Netherlands: Authorities extend COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to March 2. /update 26

Event

The Netherlands has extended measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until March 2. Despite falling infection rates, authorities are concerned by the rapid spread of the UK variant of COVID-19. Households may host a maximum of one guest per day. All indoor and outdoor gatherings involving more than one household are limited to two persons. Funerals may not exceed 50 attendees. Hotels may operate but cannot serve food or drink. Libraries and community centers may operate under certain strict limitations. Persons aged 13 and over 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.

Several other domestic restrictions remain in effect until Feb. 10. A nationwide 2100-0430 curfew will remain in place until 0430 Feb. 10. People may only leave their accommodation for essential purposes, including work and emergencies, during curfew hours. Individuals who must go out during curfew hours need to carry a self-declaration curfew form, while those commuting for work must have an additional employer's declaration form. Exemptions are in place for certain groups, including first responders, emergency crews, and public transport workers.

All nonessential retail stores will remain closed until at least Feb. 10; essential stores, such as groceries and pharmacies, may continue to operate. Nonmedical contact businesses, such as beauty salons, are closed; medical contact services, such as dentistry and physiotherapy, may continue operating.

However, authorities have announced some restrictions will be eased. Childcare centers and primary schools will fully reopen Feb. 8; childcare is currently only available to the children of essential workers. High schools and higher learning facilities remain indefinitely closed.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities previously tightened international entry restrictions. International travelers arriving via air or sea must undergo a COVID-19 rapid antigen test no more than four hours prior to boarding their flight or ferry. Transit passengers are also subject to this requirement. Air crews must undergo a rapid antigen test upon disembarking. Ship crews may undergo a rapid antigen test up to 24 hours prior to departure.

Rapid antigen tests are required in addition to negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, which are required for most travelers arriving by air, sea, or land; the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. All arrivals, including Dutch nationals, must also fill out a negative test declaration form prior to travel. Additionally, all travelers 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 are possible for individuals with an essential function or need, such as health workers, on-duty security forces, freight workers, and diplomats.

Officials previously suspended flights from non-EU and Schengen-associated states that have identified variants of COVID-19, effective Jan. 23. These locations currently include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, the UK, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The flight ban will be in effect until at least Feb. 19.

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

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.

Resources

Government of the Netherlands
Rapid Test Requirements
Negative Test Declaration Form
Self-Declaration Curfew Form (Dutch)
Employer's Declaration Curfew Form (Dutch)
Schengen Area Countries
World Health Organization (WHO)