Belgian diplomatic or consular post.
All persons traveling to Belgium by airplane must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium and non-residents must present the result of a negative PCR-test (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before departure for Belgium).
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
General measures
Between midnight and 05.00, gatherings may only take place in public areas with a maximum of 3 people or with members of the same household (people living under the same roof). In Brussels, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in the street between 22:00 and 05:00.
The latest measures are available at info-coronavirus.be
Use of facemasks
From the age of 12, face masks are mandatory in public transport (including at stops and stations), in shops and shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, concert and conference venues, auditoria, places of worship, museums, libraries, justice buildings, markets, flea markets and funfairs, public buildings for the parts accessible to the public, in catering establishments, in shopping streets, for close-contact professions and their customers.
Wearing a mask remains strongly recommended in all other public places, and is mandatory when it is not possible to maintain a physical distancing of 1.5 metres.
Local authorities may also take more restrictive measures. It is mandatory to wear a facemask in all outdoor and indoor public spaces in Brussels.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing of at least 1.5 meters is required, except for people living under the same roof, children under the age of 12, and for care takers. Each person can have close contact (less than 1.5 metres) with 2 persons from the same household per one month. Per household, you can receive maximum 2 close contact persons at home.
Information on Tourism at National level
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
EU Digital COVID Certificates
THIS COUNTRY IS ALREADY CONNECTED TO THE GATEWAY AND IS ISSUING AND/OR VERIFYING AT LEAST ONE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE (VACCINATION, RECOVERY, TEST)
App for "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Belgium
_________
The EU Digital COVID Certificate (available as of 1 July 2021) provides proof that a person has either:
- been vaccinated against COVID-19 (vaccine type and manufacturer, number of doses, date of vaccination);
- received a negative test result, PCR or rapid antigen, with the name of the test, date and time of test, test centre and result (self-tests are not valid);
- recovered from COVID-19 (positive PCR test result valid for 180 days).
When travelling, holders of the EU Digital COVID Certificate will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from COVID or test result. Each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what you will be eligible for, upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your country of destination.
How does it work:
- Member States issue a certificate automatically or upon request, which is issued either digitally or on paper, and has a QR code with an electronic signature;
- Citizens store the certificate in their digital app or wallet and can use it when they travel;
- When the verifier asks the citizen for the certificate, the QR code is shown and the digital signature is verified.
Find out more:
Information on the EU Digital COVID Certificate
Press Release
Questions & Answers
Factsheet
04.05.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
PARTIALLY
The Belgian Government has introduced a traffic light system of high, medium and low-risk regions. Belgium's classification is updated every Sunday and is valid from the Monday immediately following. It is based on the data and criteria communicated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) every Thursday. Each country is given a colour code (red, orange, green). The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country.
Find out the current colour code assigned by Belgium to each country
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers from a "red" zone, who are not resident in Belgium, are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours before departure.
Children aged 11 and under are exempted.
This test is also mandatory for passengers connecting via Belgium to a Schengen destination (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland).
All travellers from a "red" zone must also undergo a second test on day 7 of the mandatory quarantine.
Residents of Belgium, returning from a "red" zone after a stay of more than 48 hours, must undergo a mandatory test on day 1 and day 7 of quarantine.
There are exceptions in a few strictly limited cases. More information is available at https://www.info-coronavirus.be
Is a quarantine required?
All travellers who have been at least 48 hours in a "red" zone, and who will stay at least 48 hours in Belgium, must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a second PCR test no less than 7 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by other means than plane or boat and staying less than 48 hours abroad or less than 48 hours in Belgium. This is a very strict exception that can be subject to control.
Travellers have to fill out a declaration indicating the essential reason for their journey (more information and the form can be found at https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be and, if needed, contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to Belgium is prohibited for persons whose main residence is in third countries considered as “red” zones, except if they are EU/Schengen citizens.
Essential travel is allowed while respecting restrictions.
Depending on the country or region you are travelling from, different measures apply.
- "Red" zones are regions or countries where individuals are at a high risk of infection.
- "Orange" zones are regions or countries for which a moderately elevated risk of infection has been identified.
- "Green" zones are regions or countries for which a low risk of infection has been identified.
Third countries are considered to be "red" zones, with the exception of Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Is a quarantine required?
Any person coming (or returning) to Belgium for at least 48 hours, after a stay of at least 48 hours in a "red" zone, must be placed in quarantine. The quarantine can only be terminated with a negative PCR test performed on day 7 of quarantine.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by other means than plane or boat and staying less than 48 hours abroad or less than 48 hours in Belgium. This is a very strict exception that can be subject to control.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
May I transit this country?
YES
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travelers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the essential reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
General measures
Working from home is compulsory where possible.
A national curfew from midnight to 5.00 is in place. Local authorities have the flexibility and authority to adapt and restrict travel restrictions and non-essential activities in accordance with the epidemiological situation in their area. People going to work, coming home from work, or moving for assistance to a vulnerable person, are exempted.
From 8 May, the curfew will be replaced by a ban on gatherings: between midnight and 5.00, gatherings may only take place in public areas with a maximum of 3 people or with members of the same household (people living under the same roof).
The latest measures are available at info-coronavirus.be
Use of facemasks
From the age of 12, face masks are mandatory in public transport (including at stops and stations), in shops and shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, concert and conference venues, auditoria, places of worship, museums, libraries, justice buildings, markets, flea markets and funfairs, public buildings for the parts accessible to the public, in catering establishments, in shopping streets, for close-contact professions and their customers.
Wearing a mask remains strongly recommended in all other public places, and is mandatory when it is not possible to maintain a physical distancing of 1.5 metres.
Local authorities may also take more restrictive measures. It is mandatory to wear a facemask in all outdoor and indoor public spaces in Brussels.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing of at least 1.5 meters is required, except for people living under the same roof, children under the age of 12, and for care takers. Each person can have close contact (less than 1.5 metres) with one person outside his/her household per one month. Per household, you can receive maximum one close contact at home. Single-households can have two close contacts per one month, but not at the same time.
Source : https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BEL/7001
31.03.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
PARTIALLY
Belgium is classifying risk areas on the basis of the EU "traffic lights" approach to travel restrictions. Each country is given a colour code. The measures applicable to travel to Belgium depend on the colour code assigned to each country. Detailed and updated information are available at: colour codes by country
All non-essential travel to and from Belgium is prohibited. Travellers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a declaration indicating the essential reason for their journey (more information and the form can be found at https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers from a "red" zone, who are not resident in Belgium, are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours before departure.
Children aged 11 and under are exempted.
This test is also mandatory for passengers connecting via Belgium to a Schengen destination (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland).
All travellers from a "red" zone must also undergo a second test on day 7 of the mandatory quarantine.
Residents of Belgium, returning from a "red" zone after a stay of more than 48 hours, must undergo a mandatory test on day 1 and day 7 of quarantine.
There are exceptions in a few strictly limited cases. More information are available at https://www.info-coronavirus.be
Is a quarantine required?
All travellers who have been at least 48 hours in a "red" zone, and who will stay at least 48 hours in Belgium, must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a second PCR test no less than 7 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by other means than plane or boat and staying less than 48 hours abroad or less than 48 hours in Belgium. This is a very strict exception that can be subject to control.
