Netherlands: Authorities tighten COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers from the UK, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal as of June 15 /update 39

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands are designating the UK, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal as very high risk as of June 15 due to concerns over the spread of a COVID-19 virus variant strain in those countries. All travelers that arrive from very high-risk locations need to present either a negative result from a COVID-19 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 antigen 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, Japan, 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 15, authorities classify Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, France (only the island of Corsica), Germany, Greece (the North Aegean Region and the Ionian Islands Region only) Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, San Marino, Vatican, New Zealand, Norway (except for Oslo and Agder), Portugal, Poland, Rwanda, Slovakia, Luxembourg 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.

Domestic restrictions
Certain domestic restrictions remain in place as of June 15. 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. Private gatherings of up to four persons are allowed. Most nonessential stores have been allowed to reopen.

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)