Netherlands: Authorities extend COVID-19-related restrictions until at least April 20, plan to ease curfew hours starting March 31 /update 31

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands have issued orders extending the country's COVID-19-related restrictions through at least April 20.

Domestic measures extended under the new directive include the following:

• 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 protective face coverings in indoor public areas and on public transport.

Nevertheless, effective March 31, the Netherlands' existing nationwide curfew will be shortened to start one hour later; the new curfew hours will run 22:00-04:30 rather than the current 21:00-04:30. During curfew hours, individuals may only leave their accommodations for essential purposes, such as work or emergencies. Persons who must go out during curfew hours need to carry a self-declaration form stating the reason for their movement; those commuting to work during curfew hours must also have an employer's declaration form. Exemptions are in place for certain groups, including first responders, emergency crews, and public transport workers.

International Entry Restrictions
Travel to the Netherlands is generally only permitted for residents of European Economic Area (EEA) or Schengen-associated countries, as well as those of the Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Officials prohibit most travel from other countries. Exemptions, however, are in place for healthcare workers, people traveling to seek medical attention, persons traveling for urgent family reasons, staff traveling to or from British or Dutch drilling platforms, air or sea crews traveling in the exercise of their work, transiting EEA or Schengen Area residents, and returning Dutch nationals and residents.

All permitted travelers must possess 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.

Authorities have extended a ban on flights with 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. Air freight transport is exempt from the travel ban.

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)