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be and, if needed, contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Non-essential travel to Belgium is prohibited for persons whose main residence is abroad.
Essential travel is allowed while respecting restrictions.
Depending on the country or region you are travelling from, different measures apply.
- "Red" zones are regions or countries where individuals are at a high risk of infection.
- "Orange" zones are regions or countries for which a moderately elevated risk of infection has been identified.
- "Green" zones are regions or countries for which a low risk of infection has been identified.
Third countries are considered to be "red" zones, with the exception of Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Is a quarantine required?
Any person coming (or returning) to Belgium for at least 48 hours, after a stay of at least 48 hours in a "red" zone, must be placed in quarantine. The quarantine can only be terminated with a negative PCR test performed on day 7 of quarantine.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by other means than plane or boat and staying less than 48 hours abroad or less than 48 hours in Belgium. This is a very strict exception that can be subject to control.
Find out more:
Colour codes by country
Mandatory form for travel to Belgium
Info coronavirus
Contact Point
For any questions concerning the measures applicable to arrival in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ and contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be.
May I transit this country?
YES
Transit is considered essential travel and is therefore allowed. Travelers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a statement indicating the essential reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
May I enter this country by road transport?
PARTIALLY
All non-essential travel to and from Belgium is prohibited. Travelers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a declaration indicating the essential reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons travelling by bus or by coach to Belgium from countries outside the EU and outside the Schengen Area, including the United Kingdom, must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium.
Travellers who come from a red zone (according to the Belgian national classification) and who do not have their main residence in Belgium, must submit a negative result to a PCR test prior to entry (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before their departure for Belgium).
May I enter this country by train?
PARTIALLY
All non-essential travel to and from Belgium is prohibited. Travelers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a declaration indicating the essential reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons travelling by train to Belgium from countries outside the EU and outside the Schengen Area, including the United Kingdom, must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium.
Travellers who come from a red zone (according to the Belgian national classification) and who do not have their main residence in Belgium, must submit a negative result to a PCR test prior to entry (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before their departure for Belgium).
May I enter this country by sea transport?
PARTIALLY
All non-essential travel to and from Belgium is prohibited. Travelers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a declaration indicating the essential reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons traveling to Belgium by boat must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium and non-residents must present the result of a negative PCR-test (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before departure for Belgium).
May I fly to this country?
All non-essential travel to and from Belgium is prohibited. Travelers have to fill in, sign and carry with them a declaration indicating the essential reason of their journey (more information and the form can be found at: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/).
All persons traveling to Belgium by airplane must fill in a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before their arrival in Belgium and non-residents must present the result of a negative PCR-test (carried out at the earliest 72 hours before departure for Belgium).
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
General measures
Working from home is compulsory where possible.
There is a national curfew from midnight to 5.00. Local authorities have the flexibility and authority to adapt and restrict travel restrictions and non-essential activities in accordance with the epidemiological situation in their area. People going to work, coming home from work, or moving for assistance to a vulnerable person, are exempted.
The latest measures are available at info-coronavirus.be
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BEL/7001
25.01.2021
Covid-19 Update: New measures in Belgium
The new ministerial decree containing more stringent measures comes into force from January 27, 2021 00:00. All non-essential travel is now prohibited.
By "essential trip", it is meant that :
- any travel carried out for professional reasons, by a person having a main residence in Belgium or in the European Union.
- any travel carried out by transport staff, by a person having their main residence outside the European Union (including the United Kingdom).
Sworn statement:
In order to regulate essential travel, a justification is sought by the federal government, which requires a declaration of honor. Find this form online via this link
The sworn declaration is compulsory regardless of the duration of the trip abroad. People traveling abroad regularly, such as border workers or truck drivers, however, only need to complete the Declaration of Honor once for a clearly defined activity.
Passenger Locator Form:
The rules concerning the Passenger Locator Form (https://travel.info-coronavirus.be/en/public-health-passenger-locator-form) remain unchanged. The overview of the rules is also shown below.
Transport personnel remain exempt from quarantine and COVID testing when carrying out professional activities abroad.
Drivers having their main residence in Belgium and making a business trip
a) For a business trip of less than 48 hours
- must be in possession of the duly completed declaration of honor
- must not complete the Passenger Locator Form & the Business Travel Abroad form,
- are exempt from quarantine and COVID testing
b) For a business trip of more than 48 hours
- must be in possession of the duly completed declaration of honor
- must complete the Passenger Locator Form (https://travel.info-coronavirus.be/public-health-passenger-locator-form) & the Business Travel Abroad form (https://bta.belgium.be/fr). .
- are exempt from quarantine and Covid testing
Drivers with a main residence outside Belgium and who come to Belgium for a business trip
a) Drivers coming to Belgium for less than 48 hours
- must be in possession of the duly completed declaration of honor
- do not have to complete the Passenger Locator Form & the Business Travel Abroad form
- should not quarantine
b) Drivers coming to Belgium for more than 48 hours
- must be in possession of the duly completed declaration of honor
- must complete the Passenger Locator Form (https://travel.info-coronavirus.be/public-health-passenger-locator-form) & the Business Travel Abroad form (https://bta.belgium.be/fr).
- are exempt from quarantine and Covid testing.
Source: FEBETRA
22.01.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
PARTIALLY
Note: Belgium adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Belgium are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Restrictions for people coming (or returning) to Belgium from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country depend on whether they are returning from a red, orange, or green zone.
Any person coming (or returning) to Belgium for at least 48 hours, after a stay of at least 48 hours in a red zone, must be placed in quarantine. The quarantine can only be terminated with a negative PCR test performed on the seventh day of quarantine.
Travelers (from the age of 12) who are not resident in Belgium, must provide a negative PCR test before their travel if they come from a red zone. This test is also mandatory for passengers connecting via Belgium to a Schengen destination (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland). The negative test must have been carried out less than 72 hours before departure for Belgium.
Residents of Belgium returning from a red zone after a stay of more than 48 hours must undergo a mandatory test on day 1 and day 7 of quarantine.
There are exceptions in a few strictly limited cases. For more information, please check https://www.info-coronavirus.be
For any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the quarantine obligation in Belgium, travellers should check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be or contact the FPS Public Health.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons coming or returning to Belgium, or travelling through Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form in advance. A self-assessment tool is integrated into the Passenger Locator Form.
There is an exception when the person is travelling by other means than plane or boat and staying less than 48 hours abroad or less than 48 hours in Belgium. This is a very strict exception that can be subject to control.
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test, and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please check the website https://www.info-coronavirus.be and, if needed, contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travel from third countries remains prohibited with few exceptions. Essential travel to Belgium is allowed, while respecting restrictions (see question on quarantine).
People coming from the countries on the list published on the Foreign Affairs website may travel to Belgium.
TRANSIT
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium by boat or by plane and who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
All persons travelling through Belgium by carother means of transport and who are staying at least 48h in Belgium must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
General measures
Working from home is compulsory where possible.
