Netherlands: Authorities plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions from May 15 /update 37

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands plan to ease the nation's COVID-19 restrictions on international travel and domestic activities. Effective May 15, the government will lift its existing recommendation against travel to foreign countries with low infection rates. Moreover, individuals arriving from designated low-risk destinations may enter the Netherlands without restrictions. As of May 12, authorities classify Australia, China, Finland, Greece (the North Aegean region), Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Rwanda, Saba, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, South Korea, Spain (the Balearic Islands), and Thailand as low-risk countries and territories.

All other 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 result from a 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. 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. All travelers arriving via air must fill out a declaration form prior to entry.

Entry is generally only permitted for residents of 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 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.

Authorities have suspended flights from India, South Africa, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela until at least May 15 due to concerns regarding active COVID-19 variants. The suspension does not apply to cargo flights.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities also plan to ease certain domestic restrictions. Starting May 19, indoor sports facilities, as well as outdoor leisure facilities such as nature parks and zoos, will be allowed to reopen. Moreover, catering establishments will be allowed to operate their outdoor dining spaces between the hours of 06:00-20:00 rather than the current restricted hours of 12:00-18:00.

Under existing directives, nonessential shops may operate 06:00-22:00 subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. Additionally, households can host up to two guests and visit one other home per day. Some nonessential 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.

Resources

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