Health Alert: Belgium, US Embassy Brussels To Suspend Routine Consular Services

Effective March 19, 2020, U.S. Embassy Brussels has suspended routine consular services.  For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information https://be.usembassy.gov/.

The government of Belgium has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Citizens are required to stay at home in order to avoid contact outside their immediate family, except for essential travel, such as for food and medical needs, as well as for physical activity.  All non-essential commerce is closed until April 5, 2020.  Grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks remain open.  Visit the local government COVID-19 website:

https://www.info-coronavirus.be/ and http://www.crisiscentrum.be/ for updated information.

Many travelers in Belgium have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.  U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. government personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 COVID-19 Outbreak Notice for Europe

Actions to take:

• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
• For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
• Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 https://be.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ for information on conditions in Belgium.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.

Assistance

• U.S. Embassy in Belgium, located at 27 Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan, 1000 Brussels.   Tel. +32-2-811-4000, 09:00 am - 06:00 pm Monday through Friday, except U.S. and Belgian holidays.   After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +32-2-811-4000;
• 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays);
• Belgium Country Information
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages;
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