There is a national curfew from midnight to 5.00. Local authorities have the flexibility and authority to adapt and restrict travel restrictions and non-essential activities in accordance with the epidemiological situation in their area. People going to work, coming home from work, or moving for assistance to a vulnerable person, are exempted.
Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
From the age of 12, face masks (of any fabric) are mandatory in public transport (including at stops and stations), in shops and shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, concert and conference venues, auditoria, places of worship, museums, libraries, justice buildings, markets, flea markets and funfairs, public buildings for the parts accessible to the public, in catering establishments, in shopping streets, for close-contact professions and their customers.
Wearing a mask remains strongly recommended in all other public places, and is mandatory when it is not possible to maintain a physical distancing of 1.5 metres.
Local authorities may also take more restrictive measures. It is mandatory to wear a facemask in all outdoor and indoor public spaces in Brussels.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing of at least 1.5 meters is required, except for people living under the same roof, children under the age of 12, and for care takers. Each person can have close contact (less than 1.5 metres) with one person outside his/her household per one month. Per household, you can receive maximum one close contact at home. Single-households can have two close contacts per one month, but not at the same time.
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
14.12.2020
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
Travelling from EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries is allowed.
Before entering Belgium, check the latest information on travel advice (with particular reference to the different zones corresponding to the local COVID-19 situation) at diplomatie.belgium.be.
The self-assessment test in the Passenger Locator Form (see below) indicates if you must go in quarantine for 7 days, plus 7 more days of hightened vigilance and if you must be tested.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons returning to Belgium or travelling through Belgium, and who are staying at least 48 hours, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form. A self-assessment test is integrated in the Passenger Locator Form. In case of a positive self-assessment, quarantine and test are no longer necessary.
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test and the obligation of quarantine in Belgium, please contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium and who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Travel from third countries remains prohibited with few exceptions. Essential travel to Belgium is allowed, while respecting restrictions (see question on quarantine).
For more information you can visit:
Info coronavirus
diplomatie.belgium.be
Transit
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
Documents you need to travel in Europe
04.11.2020
Due to the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers returning from a red zone will no longer be under the obligation to be tested, until November 15, except in the case of obvious symptoms. However, depending on their answers to the self-assessment questionnaire attached to the Passenger Locator Form, they may be required to comply with a quarantine extended to 10 days.
Source: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
28.10.2020
Entry Restrictions
Travelling from EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries is, in general, allowed.
Before entering Belgium, check the latest information on travel advice (with particular reference to the different zones corresponding to the local COVID-19 situation) at diplomatie.belgium.be.
A mandatory PCR test and 7 days quarantine are required upon arrival or return from zones considered most affected (high risk), while these measures are recommended when arriving from zones less affected. For the zones considered high risk, travel may not be possible or not authorised.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All persons returning to Belgium or travelling through Belgium, and who are staying at least 48 hours, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Contact Point for Belgium
If you have any questions regarding the Passenger Locator Form, the COVID-19 test and the quarantine obligation in Belgium, please contact the FPS Public Health on 0800 14 689 or send an e-mail to info.coronavirus@health.fgov.be
Transit
All persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium and who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Travel to and from “third countries”
Travel to and from “third countries” remains prohibited with few exceptions. Essential travel to and from Belgium is allowed, while respecting restrictions (see question on quarantine).
List applicable as of October 28, 2020
- Australia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Uruguay
For more information you can visit:
Info coronavirus
diplomatie.belgium.be
Find out more:
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
30.09.2020
Travel to and from “third countries” remains prohibited with few exceptions. Essential travel to and from Belgium is allowed, while respecting restrictions (see question on quarantine).
For more information you can visit:
Info coronavirus
diplomatie.belgium.be
14.09.2020
Residents of countries from outside the EU and Schengen area or from a high risk area (“red zone”) as defined by the Belgian authorities at diplomatie.belgium.be may not enter the Belgian territory, except in specific cases.
A mandatory PCR test and quarantine of 14 days are required upon arrival or return of Belgian nationals or residents in Belgium from outside the EU and Schengen area or from a high risk area ("red zone") located within the EU or Schengen area, as defined by the Belgian authorities at diplomatie.belgium.be (while they are recommended for "orange zones").
From 1/8/20, all persons returning to Belgium or travelling through Belgium, and who are staying at least 48 hours, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Local authorities have the flexibility and authority to adapt travel restrictions and non-essential activities in accordance with the epidemiological situation in their area.
Before continuing your reading, please note:
- The advice below only concerns non-essential travel such as tourism.
- It is forbidden to travel to countries not mentioned below, except for essential travel.
- This overview is based on currently available information obtained through CELEVAL and FPS Public Health. When necessary, this information will be updated daily at 16h. No rights can be derived from this overview
Extract from https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
From Belgium Travel is possible:
Austria: province of Carinthia
France: Department of Creuze
Italy: Regions of Piemonte, Aosta Valley, Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Marche
Liechtenstein
Poland: Regions of West Pomeranian, Lubusz, Lower Silesian, Opole, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Warmian-Masurian, Lódz, Swietokrzyskie, Lublin, Podlaskie, Greater Poland, Silesia, Mazovia, and the region of Warsaw
Portugal : Region of the Center
Sweden: Regions of Stockholm and Upper Norrland
Switzerland : Cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Glarus, Schaffhausen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Sankt-Gallen, Graubünden, Thurgau, Lucerne, Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Ticino.
Travel is possible under conditions:
Cyprus (mandatory test)
Estonia (quarantine)
Germany (mandatory test or quarantine < Brussels-Capital Region)
Greece (mandatory test)
Iceland (mandatory test or quarantine)
Ireland (quarantine)
Italy (mandatory test only for Sardinia)
Latvia (quarantine)
Lithuania (mandatory test and quarantine)
Netherlands (quarantine < city of Antwerp and Brussels-Capital Region)
Norway (quarantine)
Portugal (mandatory test only for the Azores and Madeira)
Slovakia (quarantine)
Slovenia (quarantine)
United Kingdom (quarantine)
Increased vigilance for:
Austria: provinces of Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Vorarlberg, Salzburg, Burgenland, Styria and Tyrol
Bulgaria
Czech Republic: Regions of Northwest, Central Moravia and Moravia-Silesia
Croatia: Zagreb (city and province); provinces of Bjelovar-Bilogora, Osijek-Baranja, Vukovar-Srijem, Karlovac, Sisak-Moslavina, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Istria, Varaždin, Međimurje, Koprivnica-Križevci and Krapina-Zagorje.
France: Departments of Aisne, Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Ardèche, Ardennes, Ariège, Aube, Aude, Bas-Rhin, Calvados, Cantal, Charente, Charente-Maritime, Cher, Corrèze, Côtes-d’Armor, Deux-Sèvres, Dordogne, Doubs, Drôme, Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Finistère, Haut-Rhin, Hautes-Alpes, Haute-Loire, Haute-Marne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Saône, Haute-Savoie, Haute-Vienne, Indre, Jura, Landes, Loir-et-Cher, Loire-Atlantique, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Lozère, Manche, Marne, Mayenne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Morbihan, Moselle, Nièvre, Oise, Orne, Saint Martin, Savoie, Somme, Saône-et-Loire, Tarn, Territoire de Belfort, Vendée, Vosges, Yonne
Germany: Regions of Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Middle Franconia, Swabia, Freiburg, Upper Palatinate, Upper Franconia, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Braunschweig, Hanover, Weser-Ems.
