Specific measures for your train journey Specific measures for the main carriers
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Thalys is adapting its capacity and reducing its train supply.
Until 17 April 2021, Thalys is offering the following frequency:
- 1 return between Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam (every day)
- 1 return between Paris, Brussels, Cologne and Essen (continues to Dortmund on Sundays)
- 2 extra returns between Brussels and Paris (only 1 on Saturdays and Sundays)
As from 18 April 2021, Thalys will increase its daily offer as follows:
- 4 returns between Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam
- 2 returns between Paris, Brussels, Cologne and Essen (continues to Dortmund on Sundays)
- 1 extra return between Brussels and Paris
As a preventive measure, the Premium on-board services are temporarily suspended and the Thalys Welcome Bar remains temporarily closed until at least 30 March 2021.
Thalys will not be serving Charles de Gaulle Airport and Marne-la-Vallée until further notice. Besides, Thalys Snow trains for the February and April holidays have been cancelled due to the decision of the Belgian government to prohibit non-essential travel until 18 April 2021
Wearing a face mask (or any alternative that covers nose and mouth) is mandatory on Thalys trains.
Travelling to and within France
Since 31 January 2021, a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours is mandatory to enter French territory even by land or rail (except for frontier workers), and a travel certificate (declaration on honour that you are travelling for essential reasons) must be presented at checks on arrival in France. In addition, a curfew is in effect between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. throughout mainland France and additional containment measures have been extended throughout mainland France since 3 April 2021 for at least 4 weeks (no interregional travel and no trips of more than 10 km unless for essential reasons). Please check www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus (in french) for more information about containment measures applicable in France.
Travelling to the Netherlands
Since 29 December 2020, travellers aged 13 and over coming from a risk area are required to show negative results of a PCR test in order to enter the Netherlands. This measure only applies to international and intercity trains with a journey greater than 30 km from the Dutch border. In the absence of a negative PCR test of max. 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands, access to the train may be refused. Given the need to carry out this check, Thalys asks customers to present themselves for boarding at least 40 minutes before departure. Also notice that since Saturday 23 January 2021, a curfew applies from 9 pm to 6:30 am to the entire Dutch territory. From Wednesday 31/03/21, the curfew will start from 10 PM to 4:30 AM, and this until 04/30/21.
Notice for Dutch residents
The Dutch authorities are urging persons residing in the Netherlands who have visited a region or country classified "red" or "orange" (including Belgium and France) to quarantine themselves for 10 days. More specifications about the quarantine (in Dutch).
Notice for passengers travelling to Germany
There are currently specific compulsory measures for entering Germany. The German health ministry requires that anyone traveling directly from an area defined as at risk by the Robert Koch Institute should leave their contact and travel details. This can be done through this online form.
Commercial measures concerning Thalys tickets
New exchange conditions as from 09/03/21: any Thalys Ticket purchased between 9 March 2021 and 31 August 2021 can be exchanged for another travel date (exchange free of charge for Standard, Comfort, Youth and Senior fares, or for a fee of €5 for Standard Mini, Comfort Mini, Youth Mini, Premium Mini and Group Mini fares). Only the possible price difference between the original ticket and the new ticket should be paid for.
Passengers whose Thalys train is cancelled can address their original point of sales for a free exchange or a full refund until 30 days after the original travel date.
Eurostar has revised their timetables and are operating a limited number of trains:
- 1 train a day in both directions between London, Brussels and Amsterdam
- 1 train a day in both directions between London and Paris (2 trains as from 18 May 2021)
Wearing a face mask on Eurostar is obligatory. Please read the information below about travelling from and to the UK.
For travel from London to Brussels
Since 25 December 2020, a negative PCR test of max. 72 hours is required for all people aged from 6 years not residing in Belgium, regardless of their nationality.
For travel from London to Paris or Lille
A negative PCR COVID test is required to travel to or via France. You are not allowed to travel if you do not have a negative PCR COVID test result taken less than 72 hours before travel. Since 31 January 2021, a travel certificate (declaration on honour that you are travelling for essential reasons) must be presented at checks on arrival in France.
For travel from London to the Netherlands
Only essential travel is allowed to the Netherlands. All travellers need to have proof of a negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before travel.
Important - for all destinations, please carry a printed copy of your test results with you.
Travelling to the UK
- A negative PCR test of max. 72 hours will be required before embarking for all travellers aged 11 years and more entering the UK (including British citizens and residents) from outside the common travel area (UK, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and Ireland). Test result must be in either English, French or Spanish. Translations will not be accepted, and you must provide the original test result certificate. Please check the website of the British government for the full regulations about these tests.
- To protect your health and others’, everyone must complete an online Public Health Passenger Locator form before arrival in the United Kingdom.
