England and Belgium are the latest European countries preparing for new national lockdowns this week, naturally with restrictions on travel.

England Belgium Travel Restrictions Explained

The rules come into force in Belgium on Monday November 2. In England, on November 5.

The move represents a return to full nationwide lockdowns or almost. Similar to the situation in France.

Both Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson claim the lockdowns are a “light version” on lockdown 1. Yet for those of us forced to stay at home again, it’s hard to see where the light comes in.

The streets emptied in Paris on Friday night as both the curfew, and end of the first day of Lockdown 2 ended. There was a positively George Orwell 1984 feel in the air.

Travel Restrictions: What Does England Lockdown Look Like?

The rules in the UK mean working from home and business closures says the government until December 2. They are spelt out more in this story on Europe-wide shutdowns.

The following travel restrictions apply:

• Given there is a stay-at-home order, the government is urging people to avoid “all non-essential travel by private or public transport.”
• Essential travel on the other hand includes shopping and work trips. Plus medical appointments and caregiving duties.
• International travel is out. Other than for essential work trips for example.
• Holidays, even overnight stays, in the UK are banned.

It’s still not clear what road Scotland will take, but Wales plans on ending its firebreak lockdown on November 9 as planned.

What Does Belgium’s Lockdown Look Like?

As Belgium tackles a full-blown health emergency, shops and restaurants and all non-essential businesses close Monday. This under the so-called “enforced lockdown”, a step up on previous measures.

The lockdown is due to last 6 weeks at least. It will bring social life in the country to “a complete standstill” warned Belgian Health Minister, Frank Vandenbroucke.

According to the government:

• You are allowed to move around freely.
• Masks are mandatory on buses, trams and trains for  over 12-year-olds
• There’s a curfew between midnight and 5 a.m.

Belgium is being more relaxed about travel in and out of the country. That is it’s allowed, at least for its citizens and residents. And for those foreign nationals with a right to visit (those on the EU safe country list for example).

That said most of Europe, indeed the world, is classified as a “red zone” with authorities “strongly advising against travel” to these zones.

The country is still using the traffic light system of red, green and amber rules for different countries. Both for arrivals and departures. Those are fully outlined on the government website.

“In principle, travelling is allowed, provided that the possible measures on your return to Belgium are respected,” says the country’s foreign affairs department.

This means:

• Filling in a passenger locator form (PLF)
• Filling in a health assessment
• Going into quarantine if required.
• Be tested if required.

Test Rules Change

Due to the evolution of the pandemic however, (and no doubt particularly at home), the government is temporarily dropping its mandatory testing requirement for all red zone travelers. As it says:

“… travellers returning from a red zone will no longer be under the obligation to be tested, until November 15, except in the case of obvious symptoms.”

Belgium Transit Rules For Banned Travelers

Fill out the PLF form if you are travelling to Belgium by plane or boat. It’s not required for car travelers, if your stay in Belgium is less than 48 hours. Or if your stay abroad is no longer than 2 days.

As to transit, it is possible, “by any means of transport, without conditions or measures upon arrival in Belgium,” even after travel through red zones.”

You can query the Public Health department on quarantine and testing requirements by phone: 0800 14 689, or e-mail: [email protected].

The borders are inevitably closing again in Europe for travel. Whether countries ban travel or simply advise against it, the risks for travelers are spiraling again.

Note Switzerland and Austria are toughening up rules too. In the latter case by shutting restaurants and bringing in a strict curfew. Something I will explore in my next EU update. So please stay in touch, and follow me here and on social media! Meanwhile, #staysafe.