Greece
Ireland: Eastern and Midland; Southern Ireland
Italy: Regions of Veneto, Liguria, Lombardy, Campania, Sardinia, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Puglia, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Umbria, Lazio and the Autonomous Provinces of Bolzano and Trento.
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands: provinces of Groningen, North-Brabant, Utrecht, Limburg, Gelderland and Flevoland
Norway: Regions of Oslo and Viken; Western Norway
Poland: provinces of Lesser Poland, Subcarpathia, Pomerania
Portugal: Lisbon metropolitan area, Northern Portugal, Algarve, Alentejo
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain: islands of Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma
Sweden: Middle East Sweden, Småland and islands, South Sweden, West Sweden, Middle North Sweden and Middle Norrland
Switzerland: cantons of Valais, Jura, Aargau, Bern, Geneva, Solothurn, Neuchâtel, Basel-Stadt, Zürich, Schwyz and Zug
United Kingdom: North East England, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, Wales, Yorkshire and Humber, West Central Scotland, Southern Scotland, Northern Ireland
Vatican
Travel is not possible or not authorised:
Andorra
Austria: province of Vienna
Croatia : Provinces of Split-Dalmatia, Brod-Posavina, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Požega-Slavonia, Virovitica-Podravina, Lika-Senj, Zadar and Šibenik-Knin
Czech Republic: regions of Prague, Central Bohemia, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
Denmark
Finland
France: Ville de Paris ; Departments Ain, Alpes-Maritimes, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Corse-du-Sud, Côte-d’Or, Essonne, Gard, Gers, Guadeloupe, French Guyana, Gironde, Haute-Corse, Haute-Garonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Hérault, d’Ille-et-Vilaine, d’Indre-et-Loire, Isère, Loire, Loiret, Maine-et-Loire, Martinique, de Mayotte, Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Puy-de-Dôme, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Pyrénées-Orientales, Réunion, Rhône, Sarthe, de Seine-et-Marne, Seine-Maritime, Seine-Saint-Denis, de Tarn-et-Garonne, Val-d’Oise, Val-de-Marne, Var, Vaucluse, Vienne, Yvelines
Hungary
Monaco
Netherlands: provinces of South-Holland, North-Holland
Romania
Spain except the islands of Tenerife El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma
Switzerland: cantons of Fribourg and Vaud
United Kingdom: North West England
Returning from abroad:
From August, 1st, all persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium and who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out an identification form (Passenger Locator Form). You can find this form here (link is external).
Mandatory quarantine (*) and test on return from:
All countries outside the EU and Schengen
Andorra
Austria: province of Vienna (from 18/09 at 16.00)
Croatia : provinces of Split-Dalmatia, Brod-Posavina, Zadar and Sibenik-Knin, Dubrovnik-Neretva and Požega-Slavonia.
From 18/09 at 16.00, the following regions will be red zones: provinces of Virovitica-Podravina, Lika-Senj
Czech Republic: Prague region
From 18/09 at 16.00, the following regions will be red zones: Central Bohemia, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
France: Ville de Paris ; Departments of Ain, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Corse-du-Sud, Côte-d’Or, Essonne, Gard, Guadeloupe, Guyane française, Gironde, Haute-Corse, Haute-Garonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Hérault, Loiret, Martinique, Réunion, Rhône, Seine-et-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-d’Oise, Val-de-Marne, Var, Vaucluse and Yvelines.
From 18/09 at 16.00, the following regions will be red zones: Departments of Aveyron, Gers, Ille-et-Vilaine, Indre-et-Loire, Isère, Loire, Maine-et-Loire, Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Puy-de-Dôme, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Pyrénées-Orientales, Sarthe, Seine-Maritime, Tarn-et-Garonne, Vienne.
Hungary: Budapest (from 18/09 at 16.00)
Monaco
Netherlands: Provinces of South-Holland and North-Holland (from 18/09 at 16.00)
Romania
Spain except the islands of Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma
Switzerland: canton of Freiburg
From 18/09 at 16.00, the following regions will be red zones: canton of Vaud
United Kingdom: North West England (from 18/09 at 16.00)
Quarantine (*) and test are recommended on return from:
Austria: provinces of Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Vienna, Vorarlberg, Salzburg, Burgenland, Styria and Tyrol
Bulgaria
Croatia: Zagreb (city and province); provinces of Bjelovar-Bilogora, Virovitica-Podravina, Osijek-Baranja, Vukovar-Srijem, Karlovac, Sisak-Moslavina, Lika-Senj, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Istria, Varaždin, Međimurje, Koprivnica-Križevci, Krapina-Zagorje
Czech Republic: Regions of Central Bohemia, Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, Southeast; Central Moravia and Moravia-Silesia
Denmark
France: Departments of Aisne, Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Ardèche, des Ardennes, Ariège, Aube, Aude, Aveyron, Bas-Rhin, Calvados, Cantal, Charente, Charente-Maritime, Cher, Corrèze, Côtes-d’Armor, Deux-Sèvres, Dordogne, Doubs, Drôme, Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Finistère, Gers, Haut-Rhin, Hautes-Alpes, Haute-Loire, Haute-Marne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Saône, Haute-Savoie, Haute-Vienne, Ille-et-Vilaine, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Isère, Jura, Landes, Loir-et-Cher, Loire, Loire-Atlantique, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Lozère, Maine-et-Loire, Manche, Marne, Mayenne, Mayotte, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Morbihan, Moselle, Nièvre, Nord, Oise, Orne, Pas-de-Calais, Puy-de-Dôme, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Pyrénées-Orientales, Saint Martin, Savoie, Seine-Maritime, Somme, Saône-et-Loire, Sarthe, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Territoire de Belfort, Vendée, Vienne, Vosges, and Yonne
Germany: Regions of Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Middle Franconia, Swabia, Freiburg, Upper Palatinate, Upper Franconia, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Braunschweig, Hanover, Weser-Ems.
Greece
Hungary
Ireland: Eastern and Midland; Southern Ireland
Italy: Regions of Veneto, Liguria, Lombardy, Campania, Sardinia, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Puglia, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Umbria, Lazio; Autonomous Provinces of Bolzano and Trento.
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands: provinces of South-Holland, North-Holland, Groningen, North-Brabant, Utrecht, Limburg, Gelderland and Flevoland
Norway: Regions of Oslo and Viken; Western NorwayPoland: provinces of Lesser Poland, Subcarpathia, Pomerania.
Portugal: Lisbon metropolitan area, Northern Portugal, Algarve, Alentejo
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain: islands of Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma
Sweden: Middle East Sweden, Småland and islands, South Sweden, West Sweden, Middle North Sweden and Middle Norrland
Switzerland: cantons of Vaud, Valais, Jura, Aargau, Bern, Geneva, Solothurn, Neuchâtel, Basel-Stadt, Zürich Schwyz and Zug
United Kingdom: North East England, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, Wales, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, West Central Scotland, Southern Scotland and Northern Ireland
Vatican
No mandatory quarantine or medical visit necessary
The other zones in the EU, Schengen and the United Kingdom
10.08.2020
Travelling to and from EU countries is, in general, allowed.