- All travellers must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival in the UK unless they are exempted. If you have traveled to a country on the red list established by the British government in the last 10 days, your quarantine period must be done in one of the quarantine hotels provided for this purpose by the British authorities. Your hotel must be reserved before your departure. Please see the UK government site for more info on quarantine. Please check the list of exempted countries before travelling, as well as the list of work related exemptions if you travel for professional reasons.
- All travelers are required to be re-tested on days 2 and 8 of their quarantine. These tests must be booked before your departure. Please read more information about the quarantine and tests.
- Self-isolated travellers can shorten their isolation period by means of the Test to Release programme.
- It is a legal requirement that you wear a face covering on public transport in the UK.
IMPORTANT – passengers are required to enter the booking reference for their day 2 and 8 quarantine COVID tests on their Passenger Locator Form. Passengers must ensure that they enter the testing INVOICE number. This 7-digit number is issued in a second and separate email after the booking confirmation. Unfortunately, Passenger Locator Forms will not be accepted by the UK authorities without the invoice number and passengers will not be able to travel.
Failure to comply with the above measures is a criminal offence and you could be fined. If you have booked Eurostar tickets on behalf of other people, you are also responsible for ensuring all members of their party are aware of these requirements and have completed the form.
What you need to know when entering the UK >
Travelling to and within France
From Sunday 24 January 2021 onwards, every traveller entering France must possess a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. Please check www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus (in french) for more information about containment measures applicable in France..
Flexible exchange of Eurostar tickets
For travel between 08/09/20 and 30/09/21 inclusive :
- You can easily rearrange your trip without paying an exchange fee up to 7 full days before departure. You’ll only pay the possible difference in fare (if applicable).
- You can still change your booking within 7 days of your departure, but you’ll need to pay a €40 exchange fee for Standard tickets, plus any difference in fare.
As a result of interregional travel restrictions and health measures in 16 French departments (including those of the Hauts-de-France and Île-de-France regions), TGV INOUI is temporarily operating according to a reduced service to and from Brussels from 03/28/21 to 04/15/21:
- 1 train to and from Marseille (via Lille Europe, CDG Airport, Lyon and Avignon)
- 1 train to and from Montpellier (via Lille Europe, CDG Airport, Lyon and Avignon)
- 2 trains to Lille Europe and 2 to 3 trains from Lille Europe.
Wearing a mask is mandatory on all trains and public transport in France (no alternatives such as scarves or buffs allowed). Please read the safety measures applicable in French trains and stations (French).
Travelling to and within France
Since 31 January 2021, a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours is mandatory to enter French territory even by land or rail (except for frontier workers), and a travel certificate (declaration on honour that you are travelling for essential reasons) must be presented at checks on arrival in France. In addition, a curfew is in effect between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. throughout mainland France and additional containment measures have been extended throughout mainland France since 3 April 2021 for at least 4 weeks (no interregional travel and no trips of more than 10 km unless for essential reasons). Please check www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus (in french) for more information about containment measures applicable in France.
TGV tickets for journeys from 5 January to 29 August 2021 can be exchanged for free or entirely refunded until 3 days before the scheduled travel date. If cancelled less than 3 days before the departure, the ticket's usual fare conditions will apply.
The IC Netherlands trains are operating a normal service between Brussels and Amsterdam / The Hague. However, the on-board catering service is temporarily suspended.
Wearing a mask is mandatory on all trains and public transport in the Netherlands from the age of 13 (no alternatives such as scarves or buffs allowed).
Please read all safety measures applicable in trains and stations in the Netherlands.
Travelling to the Netherlands
Since 29 December 2020, travellers aged 13 and over coming from a risk area are required to show negative results of a PCR test in order to enter the Netherlands. This measure only applies to international and intercity trains with a journey greater than 30 km from the Dutch border. In the absence of a negative PCR test of max. 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands, access to the train may be refused. Also notice that since Saturday 23 January 2021, a curfew applies from 9 pm to 6:30 am to the entire Dutch territory. From Wednesday 31/03/21, the curfew will start from 10 pm to 4:30 am, and this until 04/30/21.
Note for Dutch residents
The Dutch authorities are urging persons residing in the Netherlands who have visited a region or country classified red or orange (including Belgium) to quarantine themselves for 10 days. More specifications about the quarantine (in Dutch).
Tickets purchased after 17 September 2020 are subject to the refund conditions of the selected fare. Exception: Early Bird tickets for trips up to 30 April 2021 can be exchanged free of charge until the day before the originally scheduled departure provide the new travel date is at least 7 days in the future too. If there is a price difference between the old and the new ticket, only the difference will be due.
If you want to exchange your Early Bird ticket, please contact us on +32 (0)2 801 90 10 or address our ticket offices at SNCB stations with international ticket sales (when changing your tickets online, our systems will apply the normal fare conditions).
