COVID-19
COVID-19 (Corona virus disease-19) is caused by a new corona virus, SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Respiratory Syndrome - Corona Virus-2).
The virus is human-to-human transmissible. Infection occurs through the inhalation of small droplets of saliva from an infected person that are released during speaking, coughing or sneezing or through droplets of saliva on hands and objects.
Symptoms may occur two days to two weeks after the infection. The symptoms vary from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia with fever, coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, gastrointestinal complaints and a temporary loss of taste and smell can occur. Elderly people and people with chronic conditions have a higher risk of serious symptoms and death. Children and pregnant women do not run a higher risk of serious symptoms and death.
Risk areas
The outbreak initially started in Wuhan, China, but has now grown into a pandemic with global outbreaks.
Each country has drawn up specific guidelines to prevent further spread. In some countries, travellers are required to undergo quarantine and/or a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Check the travel advice for your destination via the country list. Keep in mind that the advice can change quickly, which can make return travel and repatriation difficult.
Prevention
Basic hygiene
Wash or disinfect your hands regularly and especially:
- after a visit to the toilet
- before eating
- after you have touched a possibly contaminated object like a door handle or a shared keyboard
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a disinfectant containing at least 60% to 95% alcohol. If your hands are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Sick persons
Stay away from sick people and make sure no one coughs or sneezes in your face.
Avoid other people, wear a mouth mask and wash your hands when you've respiratory symptoms.
Mouth masks
When many people are infecten with COVID-19, it can be useful to wear a mouth mask in places where it is difficult to keep a distance of 1.5 meters.
Travelling
Residents of Belgium can travel freely within the EU/Schengen zone with a valid corona certificate, but countries can also impose additional entry requirements.
It is not recommended to travel to red regions outside the EU/Schengen zone if you have not been vaccinated and to very high risk countries because of the circulation of "variants of concern".
Check the entry conditions per country.
Returning to Belgium
The measures for travellers returning to Belgium depend on:
- the place of residence (Belgium, EU or outside)
- the status after vaccination or after a COVID-19 infection
- the colour code of the region from which you depart
COVID-19 certificate
There are three types of COVID-19 certificates:
- Vaccination certificate: after each vaccine dose
- Test certificate: after a negative COVID-19 PCR test
- Recovery certificate: can be obtained 11 days after a positive test, valid for 180 days
These certificates will become usable within the EU from 1 July 2021, but entry conditions may vary by country. Always check the entry conditions of your country of destination.
More information about the certificates and how to request them can be found on the website of the Flemish government.
Travel insurance
Take a careful look at the terms and conditions of your travel insurance.
COVID-19 test
There are different types of tests that can be used for different indications.
You can by a selftest or get tested in certain pharmacies or by your GP.
Animals
Stay away from animals and their waste products. Do not visit animal markets.
Vaccination
At the end of December 2020, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign started in Belgium.
Additional information
- For more information about COVID-19, visit the federal government info-coronavirus website or call (+32) (0)800 146 89.
- ‘Crisis Information Translated’ is the app from the Social Integration Agency with info on COVID-19 measures and vaccination campaign in 25 languages.