Netherlands: Authorities suspend flights from India April 26 due to concerns over COVID-19 variant /update 34

Netherlands suspends flights from India from 18:00 April 26; other international entry and domestic COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities will suspend flights from India as of 18:00 April 26 due to concerns regarding COVID-19 variants active in that country. The same restrictions were already in place for flights from South Africa, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The suspension does not apply to cargo flights. The measure is due for review May 1.

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 performance of their work, transiting EEA or Schengen Area residents, and returning Dutch nationals and residents.

All permitted travelers must possess either a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 24 hours prior to boarding transport or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in the Netherlands coupled with a negative rapid COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours prior to boarding. Authorities will not accept results from self-administered tests. Transit passengers are also subject to this requirement. All arrivals must also 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. Additionally, all travelers arriving via air must fill out a declaration form prior to entry. These measures do not apply to individuals arriving from low-risk countries; as of April 26 this includes Iceland, Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Portugal, and Thailand. Additional exceptions are possible for individuals with an essential function or need, such as cross-border workers, health workers, on-duty security forces, freight workers, and diplomats.

Domestic Restrictions
From April 28, the nationwide 22:00-04:30 curfew will be lifted, and catering establishments will be permitted to reopen their outdoor spaces 12:00-18:00. Nonessential shops will be able to reopen subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements between 06:00-22:00. Additionally, individuals will be able to receive up to two people at their home and visit one other home per day. Many nonessential businesses and facilities remain closed. Individuals must work from home where possible. Persons aged 13 and over must wear protective face coverings 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.