16 Mar 2022 | 10:44 AM UTC
Netherlands: Authorities to ease COVID-19 measures from March 23 /update 60
Netherlands to ease COVID-19 measure from March 23; most domestic restrictions lifted, certain international entry restrictions remain.
Event
Authorities in the Netherlands have announced plans to further ease measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 on March 23. Almost all domestic restrictions will be lifted, though facemasks will remain mandatory at airports and on aircraft. Also, from March 23, individuals traveling to the Netherlands from EU or Schengen Area countries will be able to enter without proof of vaccination, recovery, or a recent negative test; the same applies to EU citizens from all locations.
Domestic Measures
Until March 23, facemasks remain mandatory on all public transport and pre-admission testing is mandatory for certain venues, including nightclubs and events with over 500 attendees without pre-assigned seating. Authorities advise individuals to wear disposal masks instead of homemade or cloth facemasks. For more information on Dutch measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, click here.
International Travel Restrictions
Until March 23, travelers from EU or Schengen Area countries must continue to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a recent negative test result within the 48 hours before departure for PCR tests or 24 hours before departure for antigen tests.
Travelers from designated safe countries can enter for any reason but must possess a negative COVID-19 test result meeting those same requirements. Nonessential travel from all other countries is permitted for individuals with a vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery issued by a country connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate platform only; such travelers are also required to possess a negative COVID-19 test result meeting the above conditions. For more information on traveling to the Netherlands from abroad, including country categories and any exemptions, click here.
Regardless of travel origin, all individuals aged 12 and older traveling to the Netherlands via plane must present a completed health declaration form before boarding their flight to the country; to access the form, 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.
