Netherlands: Authorities maintain COVID-19 countermeasures as of June 28 /update 40

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands maintain international entry and domestic restrictions as of June 28 as part of efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Authorities have designated the UK, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal as very high risk due to concerns over the spread of a COVID-19 variant strain in those countries. All travelers that arrive from very high-risk locations need to present either a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 24 hours prior to boarding transport or a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in the Netherlands coupled with a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours prior to boarding. These travelers will also need to 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. Vaccinated passengers are also subject to this requirement. Exceptions are possible for individuals with an essential function or need, such as cross-border workers, health workers, on-duty security forces, freight workers, and diplomats.

Entry is generally only permitted for residents of EEA or Schengen-associated countries, as well as those of the Dutch Caribbean Territories and a number of other countries outside Europe including Australia, China, New Zealand, Japan, Rwanda, Israel, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Individuals arriving from designated low-risk destinations must fill out a health declaration form prior to entry. There are no other entry restrictions for travelers from these locations. For a full list of low-risk countries and territories, please click here.

Officials prohibit most travel from other countries. Exemptions 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 travelers arriving via air must fill out a declaration form prior to entry.

Domestic restrictions
Certain domestic restrictions remain in place as of June 28. All establishments and businesses are permitted to operate provided a social distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is maintained. Face masks need only be worn where this is not possible, as well as on public transport. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from this requirement. Individuals may work up to half of their hours at the office in consultation with their employer. There are no restrictions on private gatherings provided social distance can be maintained. Public indoor and outdoor gatherings can proceed but must ensure that social distance can be maintained.

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