While the world is going through difficult times because of the COVID-19 virus, the same goes for Flanders.

Below you will find a summary of the most relevant information.

Shops, museums, historic buildings, monuments, castles and zoos have been opened since 18th of May.

Restaurants, cafes and bars reopened on 8th June, and can stay open until 1am (at the latest). Safety measures are in place including having a secure distance between tables, providing table service for food and drink only, with a maximum of 10 people per table. Waiters and table service staff are obliged to wear a face mask. Customers are obliged to wear a face mask when they move, and registration on arrival is mandatory!

Daytrips and travels within the country were also made possible on 8th June. As from 15th June, Belgium has opened its borders for travel to and from the European Union, and other European countries including the UK and the four Schengen countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway).Decisions about travelling outside Europe will be taken at a later stage.

From 1st July onwards, amusement parks, theatres, cinemas, swimming pools, wellness centres, casinos, gaming and conference halls can reopen, under certain conditions. 

Reception rooms and ballrooms can also open, with a limit of 10 people, again with certain conditions followed.

The general rules already in force for other activities, such as the mandatory observance of safety distances, the introduction of time slots and crowd management, the cleaning of infrastructure and the wearing of face masks are still strongly recommended (and mandatory in confined public spaces). Regular events held in permanent infrastructures and one-off events taking place in the public space are also subject to a capacity limit: 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. 

Mass gatherings such as festivals and other events with large crowds remain prohibited until 31st August.

Meanwhile, the public and visitors are always advised to abide by certain basic rules, such as washing hands regularly and keeping a social distance (1.5m). The wearing of face masks is compulsory for anyone 12 years or over in confined public spaces (public transport, shops, museums, theatres, cinemas, concert and conference halls, ...).

If you plan to travel to Belgium or return to Belgium after a stay abroad, you are required to:
•    read the latest travel advice,
•    fill in a Passenger Locator Form in the 48 hours before your arrival in Belgium: https://travel.info-coronavirus.be/public-health-passenger-locator-form.
 
This form has to be completed by :
•    all persons traveling to Belgium by airplane or boat, and
•    all other persons traveling to Belgium, unless:
o    they stay for less than 48 hours in Belgium,
o    they return following a stay no longer than 48 hours abroad.”

If you require more in depth information on the Covid-19 situation in Belgium, please click here to consult the official website of the Belgian federal government. 

Current information and inspiration can also be found via our VISITFLANDERS social media channels.

We hope to welcome you soon, with twice the heart, love and hospitality. You are most welcome!
Warm regards,
VISITFLANDERS