Netherlands: Authorities extend COVID-19 curfew until March 15 /update 28

Event

Authorities have extended the nationwide 2100-0430 curfew imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 until 0430 March 15; authorities are concerned by the rapid spread of the UK variant of COVID-19 in the country. People may only leave their accommodation for essential purposes, including work and emergencies, during curfew hours. Individuals who must go out during curfew hours need to carry a self-declaration curfew form, while those commuting for work must have an additional employer's declaration form. Exemptions are in place for certain groups, including first responders, emergency crews, and public transport workers.

Authorities also announced that some domestic restrictions will be eased in the coming days. High schools and other secondary schools will be permitted to resume limited in-person lessons from March 1. Nonessential retail stores will be permitted to reopen for in-person shopping from March 3; only two customers per floor will be permitted inside stores. Beauty salons, hairdressers, and other contact professions may also reopen from March 3.

Further domestic restrictions that remain in effect include:

• Households may host a maximum of one guest per day.

• All indoor and outdoor gatherings involving more than one household are limited to two persons.

• Individuals must work from home where possible.

• Catering establishments are limited to takeout services only.

• Most educational facilities are conducting distance learning.

• Funerals may not exceed 50 attendees.

• Hotels may operate but cannot serve food or drink.

• Libraries and community centers may operate under certain strict limitations.

• Persons aged 13 and over must wear a protective face covering in indoor public areas and on public transport.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities previously tightened international entry restrictions. International travelers intending to arrive via air or sea must undergo a COVID-19 rapid antigen test no more than four hours prior to boarding their flight or ferry. Authorities will not accept results from self-administered tests. Transit passengers are also subject to this requirement. Air crews must undergo a rapid antigen test upon disembarking. Other transport sector workers must undergo a rapid antigen test up to 24 hours prior to departure.

Rapid antigen tests are required in addition to negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, which are required for most travelers arriving by air, sea, or land; the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. All arrivals, including Dutch nationals, must also fill out a negative test declaration form prior to travel. Additionally, all travelers must 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. These measures do not apply to individuals arriving from Iceland, China, the Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand; additional exceptions are possible for individuals with an essential function or need, such as health workers, on-duty security forces, freight workers, and diplomats.

Flights from the UK, South Africa, and many countries in Central and South America are currently suspended over concerns related to variant strains of COVID-19. These locations currently include Cape Verde, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The flight ban will be in effect until at least March 4.

Travel to the Netherlands is generally only permitted for European Economic Area (EEA) residents or Schengen-associated countries and residents of Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Officials prohibit most travel from other countries except for transit and limited essential purposes, including urgent health and family reasons.

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
Rapid Test Requirements
Negative Test Declaration Form
Self-Declaration Curfew Form (Dutch)
Employer's Declaration Curfew Form (Dutch)
Schengen Area Countries
World Health Organization (WHO)