Netherlands: Authorities tighten entry restrictions for travelers from Ireland, UK, and South Africa, Jan. 15 /update 22

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands have tightened entry requirements for travelers arriving from Ireland, the UK, and South Africa effective Jan. 15 due to new variants of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) active in those countries. Permitted travelers arriving from these countries via air must take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test returning a negative result at the point of departure directly prior to travel. The same measure will apply to arrivals by ferry from Jan. 19 and was previously implemented for individuals traveling from the UK via Eurostar or Eurotunnel services. This requirement also applies to individuals working in the transport sector.

Travel to the Netherlands is generally only permitted for residents of EU, European Economic Area (EEA), and Schengen Area 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 EU or Schengen Area must also fill out a negative test declaration form prior to travel. Additionally, all arrivals except those from Iceland, Finland (not including the regions of Southwest Finland and Helsinki-Uusimaa), and Norway (not including Oslo, Trondela County, Viken County, and Innlandet Region) must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. These measures do not apply to individuals arriving from 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
Authorities have extended the nationwide domestic lockdown until Feb. 9. All nonessential retail stores will remain closed; essential retail businesses, such as supermarkets, bakeries, butcher shops, and pharmacies, may continue to operate. Cinemas, amusement parks, museums, and other similar facilities are closed. 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 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.