Travelling from the UK to Belgium for HT during lockdowns

[illuminated]

Hi All,

For those in the UK, does anyone know if it's possible to travel for a HT to Belgium whilst under the current lockdowns (Tier 3 and 4?)?

[Britanium]

Not possible right now. We  cannot really fly anywhere. I’m also tier 4.

[illuminated]

There are a lot of people still flying that I see and isn't there an exemption for medical treatment?

[Britanium]

In my tier 4 I cannot fly for any other reason than work. 

[illuminated]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

Travel

The list of reasons you can leave your home and area include, but are not limited to:

• work, where you cannot work from home
• accessing education and for caring responsibilities
• visiting those in your support bubble - or your childcare bubble for childcare
• visiting hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health

International travel to or from a Tier 4 area

If you live in a Tier 4 area, you can only travel internationally - or within the UK - where you first have a legally permitted reason to leave home. In addition, you should consider the public health advice in the country you are visiting.

 

 

[Homeerestre]

Here, we will be asked to show our working permit, travel permit, and health permit if we try to go off-country. Not to mention, another hassle buzzle after you landed on your destination.

[sl]

Yes currently you can travel, you do need to do a PCR test and best to have it done 2 days prior to arrival time in Brussels and also fill in a patient locator form. 

 Links below that may be helpful with regards to PCR and locator forms.

https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en

https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/faq/

Passenger locator form.

https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/travel_to_belgium

https://travel.info-coronavirus.be/public-health-passenger-locator-form

PCR test is very important to be allowed in so make sure to schedule it to meet their requirement. 

 

All the best for your travel and surgery.

Edited December 30, 2020 by sl

[illuminated]

Brilliant - thank you.

[Raphael84]

Just to add a further "latest update" to this thread. It would appear that as the UK will leave the EU at midnight tonight, the UK is now listed as a "third country" and therefore has more specific regulations/restrictions in place. As you can read below, it is suggested that an essential travel certificate must be provided from a Belgian embassy or consulate to be allowed entry into Belgium.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium/entry-requirements

[Britanium]

Thanks for the update @Raphael84 it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get out of the Uk and travel anywhere 😕

[sl]

Thanks Raphael. Yes it is possible but just need to have all the ducks in a row! Thanks for updating this with this information.  

[illuminated]

Just to update this:

I am currently in Brussels for a HT with BHR and travelled here via Eurostar. I was asked to see proof of a valid COVID-19 PCR test (performed within the last 72 hours), Passenger Locator form and completed Sworn Statement. At no point was I asked for reason for travel (have a letter from BHR) but that may just be my experience.

[Britanium]

2 minutes ago, illuminated said:

Just to update this:

I am currently in Brussels for a HT with BHR and travelled here via Eurostar. I was asked to see proof of a valid COVID-19 PCR test (performed within the last 72 hours), Passenger Locator form and completed Sworn Statement. At no point was I asked for reason for travel (have a letter from BHR) but that may just be my experience.

Thanks for the information ! Very useful for anybody wondering about travel. 

[illuminated]

I forgot to add that I also had to book COVID-19 PCR tests for day 2 and day 8 following my return and the reference number has to be entered on the Passenger Locator Form for my return.

[Raphael84]

@illuminated

Great to hear that you made it to Brussels without incident. 
It would appear that this is the experience of most patients to be honest.

I wish you the best for your procedure. You are in good hands.
It would be great if you were able to share your evolution with us.
 

[follically challenged]

1 hour ago, illuminated said:

I am currently in Brussels

I guess you will be expected to do 14 days quarantine when back in the UK, right..? long time but at least can heal during that time...

[Doyle Lonnegan]

Just to add to this topic I returned from Belgium a couple of days ago after a procedure and it was smooth sailing throughout. No issues at all with travel.

If anyone is due to head over in the near future you simply need to ensure you have the following items ready for your trip:

Travel to Belgium - Negative PCR test result from within the last 72 hours, UK declaration for travel, Belgian Sworn Statement & Belgian Passenger Location Form. I'd also recommend carrying a letter from your clinic confirming the medical procedure in case you're asked for evidence of the medical nature of your trip.

Return to the UK - Negative PCR test result from within the last 72 hours, UK Passenger Location Form, Confirmed booking for the Isolation Testing Package.

All documents are straightforward to complete though the cost of the various tests add up quick. Almost £500 in total.

Home isolation once you return is for a total of 10 days unless you opt into the test to release scheme which naturally costs even more. Given we need to recover post-op anyway it's a pretty pointless option for us hopefully soon to be hirsute fellows.

Finally make sure your passport has at least 6 months on it from your planned return date. This is a post-brexit requirement for trips into the EU.

[Raphael84]

@Doyle Lonnegan
Thanks for posting. Im sure that this will be well received for those who many be considering traveling in the current "climate".
Great point regarding post-brexit passport requirement.