Netherlands: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from April 28 /update 33

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands plan to ease certain COVID-19-related domestic restrictions. Starting April 28, the nationwide curfew will be lifted. In addition, bars, cafes, and restaurants will be allowed to reopen their outdoor spaces daily between the hours of 12:00-18:00. All indoor and outdoor gatherings involving more than one household are limited to three persons. Individuals must work from home where possible. Persons aged 13 and over must wear protective face coverings in indoor public areas and on public transport.

International Entry Restrictions
Travel to the Netherlands is generally only permitted for residents of European Economic Area (EEA) or Schengen-associated countries, as well as those of the Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Officials prohibit most travel from other countries. Exemptions, however, 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.

All permitted travelers must possess either a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 24 hours prior to boarding transport or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in the Netherlands coupled with a negative rapid COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours prior to boarding. Authorities will not accept results from self-administered tests. Transit passengers are also subject to this requirement. Additionally, all travelers arriving via air or sea must fill out a declaration form prior to entry and 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, Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Portugal, 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.

Authorities have also extended a ban on flights with South Africa, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela until at least May 1 due to concerns related to variant strains of COVID-19 in those countries. Airfreight transport is exempt from the travel ban.

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)