Travelling to and from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as the United Kingdom, is in general allowed.
Travellers to or from Belgium should check the latest information on travel advice available at diplomatie.belgium.be (updated daily at 16h)
Travel to and from “third countries” remains prohibited with few exceptions. Essential travel to and from Belgium is allowed, while respecting restrictions (see question on quarantine).
Rules and Exceptions
Before entering or leaving Belgium, please check the latest information on travel advice (with particular reference to "red zones" and "orange zones") at diplomatie.belgium.be.
A mandatory PCR test and quarantine of 14 days are required upon arrival or return from "red zones" (while they are recommended for "orange zones"). For "red zones", travel may not be possible or not authorised.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
From 1/8/20, all persons returning to Belgium and all persons travelling through Belgium and who are staying at least 48 hours must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Specific measures for Belgian residents exiting or returning to Belgium
Check the travel advice by country
Check the latest information on travel advice (with particular reference to "red zones" and "orange zones") at diplomatie.belgium.be.
Links to national sources
diplomatie.belgium.be
www.info-coronavirus.be
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BEL
Source: Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment
21.03.2022
What to do when you arrive in Belgium?
I live in Belgium
Were you abroad for more than 48 hours? The following rules apply when you are back in Belgium. Are you planning to go on a trip? Read what you need to do before you leave here.
In certain cases you must also fill out the PLF if you stayed abroad for less than 48 hours or are staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours.
Attention : Have you returned from a very high-risk country or zone? Then the rules below always apply, even if you were in that country for less than 48 hours.
Important: You are not allowed to travel when in quarantine or isolation. If you are in quarantine or isolation abroad, you must complete the quarantine or isolation before returning to Belgium. Only in exceptional cases and in consultation with the health authorities can this rule be deviated from.
What should I do?
1. Fill in the Passenger Location Form (PLF) if necessary.
The PLF must be filled in by everyone who, directly or indirectly, travels to Belgium from a country OUTSIDE the European Union or Schengen area that is not on the white list, by train (e.g. Eurostar), bus, boat or plane. In all other cases, you may fill in the PLF, but it is not mandatory.
2. Check the colour code of the country you were in and/or whether this country is listed as a very high-risk country. There are currently 5 colours: green, orange, red, dark red and grey.
3. Check which COVID certificate you have at www.covidsafe.be. In principle, you have applied for this before you left. There are three types of certificates:
- A vaccination certificate proves that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Complete vaccination certificates obtained after only one dose can only be used after a two-weeks delay (if the vaccine is EMA-certified or Covishield). From 1 September, vaccination certificates from non-EU countries will also be accepted in Belgium under certain conditions, pending their equivalence agreement with the EU. The full vaccination certificate (1/1 for Johnson&Johnson, 2/2 for Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca) is valid for 270 days (9 months). After the booster dose, the vaccination certificate remains valid indefinitely.
- A recovery certificate shows that you have recovered from COVID-19. These certificates are only delivered after a positive PCR test result and are available from 11 to 180 days after the positive test.
- A test certificate is proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that is less than 72 hours old or RAT test result that is less than 24 hours old.
Testing or quarantine?
From which zone are you travelling?
- I am travelling from a green, orange or red zone within the EU or the Schengen area or a third country on the white list..
- I am travelling from a dark red or grey zone within the EU or Schengen zone or from a third country outside the white list.
- I am travelling from a very high risk country or zone within the EU or Schengen zone.
- I am travelling from a very high risk country or zone outside the EU or Schengen area
The PLF will take the last 14 days into account when determining quarantine, also when the zone changes colour.
Testing in the context of travelling can be a PCR test or a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test). A PCR test is valid for 72 hours. A RAT test is valid for 24 hours. A RAT test takes approximately 20 minutes until you have the result and can be taken at a local pharmacist. The list of pharmacies where you can take a RAT test is available online in French | Dutch.
1. Are you travelling from a green, orange or red zone within the EU or the Schengen area or from a third country on the white list ?
- You do not need to get tested or quarantine.
2. Are you travelling from a dark red or grey zone within the EU or Schengen zone or from a third country outside the white list ?
- Do you have a vaccination or recovery certificate? You do not need to quarantine or get tested.
- You do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate?
- Get tested (PCR or RAT) the first day after you return from your trip maintain a quarantine until the results are announced. Did you test negative? Then you can end quarantine as soon as you get your test result.
3. Are you travelling from a very high-risk country inside the European Union or Schengen Area?
- Do you have a vaccination or recovery certificate? You do not need to quarantine or get tested.
- You do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate?
Get tested (PCR) up to 72 hours before arrival. If you test positive, you must be quarantined and are not allowed to travel. OR get tested (PCR) on arrival and maintain a quarantine until the results are announced. Did you test negative? Then you can end quarantine as soon as you get your test result.
Regardless of which option you choose for the first test, you must also get tested (PCR) again on day 7.
One of the tests is positive? You must spend at least 10 days in isolation.
In the context of a very high risk country a RAT test is not valid, only PCR tests will be taken into account.
- In exceptional cases, you do not have get tested and/or quarantine. Read more here.
4. Are you travelling from a very high-risk country outside the European Union or Schengen Area?
- You are required to quarantine for 10 days. This rule applies to everyone.
- Get tested (PCR) on arrival and day 7 after you return to Belgium. In the context of a very high risk country a RAT test is not valid, only PCR tests will be taken into account.
There are exceptions for essential travel for transport staff and diplomats. Read more here .
I do not live in Belgium
You are not a Belgian resident and you are planning to stay for more than 48 hours in Belgium? The following rules apply when you are in Belgium.
In certain cases you must also fill out the PLF if you stayed abroad for less than 48 hours or are staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours.
Attention: Do you come from a very high-risk country or zone? Then the rules below always apply, even if you stay less than 48 hours in Belgium.
Important: You are not allowed to travel when in quarantine or isolation. If you are in quarantine or isolation abroad, you must complete the quarantine or isolation before returning to Belgium. Only in exceptional cases and in consultation with the health authorities can this rule be deviated from.
What should I do?
1. Fill in the Passenger Location Form (PLF) if necessary.
The PLF must be filled in by everyone who, directly or indirectly, travels to Belgium from a country OUTSIDE the European Union or Schengen area that is not on the white list, by train (e.g. Eurostar), bus, boat or plane. In all other cases, you may fill in the PLF, but it is not mandatory.
2. Check the colour code of your country and/or whether it is listed as a very high-risk country. There are currently 5 colours: green, orange, red, dark red and grey.
Please note: Have you been in a very high-risk country in the past 14 days? You are not allowed to travel to Belgium. You may only travel to Belgium if you have an essential reason in a very limited number of cases. Read more here.
3. Check which COVID certificate you have. There are three types of certificates:
- A vaccination certificate proves that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You are fully vaccinated 2 weeks after your last vaccination dose and if the vaccine is EMA-certified or Covishield. From 1 September, vaccination certificates from non-EU countries will also be accepted in Belgium under certain conditions, pending their equivalence agreement with the EU. The full vaccination certificate (1/1 for Johnson&Johnson, 2/2 for Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca) is valid for 270 days (9 months). After the booster dose, the vaccination certificate remains valid indefinitely.