From 4 January to 26 March 2021, 4 ICE trains a day operate on the Brussels-Cologne-Frankfurt connection. As from 27 March, the usual frequence of 7 trains a day will be available again. However, the BordBistro carriage will remain closed.
Wearing a mask is obligatory on all ICE trains. In the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (including Aachen and Cologne), it has even been mandatory to wear a surgical mask or an FFP2 mask on public transport since Monday 25/01/21. Any other form of mouth and nose covering (such as a cloth mask, scarf or buff) is no longer allowed in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Please read the safety measures applicable in trains and stations in Germany (German).
Travelling to Germany
All German Länder are taking measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In order to travel safely during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is recommended to respect the instructions of local authorities, the German Ministry of Health (page in German), the German Ministry of the Interior (page in German), the German police (page in German), and the Robert-Koch Institute (page in German).
There are currently specific obligatory measures for entering Germany. The German health ministry requires that anyone traveling directly from an area defined as at risk by the Robert Koch Institute should leave their contact and travel details. This can be done through this online form.
Commercial measures
Tickets purchased after 13/03/20 are subject to the fare's normal travel and refund conditions. Deutsche Bahn recommends to opt for a flexible fare if you have any doubt about maintaining your trip.
Wearing a mask is mandatory on trains and all trains and public transport in France (no alternatives such as scarves or buffs allowed). Please read the safety measures applicable in regional trains and stations of northern France (French).
Tickets for travel until 31 January 2021 are fully refundable at their original point of sale until the mentioned travel date. Tickets for travelling after 31 January 2021 are subject to the usual refund conditions of the chosen fare.
Travelling to and within France
Since 31 January 2021, a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours is mandatory to enter French territory even by land or rail (except for frontier workers), and a travel certificate (declaration on honour that you are travelling for essential reasons) must be presented at checks on arrival in France. In addition, a curfew is in effect between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. throughout mainland France and additional containment measures have been extended throughout mainland France since 3 April 2021 for at least 4 weeks (no interregional travel and no trips of more than 10 km unless for essential reasons). Please check www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus (in french) for more information about containment measures applicable in France.
Wearing a mask is compulsory on trains operating in Luxembourg. You can use a homemade mask, bandana or scarf to protect yourself and others, throughout your trip. Please read the safety measures applicable in trains and stations of Luxembourg.
Tickets for journeys to and from Luxembourg until 31 January 2021 included can be fully reimbursed until the initially scheduled travel date via their original point of sale. Tickets for travelling after 31 January 2021 are subject to the usual refund conditions of the chosen fare.
Due to the more restrictive preventive measures in force in several European countries, Nightjet trains are temporarily suspended until 24 May 2021. As from Wednesday 26 May 2021, ÖBB Nightjet will operate 3 times a week between Brussels and Vienna.
Nightjet tickets for the concerned travel dates can be entirely refunded through their original point of sale.
Please note: if you cancel online, our system will automatically apply the normal refund conditions of your ticket. If the fare conditions of your ticket do not provide a full refund, please contact us on +32 2 801 90 10 for a full refund following the corona virus (for tickets purchased from SNCB).
Safety measures in the Netherlands:
- from 1 June, wearing a mask is mandatory on all trains and public transport in the Netherlands (no alternatives such as scarves or buffs allowed).
- from 1 July, travelling with a bicycle and travelling in a group are allowed again.
Also notice that since Saturday 23 January 2021, a curfew applies from 9 pm to 6:30 am to the entire Dutch territory. From Wednesday 31/03/21, the curfew will start from 10 pm to 4:30 am, and this until 04/30/21.
Please read all safety measures applicable in trains and stations in the Netherlands.
Note for Dutch residents
The Dutch authorities are urging persons residing in the Netherlands who have visited a region or country classified red or orange (including Belgium) to quarantine themselves for 10 days. More specifications about the quarantine (in Dutch).
Tickets for travel from Belgium to Maastricht or Roosendaal (and vice versa) until 31 January 2021 are fully refundable at their original point of sale until the mentioned travel date. Tickets for travelling after 31 January 2021 are subject to the usual refund conditions of the chosen fare.
In the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (including Aachen and Cologne), it has been mandatory to wear a surgical mask or an FFP2 mask on public transport since Monday 25/01/21. Any other form of mouth and nose covering (such as a cloth mask, scarf or buff) is no longer allowed in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Please read the safety measures applicable in the trains and stations of the Aachen region (German).
Notice for passengers travelling to Germany
There are currently specific obligatory measures for entering Germany. The German health ministry requires that anyone traveling directly from an area defined as at risk by the Robert Koch Institute should leave their contact and travel details. This can be done through this online form.
Tickets for travel with regional trains between Belgium and Aachen until 31 January 2021 are fully refundable at their original point of sale until the mentioned travel date. Tickets for travelling after 31 January 2021 are subject to the usual refund conditions of the chosen fare.
