COVID-19 FAQ for BBM! Travelers and Potential BBM! Travelers
This page was most recently updated in May. 2024.
Safeguarding you and your dreams of travel
to Europe are paramount.
How often should you get a Covid booster? I thought it was annually. I was wrong, unless you are 65+. Here’s the latest information.
U.S. passport processing can take as long as 11 weeks for routine requests and 7 weeks for expedited service. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get a valid passport before you travel internationally. Make sure your passport is good for at least six months beyond your return date to the U.S.
I’m delighted to report Belgium and German are now open to the world and the U.S. finally abolished inbound C-19 testing requirement as of June 12, 2022!
As of April 27, people who test positive for Covid-19 will no longer be required to self-isolate for seven days, Belgium's Health Ministry announced. The Ministry added that the abolition of the mandatory isolation period is a consequence of the "favorable evolution of the pandemic." It also noted that positive Covid-19 cases will henceforth be treated by the Belgian medical authorities in a similar manner to the seasonal flu.
Belgium abolished face covering requirements on public transportation and there is no testing or quarantine requirement. Face coverings are still required in medical facilities, so you should have one. There is no need to present a Passenger Locator Form or valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate. Some airline employees are still operating off outdated protocol so be prepared to show your CDC card if they ask just to expedite things.
Face covering are still required on public transportation, including some inbound flights, in Germany.
ETIAS & EET… WTF?
2024 was forecasted to bring with it two small hurdles for Americans traveling to Europe, both seem to be postponed now indefinitely. Airlines and airports don’t want anything else to slow the flow of passengers and Europe is eager for tourism dollars. This Forbes article does a nice job covering these new systems. Travelers will be getting direct emails from me talking about these new systems, the EET the only one requiring some advance planning prior to departure. No need to be concerned about these changes, yet. It’s been getting delayed for years, so we’ll see.
Below are some FAQs. Also, here is the Tours on Tap by Calendar page. Tours are filling now and because of pent-up demand, I expect some of these tours will sell out soon. So, if you are considering a tour, now is the time to sign up and guarantee your seats.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are BBM! Tours still operating for 2024 & 2025?
Yes, tours are confirmed and you may sign up.
If my tour is cancelled, can I transfer to another one?
Yes. Just email me your choice to Stu@Belgianbeerme.com.
What are the current travel restrictions for Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands?
Americans are now able to visit all these countries and inbound testing has been abolished.
What are good sources for information on COVID-19?
The World Health Organization (WHO). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US State Department provide information about U.S. travel restrictions and other guidance.
Where can I get information from the Belgian government regarding the pandemic?
The Belgian Government FAQ website.
If my tour is cancelled, what do I do about air tickets?
You’ll need to check with your airline. They are amending their policies weekly to be more advantageous to travelers. Many are extending credit and no change fees on flights through the end of May. It’s usually best if the airline cancels your flight or changes your itinerary by more than 30 minutes, so you can get a full refund. Credit is typically only good for up to one year from the original travel dates, which is another good reason to transfer to another tour if yours gets cancelled. This way, you guarantee your seat on a tour and you can still use your credit before it expires.
Are tour dates set for 2024 & 2025, and are you taking reservations? Yes, yes and yes! You may view tours on Tours on Tap by Calendar or by visiting pages for specific tours. As I like to say, it’s never too early to sign up. If you’re like me, and I know I am, you’re ready for a vacation.
Are events involving Russia and the Ukraine affecting tours? Besides some fear caused by the media, they love to do that to sell soap, I don’t anticipate and disruption in our travel plans to Europe.
Are airline cancellations and delays a problem? For most travelers, there are no problems, but this is one of the reasons I recommend you plan to arrive into Europe at least two days prior to the tour to allow for delays. Pro Tip: Always pack your meds, keys, and three days of clothing in your carry-on in case you your and/or your luggage get delayed.
Should I bring Covid Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT)? Yes, bring some in case you show symptoms. This way you won’t have to scramble to try to find some. This will give you peace of mind and be able to make informed decisions.
Stu, how are you personally doing during this pandemic?
I definitely felt the weight of the pandemic, with tours shut down for 18 months, but with the green light to travel again, abolished C-19 testing, and having spent so much time in Belgium and Germany since the fall of 2021 and much of 2022, I’m optimistic. 2022 was a record year for BBM! travelers and 2023 and 2024 are filling nicely, although, be aware I’m only offering eight tour departures compared to 14 in 2022. So if you plan to join us, register not to guarantee your seats. I’m slowing my roll some for 2024 & 2025. I hope you’ll join us!
--Stu Stuart