- A recovery certificate shows that you have recovered from COVID-19. These certificates are issued only on the basis of proof of a positive PCR test result and are available from 11 to 180 days after the positive test.
- A test certificate is proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that is less than 72 hours old or RAT test result that is less than 24 hours old.
Testing or quarantine?
From which zone are you travelling?
- I am travelling from a green, orange, red, dark red or grey zone within the European Union or Schengen area, or from a third country on the white list.
- I am travelling from a third country that is not on the white list.
- I am travelling from a very high risk country or zone within the EU or Schengen zone.
- I am travelling from a very high risk country or zone outside the EU or Schengen area
The PLF will take the last 14 days into account when determining quarantine, also when the zone changes colour.
Testing in the context of travelling can be a PCR test or a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test). A PCR test is valid for 72 hours. A RAT test is valid for 24 hours. A RAT test takes approximately 20 minutes until you have the result and can be taken at a local pharmacist. The list of pharmacies where you can take a RAT test is available online in French | Dutch.
1. Are you travelling from a green, orange, red, dark red or grey zone within the European Union or Schengen area, or from a third country on the white list?
- Do you have a vaccination or recovery certificate? You do not need to quarantine or get tested.
- You do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate?
- Get tested before your arrival (PCR up to 72 hours before or RAT up to 24 hours before). Did you test negative? You do not need to quarantine or get tested when you arrive in Belgium.
2. Are you travelling from a third country outside the white list ?
You have EU nationality or main residence in the EU or Schengen area:
- Do you have a vaccination or recovery certificate? You do not need to quarantine or get tested.
- You do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate? Get tested before your arrival (PCR up to 72 hours before or RAT up to 24 hours before). Did you test negative? You do not need to quarantine or get tested when you arrive in Belgium.
You do not have EU nationality or do not have your main residence in the EU or Schengen area: You may only travel to Belgium for essential reasons or if you have a recognised full vaccination certificate or recovery certificate.
- Do you have a vaccination or recovery certificate? You do not need to quarantine or get tested.
- You do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate? Get tested before your arrival (PCR up to 72 hours before or RAT up to 24 hours before). Did you test negative? You do not need to quarantine or get tested when you arrive in Belgium.
3. Are you travelling from a very high-risk country or zone inside the European Union or Schengen Area?
- Do you have a vaccination certificate? You do not need to quarantine or get tested.
- You do not have a vaccination certificate?
- Get tested (PCR) up to 72 hours before arrival. If you test positive, you must be quarantined and are not allowed to travel. OR get tested (PCR) on arrival and maintain a quarantine until the results are announced. Did you test negative? Then you can end quarantine as soon as you get your test result.
- Regardless of which option you choose for the first test, you must also get tested (PCR) again on day 7.
- One of the tests is positive? You must spend at least 10 days in isolation.
- In the context of a very high risk country a RAT test is not valid, only PCR tests will be taken into account.
- In exceptional cases, you do not have get tested and/or quarantine. Read more here.
4. Are you travelling from a very high-risk country or zone outside the European Union or Schengen Area?
- You are not allowed to travel to Belgium. You may only travel to Belgium in a very limited number of cases. Read more here.
- Are you among these very limited exceptions? You must have:
- a negative PCR test result less than 72 hours old OR an RAT test that is less than 24 hours old
- an attestation of this exception. Read more here.
- You must quarantine for 10 days. This applies to everyone, even if you are fully vaccinated or have been in this country less than 48 hours. Get tested (PCR) on day 1 and 7 of your stay in Belgium. In the context of a very high risk country a RAT test is not valid, only PCR tests will be taken into account.
Attention: if the police services suspect that the PLF or proof of a negative COVID-19 test have been falsified, an official report will be drawn up. This official report will be forwarded to the public prosecutor. This is considered to be a serious offence with fraudulent intent. The COVID-19 strategy depends on the authenticity of these documents. A direct summons to appear before the criminal court will be issued where there is sufficient proof of fraud whilst accounting for any mitigating circumstances.
Further Information: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/travels/
SOURCE: WCO/General Administration of Customs and Excise
17.04.2020
Protective equipment
Export
Despite the fact that procurement has increased and additional production has been
encouraged, the current level of Union production and existing stocks of protective
equipment will not be sufficient to meet the demand within the Union. Therefore, the EU
has issued Regulation 2020/402 of 14 March to control the export of protective
equipment.
For the Belgian Customs Administration, that means:
o Selection system does not release the items of the annex of the
regulation for export. Goods can only be cleared for export after verifying
officers confirm that the shipment does not contain protective equipment
OR if a license is available.
o The necessary capacity is provided for the control of the measures
o There is ongoing concertation with major Belgian industrial stakeholders
on the operational side of the regulation
o The competent authority provides certification for traders that are not
targeted by the regulation (e.g. protective gear for automotive industry
that has no medical use).
Import
The Belgian Customs Administration issued temporary measures to allow relief of VAT
and Customs duties for donations of equipment for the protection of personnel.
The relief is based on articles 57 – 58 of regulation 1186/2009.
Disinfectants, sanitizers, etc.
Pharmacists shall be allowed, as an exception and for a limited time, to store and use
ethanol. We do require the beneficiaries of the exceptional rules to hold a register.
As a second measure, to increase the production of base substances for disinfectant
sprays and liquids, the Belgian Customs Administration temporarily broadens the
products that can be used for denaturation for this purpose. This enables pharmacists
and hospitals to use alcohols to produce disinfectants based on stocks of available
alcohols that would otherwise receive another destination (industrial use, destruction,
etc.)
Measures for customs officers
The minister of Internal Affairs and Safety has listed the Customs Administration as an
essential service for the vital functions of the Kingdom of Belgium.
This means the Customs Administration will continue its core function of protecting the
interests of the Union and facilitate trade.
1. Measures aiming to Facilitate the Cross-border Movement of Relief and
Essential Supplies
1.1. Belgian Customs maintains presence and service at all points of entry
1.2. For hospitals, Belgian Customs has a procedure to rapidly identify the goods upon
arrival and confirm whether they are allowed on the EU market by the competent
authorities. The hotline can be reached 24/7.
1.3. There is a single point of contact to report possible bottlenecks on logistics. There
are weekly high level calls with representatives of the Belgian economic sector.
2. Measures aiming at Supporting the Economy and Sustaining Supply Chain Continuity
2.1. For the Customs Transit procedure, more flexibility has been allowed, respecting
the constraints of the European Union Customs Code.
2.2. Supply chains are disrupted because of the lockdown measures in multiple
countries. This leads to the build-up of stocks.
Temporarily, holders of Customs authorizations (inward processing, bonded
warehouse, etc.) can request an extension. The locations must be located in Belgium
and can only be used for goods that have not received a final customs destination yet.
3. Measures aiming at Protecting Customs administrations’ Staff
3.1. The Administration took severe measures for protection, based on the social
distancing principle. Field officers have reduced staff numbers to allow less
interaction. Teams work in the same composition as much as possible
3.2. Legislation, central services, litigation and prosecution, and all other non-first line
officers work from home.
