As part of the fight against vector-borne diseases, on 24 August 2023 the Risk Management Group (RMG) approved the principle of a list of high-risk countries.
The aim of this list is to limit the import and spreading of undesirable vectors on Belgian territory and, more specifically, to reduce the outbreak of the infectious diseases they may carry. This will be achieved by disinsection of flights from these areas. In accordance with the RMG decision, disinsection is required for flights from high-risk destinations (outside Schengen). As the Public Health Authority, Saniport (FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety, Environment) is responsible for monitoring this process.
The countries from which aircrafts must be disinsected are those with major and regular epidemics of:
The list was compiled by the Chief Medical Office service within the Directorate General of Preparedness and Response (FPS HFCSE) in consultation with experts from the Institute of Tropical Medicine and will be reviewed annually by the latter. Should other vector-borne diseases be considered in the future, Saniport will be kept informed in due course.
All aircraft arriving directly from one of the countries listed below must be disinsectised before departure according to WHO recommendations described in the International Health Regulations.
The purpose of the control, by Saniport, of the disinsection process is to limit the importation of unwanted vectors into Belgium and to help prevent the spread of pathogens transmitted by these vectors, which are responsible for a number of serious diseases.
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List of risk countries
