Belgium Extends Non-Essential Travel Ban Until April 18 Amid COVID-19 Concerns

In early March, Belgium had announced the ban on non-essential travel (except for family emergencies and cross-border workers) outside Belgian borders until Sunday, April 18, including the two-week Easter holiday period. This second extension aims to curb the 2nd wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The measure should be re-evaluated on March 26, but the Consultation Committee met last Friday to decide on the continuation of its extension, reports Belga.

The entry into force of the ban on non-essential travel had been effective for the first time on January 27. This measure continues to provoke reactions. On Friday, European Commissioner Didier Reynders tweeted to reaffirm his expectations to the Consultation Committee. The lifting of the measure should be effective after April 18, but subject to the adoption of a cooperation agreement capable of enforcing the testing and quarantine obligations for travelers returning to the country. However, this agreement must receive "parliamentary approval".

For its part, Europe recommends "discouraging" travel to risk areas, and framing these trips with tests, quarantine to be respected, etc., rather than banning non-essential travel.