3.3. As a general rule, every document or certificate can temporarily be scanned and
delivered to customs. Digital autographs are also accepted. The only exception is
documents that need a physical copy in thirds countries (e.g. proof of origin). See also
point 4.1.
4. Measures aiming at Protecting Society
4.1. As a general rule, Belgian customs delivers every document, authorization or
certificate digitally. The only exception is documents that need a physical copy in
thirds countries (e.g. proof of origin). See also point 3.3.
4.2. Belgian customs, in cooperation with the Federal and local police, guard the
national borders to prevent unnecessary travel, as is forbidden by national decree.
The officers that enforce normally work on internal controls, so this task does not
reduce the capacity of Belgian customs at the EU-borders (airports, ports)
4.3. Belgian customs has a stopping function for the controls on the quality of personal
protective equipment. There is cooperation with the competent authorities.
SOURCE: WCO/General Administration of Customs and Excise
20.03.2020
Belgian Customs Administration Corona Measures – best practices
Protective equipment
Export
Despite the fact that procurement has increased and additional production has been
encouraged, the current level of Union production and existing stocks of protective
equipment will not be sufficient to meet the demand within the Union. Therefore, the EU has
issued Regulation 2020/402 of 14 March to control the export of protective equipment.
For the Belgian Customs Administration, that means:
o Selection system does not release the items of the annex of the regulation for
export. Goods can only be cleared for export after verifying officers confirm
that the shipment does not contain protective equipment OR if a licence is
available.
o The necessary capacity is provided for the control of the measures
o There is ongoing concertation with major Belgian industrial stakeholders on
the operational side of the regulation
o The competent authority provides certification for traders that are not targeted
by the regulation (e.g. protective gear for automotive industry that has no
medical use).
Import
The Belgian Customs Administration issued temporary measures to allow relief of VAT and
Customs duties for donations of equipment for the protection of personnel.
The relief is based on articles 57 – 58 of regulation 1186/2009.
Disinfectants, sanitizers, etc.
Pharmacists shall be allowed, as an exception and for a limited time, to store and use
ethanol. We do require the beneficiaries of the exceptional rules to hold a register.
As a second measure, to increase the production of base substances for disinfectant sprays
and liquids, the Belgian Customs Administration temporarily broadens the products that can
be used for denaturation for this purpose. This enables pharmacists and hospitals to use
alcohols to produce disinfectants based on stocks of available alcohols that would otherwise
receive another destination (industrial use, destruction, etc.)
Measures for customs officers
The minister of Internal Affairs and Safety has listed the Customs Administration as an
essential service for the vital functions of the Kingdom of Belgium.
This means the Customs Administration will continue its core function of protecting the
interests of the Union and facilitate trade.
With this in mind, the Administration took severe measures for protection, based on the
social distancing principle. Legislation, central services, litigation and prosecution, and all
other non-first line officers work from home. Field officers have reduced staff numbers to
allow less interaction.
Temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for drivers
Belgium has notified a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers involved in the supply chain relating to essential goods and medicine. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.
Start date: 19.03.2020
End date: 31.03.2020
Remarks from the International Road Transport Union
01.09.2021
Temporary driving ban in Liège
Following the flooding in Belgium, Kinkempois and Grosses Battes tunnels are still closed. Consequently, the city of Liège restricted the circulation of trucks (GVW>7.5t) in transit from 1 September 2021 at 20:00 to 15 October 2021. The ban applies only o vehicles in transit on the following roads:
- on A602 direction Liège from Loncin (North of the city)
- on E25/A26 direction Liège from intersection n°40 Embourg (South of the city)
- on E25/A25 direction Liège from the "Cheratte" intersection
Local circulation and trucks operating public services are exempted.
Alternative itineraries will be indicated on the road.
For detailed information on the road conditions in the sector: http://trafiroutes.wallonie.be or http://www.inforoutes.be.
(Official communication available in attachment - in French).
Source: FEBETRA
16.07.2021
Flash flooding in Belgium
Heavy rainfalls and resulting flash flooding have led to traffic obstructions in Belgium too. Many roads in Wallonia and Flanders are totally unreachable.
For an overview of the situation in real time, please use the links below:
Wallonia: http://trafiroutes.wallonie.be/trafiroutes/maptempsreel/
Flanders: https://www.verkeerscentrum.be/
Source: Febetra
08.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Transport personnel no longer have to fill the Passenger Locator Form & Business Travel Abroad-form
As from today,8 March 2021, transport personnel does not need to fill the Passenger Locator Form & Business Travel Abroad-form. They are also exempted from quarantine, testing and the obligation to carry the Declaration on Honour.
Source: FEBETRA
19.02.2021
COVID-19 update: Revised measures for Foreign drivers in Belgium
Foreign drivers no longer need to fill in the Business Travel Abroad-form. The Passenger Locator Form provides the option to tick the box ‘professional reasons without BTA’, which is sufficient for foreign drivers.
Reminder: The Passenger Locator Form is only needed for stays with a duration over 48 hours. No other documents are required.
Source: FEBETRA
12.02.2021
COVID-19 update: Transport workers exempted from filling the Sworn Statement
The Federal government of Belgium has decided to exempt transport workers from the sworn statement from 13 February 2021. Transport documents now replace the declaration of honor and are therefore considered to be proof of business travel.
The rules regarding the Passenger Locator Form and the Business Travel Abroad form are, however, still applicable.
Drivers with a main residence in Belgium and making a business trip abroad for more than 48 hours AND drivers with a main residence outside Belgium and staying for more than 48 hours in Belgium:
- must complete the Passenger Locator Form & the Business Travel Abroad Form
- are exempt from quarantine and COVID testing
26.12.2020
Brexit – Belgium - temporary derogation of driving and rest time rules for transports on route to France and Belgian ports
The Belgian government introduced a temporary relaxation of driving and rest time rules for transport on route to the French Channel ports and to Belgian ports in the framework of the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021.
The derogations will enter into force on 28 December 2020 and will be in place until 26 January 2021.
More detailed information on the applicable derogations can be found in the attached document.
Source: European Commission and Belgian Federal Government.
02.11.2020
Belgium has issued a lockdown as from today (2th of November). There are no restrictions for international goods transport.
Two reminders:
- When a driver stays more than 48 hours in Belgium, the Passenger Locator Form must be filled in.
- Drivers can undertake transportations during curfew, but must motivate their reasons. This can be done by showing the CMR or an attestation provided by the employer.
- - Flanders: 00h-5h
- - Brussels: 22h-6h
- - Wallonia: 22h-6h
Source: FEBETRA
19.10.2020
A ministerial decree regarding the new COVID-19 measures was published last night. As the transport and logistics sector is considered essential, it is exempt from the measures.
A curfew will come into effect tonight. This means that between 00:00 and 05:00 it is forbidden to travel on public roads. Business travel can still take place, but it must be possible to justify it. Employers can draw up certificates or use the consignment note to justify essential travel. FEBETRA has drawn up certificates which be used to attest that drivers are making a trip that is a necessary part of their work (CP 226, CP 140.03 and CP 140.04). You can download them from the FEBETRA Corona Belgium Blog (https://febetra.be/belgique/).
