Netherlands: Authorities plan to ease COVID-19 domestic restrictions from June 5 /update 38

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands plan to ease the nation's COVID-19-related restrictions. Starting June 5, authorities will allow cultural venues including museums and theaters to reopen. Catering establishments will also be able to reopen their indoor areas daily until 22:00. In addition, non-essential stores will be allowed to operate during regular business hours. Private gatherings of up to four persons will be allowed.

Nevertheless, individuals must continue to work from home where possible; persons aged 13 and over must wear protective face coverings in indoor public areas and on public transport.

International Entry Restrictions
With regard to international entry restrictions, authorities have lifted the suspension on flights from COVID-19 high-risk countries effective June 1. Travelers arriving from such locations will need to present 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. These travelers will also need to 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. Vaccinated passengers are also subject to this requirement. 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

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, Israel, 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.

Individuals arriving from designated low-risk destinations may enter the Netherlands without restrictions. As of June 3, authorities classify Australia, China, Finland, Greece (the North Aegean region), Finland, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway (except for Oslo and Agder) Portugal, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Spain (the Balearic, and the Canary Islands), Thailand, Israel Curacao, Aruba Bonaire, St Maarten, Saba, and St Eustatius as low-risk destinations.

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

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)