Netherlands: Authorities maintaining most COVID-19-related measures as of March 9 /update 30

Event

As of March 9, the Netherlands is maintaining domestic and international entry measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Authorities have extended all domestic measures until March 30. 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.

The nationwide 2100-0430 curfew has been extended until 0430 March 31. 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.

International Entry Restrictions
Effective March 9, authorities have lifted a ban on passenger flights and ferries from the UK. The ban was initially imposed to stem the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 originally identified in the UK; however, this strain has spread within the Netherlands to such an extent that a travel ban has no added value. Travelers from the UK are still required to present proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Authorities previously extended the 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.

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; however, effective March 9, the list of travel exemptions has been expanded to include 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 proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 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 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)