Belgium has axed its final COVID-19 restrictions, including a ban on non-essential travel from outside the EU and the mandatory wearing of face masks.
The country’s COVID-19 traffic light system, which has been yellow since March 2022, was switched to green on 23 May.
Travellers to Belgium will now have zero entry restrictions, thanks to Passenger Locator Forms, testing on days 1 and 7 and the 10-day quarantine period being dropped.
However, the country’s PM Alexander De Croo said people travelling to Belgium from a country where there is a new “variant of concern” will still need to adhere to the former entry rules.
Face masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport but will remain in place in hospitals, surgeries and pharmacies. It will therefore no longer be mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport.
The news comes just one day after Spain announced it will ease travel restrictions for travellers from the UK.
Previously UK travellers could only enter Spain with proof of vaccination or recovery from the virus. The restrictions were due to end on 15 May, but were recently extended to 15 June.
However, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) amended the rules over the weekend meaning unvaccinated travellers can now enter Spain by showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test; either a PCR taken within 72 hours before departure or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure.
If you’re heading to Europe soon, make sure you still pack some masks.
Despite the recommendation to wear masks at airports and on flights within the European Union being withdrawn, some countries and airlines are still requiring travellers to wear them.
Check this post for more information.
