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Covid testing in central Brussels

Hello all. As always, this forum is a valuable source of travel tips. Thank you for sharing your insights. My wife and I will be flying from Brussels back to the USA on May 7th. We will be staying near the Grand Place in Brussels prior to our flight. Has anyone had recent experience testing before a flight back to America? If so, can you suggest testing sites and share any suggestions regarding the process?

Posted by
2267 posts

The Binax self-proctored tests are the vastly easier way to handle this.

But if your travel schedule allows I'd hold off on buying them until after 4/18, as there is a possible change in testing requirements coming.

Posted by
6 posts

Thank you for the alert to possible changes. I was under the impression the self-administered tests were not permissible but probably misinterpreted the guidance.

Posted by
123 posts

I have the same question. We are flying from the US to Amsterdam on 4/20, hoping the requirement to test before our return ends before we fly home from Brussels on 5/5. We are staying in Brussels on 5/4-5/5 near the Grand Place as well. If I wait to order the tests to take with us on 4/18, we probably won't receive them in time; if we order now (sold in packs of 6 for $167 with shipping), we will be flushing our money if the mandate ends. Is there a place near the Grand Place we can get an antigen test meeting US requirements on 5/4?

Posted by
2267 posts

You're right—most "self administered" tests aren't allowed.

The Abbott/Binax proctored test involves connecting via smartphone/tablet/webcam to a telehealth service that will monitor your test-taking and issue an official result.

Heads up that you'd need to buy a test kit that's designated for this. And I've heard about problems setting up the online accounts from overseas, so safest to do that before you travel.

Posted by
6 posts

I have now read the guidelines for the remotely proctored tests. Clever! Since we, like Shirley, will fly on the 20th, I ordered the test kits and established the eMed account. Hopefully, they will still suffice when it comes time to return to the states. Thank you, once again, Scudder.

Posted by
2267 posts

Glad to help Thumprey. For what it's worth, I did one of those tests for the first time just a week ago today before flying home from Spain a week ago tomorrow.

It was a little fumble-y, juggling the phone and the test at the same time—advice to use a "cameraman" was prudent but ignored. Had the result in my email a couple of minutes after testing and was able to upload it for online check in. Worked like a charm. (Hope you don't need it!)

Posted by
123 posts

Thanks for the info, Scudder. Did you happen to notice anywhere locally where you could have taken the test on the spot rather than taking one with you?

Posted by
2267 posts

Sorry, Shirley- I traveled home from Spain. I’m sure your hotel could direct you.