Brussels bombing: What it means for travel to the area
Belgium is on lockdown as the Australian Government raises its advisory to "reconsider your need to travel".
Important:
Travel insurance rules continue to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to keep up and make sure our guides are up to date, however some information may not be accurate during the pandemic. It’s even more important to double-check all details that matter to you before taking out cover. Please know that some policies may not be available through Finder at this time. Here are some helpful tips:- If you're buying a policy today, it's unlikely that you'll be covered for border closures
- If your travel plans go against government advice, your policy will most likely be voided and you won't be covered
Finally, some good news! Travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again.
Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.A series of explosions have rocked the Belgian capitol of Brussels, with early reports of at least 30 dead and over 200 hundred wounded.
The Australian Government travel advisory service Smartraveller, has raised its advice for Australian's travelling to Brussels from exercise a "High degree of caution" to "Reconsider your need to travel". This warning comes as Belgium increased its National Threat Level to Level 4 of 4.
The first explosion went off at 8am local time in the departure hall of the Belgium International airport. Moments later a second device was detonated. These explosions have left at least ten people dead and close to 100 wounded.
Close to an hour after the initial blasts at the airport, a second attack was launched at Maalbeek Metro station. The explosion at the Metro took a further 20 lives and left over 100 more injured.
The Maalbeek Metro station is located in the heart of Brussels close to the European Union headquarters.
The terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack in Belgium.
Brussels had been bracing itself for reprisals after the terror raids last week in which suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was killed and alleged conspiracy member Salah Abdeslam was arrested.
Travel halts
According to a statement released by Brussels Airlines, Belgian capital's Zaventem airport is "closed until further notice".
Along with the closure of Zaventem airport, Eurostar has suspended services to Brussels-Midi station and all public transport has been closed. The European Commission is urging those in Belgium to stay home or inside buildings.
Contact details: Australian Embassy, Brussels
Mailing address:
Level 7, Avenue des Arts/Kunstlaan 56
1000 Brussels,
BELGIUM
Telephone: +32 2 286 0500
Fax: +32 2 286 0576
Email: austemb.brussels@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.belgium.embassy.gov.au
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