Netherlands: Authorities extend COVID-19-related flight bans with UK, South Africa, and central and southern American countries until April 1 /update 29

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands have extended a ban on flights with the UK, South Africa, and many countries in Central and South America until at least April 1 due to concerns related to variant strains of COVID-19 in those countries. The targeted locations in the Americas currently include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The ban also applies to passenger ferries from the UK; freight workers are exempt from this measure but must they must take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours prior to travel.

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, China, 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.

All permitted travelers must possess proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. All permitted travelers arriving via sea or air must also undergo a rapid COVID-19 test no more than four hours prior to boarding. Authorities will not accept results from self-administered tests. Transit passengers are also subject to this requirement. Aircrews must undergo a rapid antigen test upon disembarking. Other transport sector workers must undergo a rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours prior to departure. Additionally, all travelers must fill out a declaration form prior to entry and self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; this can be shortened by taking a COVID-19 test on or after day five of the self-isolation period. These measures do not apply to individuals arriving from Iceland, the Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, China, 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.

Domestic Restrictions
A nationwide 2100-0430 curfew is in effect until at least March 15. 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.

Domestically, some restrictions have recently been eased. High schools and other secondary schools have been permitted to resume limited in-person lessons. Nonessential retail stores have reopened for on-premises shopping, although only two customers per floor will be permitted inside stores. Beauty salons, hairdressers, and other contact professions are allowed to operate.

Domestic restrictions that remain in effect include:

• 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.

• Individuals must work from home where possible.

• Catering establishments are limited to takeout services only.

• Most educational facilities are conducting distance learning.

• 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.

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)