Shopping, family obligations Can we still travel from the North to Belgium?

By Julien Bouteiller Published on Lille News See my news

Not easy to navigate with the health measures. And when you live on the border with Belgium, you have to deal with the restrictions of both countries. In which cases can Northerners travel to Belgium and what documents are required? We take stock.

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Can I do my shopping in Belgium?

Yes, if you are a cross-border worker (living 20km from the border) you can do your basic shopping in Belgium. If you live less than 10km from Belgium, a sworn statement (see links at the end of the article) and proof of residence are sufficient. Beyond that, you will also need the French derogatory certificate.

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Useful clarification, the list of essential businesses that remain open in Belgium:

“In addition, you should know that in Belgium: Belgian non-essential stores operate by reservation from this weekend. And the essential stores opened in Belgium and France. So the rule says that you should not look on the other side of the border, which is not open in your region”, specifies Loïx Delhuvenne, director of the Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai Eurometropolis.

If you live more than 20km away, you are no longer considered a cross-border commuter and therefore cannot go to Belgium for your shopping.

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Can I work and/or study in Belgium?

There too, no problem to go to Belgium for work and studies. You will also need to complete the sworn statement from the Belgian authorities and have proof from your employer or training establishment. This exception also applies to road hauliers.

Be careful however, if you have to stay more than 48 hours in Belgium for professional reasons, a “business trips abroad” form must be completed by the employer. You will then be provided with a certificate number which you will need to add to the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) which you will also need to complete.

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Can I visit a relative or my partner in Belgium?

If you are a cross-border worker, no problem visiting a family member on the other side of the border. You will simply need to bring the sworn statement and proof of address.

On the other hand, if you are not a cross-border worker, you can only visit a relative for compelling reasons, for example if it is a sick relative.

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When it comes to couples, the rules are complicated. According to the Belgian National Crisis Center, visits to see your partner are possible, provided that it is a stable and lasting relationship. In addition to the usual sworn statement, it will therefore be necessary to be able to provide proof of this relationship: marriage or PACS certificate, family record book to certify that there are children in common or even exchanges of messages (emails , SMS) showing a relationship that has lasted for over a year.

In addition, for any visit to a relative or your partner that lasts more than 48 hours, you will also need to bring the passenger locator form (PLF).

And if you have to travel more than 10km from your home to visit a member of your family, also consider the French derogatory certificate.

It should also be noted that, in terms of family travel, you can go to Belgium as part of co-parenting (separated or divorced parents), for the funeral or the wedding of a loved one.

Can I return to my residence in Belgium?

You were in France for holidays, a stay in a second home or any other reason and wish to return to Belgium where you have your main residence? It's possible. But for this, it will be necessary to complete the passenger locator form (PLF) and present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours. Another test will be requested ten days later.

Can I go to a medical appointment in Belgium?

The care or assistance of a vulnerable person is one of the reasons for travel deemed essential. Again, the sworn statement is sufficient if you are a cross-border worker. If your trip exceeds 10km, also consider the French derogatory certificate.

Can I take a plane or a train in Belgium?

Yes, you can. Sworn statement and ticket justifying your flight or train journey will suffice. Depending on the distance you have to travel from your home in France, do not forget the French derogatory certificate.

When do I have to do a PCR test to travel to Belgium?

Anyone over the age of 12 who travels to Belgium via a carrier (bus, train or plane) and who stays more than 48 hours in the country (and/or has not stayed less than 48 hours in France) must be able to present a negative PCR test carried out a maximum of 72 hours previously.

Do I have to quarantine myself when I arrive in Belgium?

Seven-day isolation is mandatory for certain cases upon your arrival in Belgium. If you have stayed more than 48 hours in an area classified as red by the Belgian authorities and plan to stay more than 48 hours in Belgium, you will have to observe this period of isolation. Except if you are in transit, worker performing critical functions or students coming to take an exam.

To date, the only French territory considered as a red zone by Belgium is Martinique.

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