15 Dec 2021 | 11:26 AM UTC
Netherlands: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19 measures through at least Jan. 14 /update 52
Netherlands extends tighter domestic COVID-19 restrictions through at least Jan. 14; international entry restrictions remain in place.
Event
Authorities in the Netherlands have extended enhanced domestic COVID-19 countermeasures as of Dec. 15. The measures will remain in effect through at least Jan. 14
Domestic Measures
Nonessential stores and all catering facilities will be required to close 17:00-05:00; essential stores must close 20:00-05:00. Spectators will no longer be allowed at major sporting events. Residents are advised to practice social distancing, work from home where possible, and limit household visitors to four at a time.
Facemasks are mandatory in airports and railway stations, supermarkets and retail stores, and other enclosed public spaces. People over the age of 13 years require a digital health certificate - either the Netherland's CoronaCheck or the EU Digital COVID Certificate - to enter catering facilities, cultural venues, events spaces, and sporting and leisure facilities. The health certificate will certify whether the carrier is vaccinated, has recovered from the disease, or tested negative within the previous 24 hours.
A summary of official domestic COVID-19 restrictions is available by clicking here.
International Entry Restrictions
Authorities classify countries as low, high, or very high risk according to the local COVID-19 situation. Nonessential travel is permitted from EU and Schengen Area countries, Dutch Caribbean Territories, and designated low-risk countries. Nonessential travel is also permitted for fully vaccinated individuals from all countries. Exemptions are in place for 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.
Travelers from low-risk countries within the EU or Schengen Area may enter without restriction. Travelers from high-risk countries within the EU or Schengen Area must possess proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours prior to entry or a negative antigen test taken in the 24 hours prior to entry. Permitted travelers from low and high-risk countries outside the EU or Schengen Area must possess proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours prior to entry or a negative antigen test taken in the 24 hours prior to entry. Permitted travelers from very high-risk countries must have proof of vaccination in addition to a negative test meeting the same conditions as specified above; such travelers will also be required to isolate on entry for 10 days, though this can be shortened following a negative test on day five.
Tighter restrictions are in place for travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe due to concerns regarding the omicron variant of COVID-19. Flights are suspended and entry is prohibited except for Dutch, EU, and Schengen Area citizens and residents and limited categories of essential travel. Permitted travelers must possess a negative PCR test taken in the 24 hours prior to departure, or a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours prior to departure in addition to a negative antigen test taken in the 24 hours prior to departure. Such arrivals must also isolate for 10 days on arrival, and take additional tests on days one and five of the isolation period; the traveler can leave isolation if the day five test is negative.
All arrivals via air must complete a health declaration form prior to travel, available by clicking here. For a full list of entry requirements, including country and territory classification, click 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.
