Netherlands: Authorities announce tightening of international entry and domestic restrictions Jan. 20 due to COVID-19 /update 23

Event

Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced plans Jan. 20 to further tighten coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related restrictions. From Jan 23, flights from non-EU and Schengen-associated states where rapidly spreading variants of COVID-19 have been identified will be suspended. These locations currently include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guinea, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, the UK, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The flight ban will be in effect until at least Feb. 19. In addition, all international travelers will need to take a rapid antigen test before departure for the Netherlands; as of Jan. 20, only arrivals from Ireland, the UK, and South Africa must take such a test.

Travel to the Netherlands is generally only permitted for residents of European Economic Area (EEA) or Schengen-associated countries, in addition to residents of Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Most travel is prohibited from other countries except for transit and limited essential purposes, including urgent health and family reasons.

Authorities require all permitted travelers arriving by air, sea, train, or coach traveling more than 30 km (18 miles) from the border to present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result prior to travel to the Netherlands. The test must have been taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Arrivals from outside of the EEA or Schengen Area must also fill out a negative test declaration form prior to travel. Additionally, all arrivals must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. These measures do not apply to individuals arriving from China, the Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand; additional exceptions may be made for individuals with an essential function or need, such as health workers, on-duty security forces, freight workers, and diplomats.

Domestic Restrictions
From Jan. 20, households are only permitted to host a maximum of one guest per day. In addition, Rutte announced plans to introduce a nationwide 2030-0430 curfew, during which people will be prohibited from leaving their accommodation except for essential purposes, including work, emergencies, and exercising animals; all stores will be required to close by 2030. The exact start date for the measure has not yet been announced.

All nonessential retail stores will remain closed until at least Feb. 9; essential retail businesses, such as groceries and pharmacies, may continue to operate. Non-medical contact services, such as barbershops and hair salons, are closed; medical contact services, including dentist and physical therapist offices, may continue operating. All indoor and outdoor gatherings involving more than one household are limited to two persons. Hotels may operate but cannot serve food or drink. Libraries and community centers may operate under certain strict limitations. Schools at all education levels are restricted to conducting classes via distance learning techniques. Childcare availability is limited to the children of persons employed in essential professions.

The lockdown restrictions are in addition to other measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Under these directives, all individuals are advised to stay home as much as possible and avoid nonessential travel. Anyone over the age of 13 must wear a protective face covering in indoor public areas and on public transport. All food and beverage establishments are limited to takeout services only. Individuals must observe social distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) at all times, where possible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.