Latest Update: September 9, 2020
Belgium has officially reopened its borders for tourism as of June 15, 2020. However only allowing select countries to visit.
Belgium made the decision to reopen for tourism from countries in the European Union, including the UK, and the four EFTA nations (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway.)
Here are the current COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions you should be aware about if planning to travel to Belgium.
Who Can Enter Belgium?
Are There Mandatory Testing and/or Quarantine in Belgium?
It Depends. Travelers from one of the above countries with no symptoms can enter Belgium without any mandatory testing or quarantine. Non-essential travel from other countries remains prohibited, and any arrivals will also require testing and 14 days of self-isolation; exceptions include diplomats, health workers, and cargo transport staff.
IMPORTANT: Many new regulations, regarding those who come from certain areas within a country, may be quarantined or/and require testing. The most up to date information on this is on the official website: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
However, there are special conditions imposed on travelers from these countries, who may require testing and or mandatory quarantine. It also depends on the region you are coming from:
The most up to date information on this is on the official website: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
September 7, 2020 update: Officials have designated several countries and regions within the EU and Schengen Areas as “Red Zones” due to high COVID-19 activity. As of September 7, Andorra, France, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Spain, and some regions in Croatia are now classified as Red Zones. All arrivals from these locations must take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-isolate for 14 days.
Other Restrictions and Health Protocols
- Authorities in Brussels have announced that the use of protective face masks is compulsory in all public places
- Persons under the age of 12, those engaged in strenuous physical activity, and those who cannot wear face masks for medical reasons are exempt from the requirement.
- Authorities in the city of Antwerp also require face masks to be worn in densely populated public areas;
- The city introduced a 28-day 2330-0600 curfew July 28 in response to rising local cases, though has suspended the measure for the duration of an ongoing heatwave.
What’s Open in Belgium
- Belgium’s national railway service, SNCB, as well as bus service De Lijn and Brussels public transport STIB, will continue to operate, but will follow the Sunday service schedule.
- Public parks will stay open as well, but the coronavirus measures prohibit gatherings with more than 15 people.
- Most cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as take away services, will remain open across the country. However, to comply with the health measures, it is possible that you will not be allowed in without a reservation.
- Other than that, hotels, campsites, galleries, museums, hairdressers, and fitness centers are open.
You can check out Belgium on our live map.
Sources: Belgium Foreign Affairs | Re-open EU | Brussel Times
