Client Payment Portal

Global Update: Belgium

Mar 10, 2021 | Global

A change in legislation, published in the Belgian Official Journal on January 26, 2020, and effective January 27, 2021, is having substantial consequences for EU/Schengen travel to Belgium. Between January 27, 2021, and March 1, 2021, all non-essential travel was forbidden for all those whose main place of residence is located abroad. The Belgian State Council recently extended the ban until April 1, 2021. This does not change the situation for travel from most third countries, which was already limited to non-essential travel. However, the EU/Schengen travel restriction was new. Third countries are defined as non-EU/non-Schengen countries. The definition of essential travel and the required formalities depend on the country of origin and/or citizenship:

Travel from a third country, other than “safe” third countries (currently Australia, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, and Thailand), by a third country national with main residence in the third country (e.g., United States, Canada, India): An overview of essential travels is available at the website of the Belgian federal immigration office (point 2.2., https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/EN/Pages/International%20travels.aspx). An essential travel certificate, issued by the Belgian embassy/consulate with jurisdiction, will in principle be required. Before the traveler boards, the transporter must check whether an essential travel certificate is available. If not, boarding must be refused.

All other travels by non-residents (e.g., travel from an EU/Schengen country; travel from a “safe” third country (see list above); travel by an EU/Schengen country national): A sworn statement must be completed by the traveler (see https://d34j62pglfm3rr.cloudfront.net/downloads/20210126_BU_Verklaring_op_eer_Finaal_EN_Goedgekeurd_Blanco.pdf). The sworn statement lists all essential travels; the relevant travel purpose must be selected (see also the website of the Belgian federal immigration office—point 2.1., https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/EN/Pages/International%20travels.aspx). Before the traveler boards, the transporter must check whether a sworn statement was completed. If not, boarding must be refused. Failure to make a sworn statement or making a false, misleading, or incomplete statement may result in denial of entry.These travel restrictions have been added to other current measures, such as the requirements to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form (PLF), a prior negative Covid-19 test, and quarantine/isolation/testing in Belgium.

Details:     

“Belgium Rejects Proposal to Suspend Non-Essential Travel Ban,” https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/belgium-rejects-proposal-to-suspend-non-essential-travel-ban/

Related Posts:

Residence Permit Validity Extended in Italy

By means of law decree no. 56 of April 30, 2021, the validity of residence permits has been extended to July 31, 2021. Also, quarantine requirements have been updated for nationals of various countries who wish to enter Italy. The law also extends the validity of Nulla Osta (entry clearances for family reasons, work permits) for the same period, and the terms for conversion of study permits into work permits. Travel Update: Quarantine Requirements Travelers from the following countries are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival in Italy: list C countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark—including the Faroe Islands and Greenland—Estonia, Finland, France—including Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, Reunion, Mayotte and excluding other overseas territories outside the European mainland—Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands—excluding other overseas territories outside the European mainland—Poland, Portugal—including the Azores and Madeira—United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain—including the territories in Africa—Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco). They must, however, fill out a self-declaration, inform the Prevention Department of the local health authority of their arrival, and present a Covid-19 green certificate confirming a negative (molecular or antigen) swab test taken within the last 48 hours before entering Italy. Travelers […]

Read More

Global Travel Advisory: Where Can Americans Travel

Last Updated: November 30, 2020 As the number of coronavirus cases around the world spikes, Americans may find their international travel plans impeded by closed borders, cancelled flights, quarantines and testing. Many countries are still barring all U.S. citizens from entering their borders, or have entry restrictions. Also, The Center for Disease Control advises all Americans returning from travel to avoid contact with others for at least 14 days upon arrival. LEGAL DISCLAIMER WR maintains a Global Travel Advisory for American travelers on our COVID-19 Resource page.  Due to the evolving and unpredictable nature of the global pandemic, please be advised that COVID-19 related travel restrictions and procedures change frequently.  The following information does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change at the local and national level at any time.  For global immigration advice, please schedule a consultation with WR’s Global Immigration Director, Vivian Zhu. Albania No test results required, but expect a health screening – you will be tested if any symptoms present. No quarantine required. Movement restrictions from 10:00pm – 6:00am Face masks are required in public. Restaurants and cafes are open, but are prohibited from operating between 10:00pm and 6:00am (delivery services are allowed at all […]

Read More