Netherlands: Authorities amend COVID-19 international entry requirements from July 27 /update 42

Event

Authorities have amended the nation's COVID-19-related entry requirements. From July 27, the Netherlands will not designate any EU countries at the orange (high) risk level except when a new variant strain is present. In addition, starting Aug. 8, all travelers aged 12 or older who have not been fully vaccinated or have not recovered from the disease in the last six months will need to show a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or a negative result from an antigen test no older than 24 hours before returning to the Netherlands from an EU country designated at the yellow (medium) level of risk. Furthermore, from Aug. 8, all travelers arriving from designated green (low) risk destinations outside of the EU will need to either present a certificate of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival.

Authorities generally permit entry for residents of EEA or Schengen-associated countries, as well as those of the Dutch Caribbean Territories and several other countries outside of the Schengen Zone, including the US, Australia, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Korea. Individuals arriving from designated low-risk destinations must fill out a health declaration form before entering. There are currently 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, 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. All travelers arriving via air must fill out a declaration form before entry.

Authorities have designated several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Bangladesh, Chile, Colombia, Pakistan, South Africa, and the UK, as very high risk due to concerns over the spread of a COVID-19 variant strain in those countries. For a full list of such countries, click here.

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 before boarding transport or a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands, coupled with a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before boarding. These travelers will also need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; they can shorten this quarantine period by taking a COVID-19 test on or after day five of self-isolation. 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.

Domestic Restrictions
Most establishments and businesses can operate provided they maintain social distancing protocols of 1.5 meters (5 feet). Facemasks are mandatory on public transport. Individuals may work up to half of their hours at the office in consultation with their employer. There are also no restrictions on private and public indoor and outdoor gatherings, provided individuals can maintain social distancing. Cafes and bars need to close by 23:59. Officials permit organized events with up to two-thirds capacity and 24-hour duration; a ban on events with overnight stays will continue until at least Sept. 1.

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)