04 Sep 2021 | 01:52 PM UTC
Netherlands: Authorities amend COVID-19 international entry requirements from Sept. 4 /update 45
The Netherlands updates COVID-19 entry requirements effective Sept. 4; domestic restrictions remain in place.
Event
Authorities in the Netherlands have amended international COVID-19 entry restrictions effective Sept. 4. Dutch officials now designate the US, Israel, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia as very high-risk locations. Lebanon is now designated high risk, and authorities will classify Germany and Hungary as high-risk locations from 09:00 Sept. 6.
Authorities classify countries as low (or safe), high, or very high risk according to the local COVID-19 situation. Travelers may enter the Netherlands from very high-risk locations outside of the EEA/Schengen Area only if they are fully vaccinated or fall under one of the exempt categories. Such individuals will also need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival from 09:00 Sept. 4 and will need to present a negative COVID-19 test starting Sept. 6. All arrivals from high-risk locations within the EEA/Schengen Area aged 12 or older who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from the disease in the last six months must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or a negative result from an antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before arrival.
Authorities have removed the category ''very high-risk area where there is a variant of concern.'' From Sept. 4, these countries are now considered as either high-risk or very high-risk areas.
The Netherlands generally only permits entry to residents of the EEA, Schengen Area, Dutch Caribbean Territories, and designated low-risk countries. Officials prohibit travel from most other countries. Exemptions are in place for fully vaccinated individuals, healthcare workers, people traveling to seek medical attention, those 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. For a full list of countries and territories by classification, as well as relevant entry requirements, click here.
Domestic Restrictions
Most establishments and businesses can operate provided they adhere to social distancing protocols. Facemasks are mandatory on public transport. There are no restrictions on private and public indoor and outdoor gatherings, provided individuals can maintain social distancing. A summary of official domestic COVID-19 restrictions is available here.
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.
