Belgium is tightening its rules for travellers arriving by bus or train from countries outside the European Union, including the United Kingdom, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden announced on Friday.
The stricter rules will apply to travellers from non-EU and non-Schengen countries, which includes the United Kingdom, aiming to prevent the further spread of the more infectious coronavirus variant on Belgian territory.
From now on, incoming travellers will have to fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) regardless of the length of their stay abroad and in Belgium.
Additionally, travellers coming from a red zone who do not have their main residence in Belgium have to present a negative PCR test before entry.
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Train and bus companies will be responsible for checking that all passengers have completed a PLF document and can provide a negative PCR test if required, before boarding. If this is not the case, the carrier is obliged to refuse boarding.
Additionally, the carrier will check the PLF document again upon arrival on Belgian territory.
These measures were already in force for travellers entering Belgium by boat or plane, but will not also apply to train and bus passengers.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