Companies in some sectors are obliged to keep a register of their foreign workers, but the transport and logistics sector is exempt.
For more information, contact the information department (info@febetra.be).
Source: FEBETRA
28.08.2020
Belgium is regularly updating its travel advice list. On 26 August 2020, countries were added to the red list, including Romania. Countries and areas on the red list are subject to a formal travel ban and persons returning to Belgium from these countries must undergo mandatory testing and quarantine.
However, essential movements, including the transport of goods, are exempt from quarantine. See below information for truck drivers coming from red zones.
1) If a driver comes to Belgium as part of a professional journey (transporting goods):
a. If he/she stays in Belgium for less than 48 hours, the Passenger Locator Form does not need to be completed.
b. If he/she stays in Belgium for more than 48 hours, the Passenger Locator Form must be completed.
In both cases, drivers are exempted from compulsory quarantine and testing, even if they come from a red zone. The text messages they receive on arrival to Belgium after filling in the Passenger Locator Form may be ignored.
Therefore, if a driver transits through Belgium (which will almost always be less than 48 hours), he/she can pass freely, regardless of where he/she is coming from.
2) If a driver comes to Belgium after spending his/her free time abroad (e.g. a driver goes to Romania for a week to visit his/her family and comes back to work in Belgium), then the quarantine measures apply.
a. Coming from a red zone, it is mandatory to spend two weeks in quarantine and to test for COVID-19. The test is free of charge.
b. Coming from an orange zone, it is strongly recommended to go into quarantine and get tested. You will be charged for the test.
More information can be found here.
Source: FEBETRA
13.07.2020
On 13 July, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advice list and included Sweden in the red list.
Countries and areas included in the red list are subject to a formal travel ban and mandatory test and quarantine upon return in Belgium.
Full details can be read here.
Source: Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
26.06.2020
As of 15 June, Belgium has lifted border restrictions on all movements within the European Union, the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom, subject to a favourable epidemiological situation in Belgium and the countries concerned. Any person with Belgian nationality, with or without their main residence in Belgium, long-term residents in Belgium and persons with legal residence in Belgium, may always return to Belgium.
The EU Member States and associated Schengen countries still temporarily ban all non-essential travel to and from so-called “third countries” in the EU+ area until 30 June 2020.These measures may be extended.
The temporary travel restrictions do not apply to persons doing essential work or for compelling reasons, such as:
- Health professionals, health researchers and professionals providing care for the elderly.
- Frontier workers.
- Seasonal agricultural workers.
- Transport staff responsible for the transport of goods and other transport personnel, as necessary.
- Diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian workers in the performance of their duties.
- Passengers in transit.
- Passengers travelling for compelling family reasons.
- Persons in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons; travel in accordance with the principle of ‘non-refoulement’.
Phase 4 of the lockdown easing plan will start on 1 July, with no impact on transport operations.
Source: Belgian Federal Government
15.04.2020
On 13 April, relaxations on driving and rest time rules in Belgium have been slightly adapted and limited. For drivers transporting essential goods (food supplies, medicines, medical equipment, fuel), the following applies:
· Increase of the maximum weekly driving limit from 56 hours to 60 hours.
· Increase of the maximum fortnightly driving limit from 90 hours to 96 hours.
· Possibility to postpone a weekly rest period beyond seven-24 hour periods (instead of six).
· Possibility to take 2 consecutive reduced weekly rest periods, provided that:
a) the driver takes at least 4 weekly rests in 4 consecutive weeks, of which 2 are regular weekly rests; and
b) compensation for a reduced weekly rest shall be taken before the end of the fourth week.
For all other drivers, there is the possibility to take the regular weekly rest in the vehicle, provided that it has suitable sleeping facilities and is maintained. Such exemptions apply to national and international goods transport.
Exemptions for both categories apply until 31 May.
Source: FEBETRA
09.04.2020
Belgium has agreed to a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for all drivers of vehicles active in the transport of goods. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of the EU Regulation 561⁄2006.This temporary relaxation applies from 26/03/2020 and will run until 25/04/2020. It will apply to those drivers involved in the delivery of goods, both domestically and internationally. The following provisions will be temporarily relaxed as follows:
- derogation to the Article 8(8) of Regulation 561/2006: suspension of the ban on drivers spending their normal weekly rest period in the vehicle cabin.
In addition to this, general derogation and specific derogations for essential transport have been put into place. Belgium has agreed to a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for all drivers of vehicles active in the complete supply chain for the transport of essential goods and medication. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of the EU Regulation 561⁄2006. This temporary relaxation applies from 01/04/2020 and will run until 30/04/2020. It will apply to those drivers involved in the delivery of goods domestically and internationally. The following provisions will be temporarily relaxed as follows:
- derogation to the Article 6(2) of Regulation 561/2006: replacement of the maximum weekly driving limit of 56 hours to 60 hours;
- derogation to the Article 6(3) of Regulation 561/2006: replacement of the maximum fortnightly driving limit of 90 hours to 96 hours;
- derogation to the Article 8(6) of Regulation 561/2006: postponement of a weekly rest period beyond six-24 hours period;
- derogation to the Article 8(6): reduction of the regular weekly rest period from 45 hours to 24 hours without any compensation.
Source: FEBETRA
23.03.2020
Employers' federations and trade unions in the Belgian road haulage sector and logistics service providers for third parties have made a joint call on all those involved to ensure, to the extent possible, the protection of all those in the haulage and logistics industry who are working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The call relates to stringently respecting all current measures in place regarding general hygiene, social distancing and the use of equipment at workplaces. The letter is available here.
Source: FEBETRA
20.03.2020
For passenger transport, the social distance measure of 1.5m must be respected for all types of collective transport of passengers still operational and allowed, including public bus transport.
In line with the advice regarding unnecessary journeys abroad, all coach services are in a lockdown phase. As schools have been closed, all related transport has been suspended, apart from schools requiring transport to respect their duty of day care for children from families working in key roles, such as health care workers.
The professional training for driving licences or continuous education, and even MOT control have been suspended and appropriate measures are taken to waive the potential validity violations.
Source: FBAA
19.03.2020
Restrictions
The Belgian government took additional measures on 17 March 2020 introducing further measures to encourage teleworking and closing all non-essential stores (only pharmacies, food stores and newspaper stores remain open) to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Measures are valid until 5 April 2020. The objective is to limit public gathering. As far as public transport is concern, services function normally, but it is asked to limit journeys.
These measures have no consequences for international freight transport and drivers. However, a number of companies have been forced to close because they are unable to respect the social distancing rules or are short of material to continue the production process.
Relieves
Minister of transport announced a temporary and complete tolerance concerning the enforcement of driving and resting times for drivers involved in the transportation of food, medication and other life essential goods to shops and pharmacies. This measure has been taken on the basis of article 14.2 of the EU Regulation 561 ⁄ 2006 and applies from 14 ⁄ 03 ⁄ 2020 at 00:01 until 31 ⁄ 03 ⁄ 2020 at 23:59. More detailed information is available here.
Sources: FEBETRA and Official News Agencies