16 Sep 2021 | 05:12 PM UTC
Netherlands: Authorities to relax COVID-19 international entry rules for fully vaccinated travelers from high-risk countries effective Sept. 22 /update 47
The Netherlands to ease COVID-19 international entry restrictions for some travelers from Sept. 22. Travel disruptions likely.
Event
The Netherlands will ease certain COVID-19-related international entry restrictions. Starting Sept. 22 all fully vaccinated travelers arriving from areas designated very high risk, including travelers from the US, the UK, Brazil, South Africa, North Macedonia, Thailand, and Kosovo, will no longer have to self-isolate upon entry. However, these travelers will still need to present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival.
Authorities classify countries as low, high, or very high risk according to the local COVID-19 situation. Travelers may enter the Netherlands from very high-risk locations outside of the EEA/Schengen Area only if they are fully vaccinated or fall under one of the exempt categories. Such individuals must also self-isolate for 10 days until updated entry restrictions take effect Sept. 22. All arrivals from high-risk locations within the EEA/Schengen Area aged 12 or older who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from the disease in the last six months must 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 taken no more than 24 hours before arrival.
Authorities have removed the category ''very high-risk area where there is a variant of concern.'' These countries are now considered either high risk or very high risk.
The Netherlands generally only permits entry to residents of the EEA, Schengen Area, Dutch Caribbean Territories, and designated low-risk countries. Officials prohibit travel from most other countries. Exemptions are in place for fully vaccinated individuals, 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. For a full list of countries and territories by classification, as well as relevant entry requirements, click here.
Domestic Restrictions
Authorities will also amend domestic measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 from Sept. 25. From this date, authorities will require residents to possess a digital health certificate to enter public spaces including catering facilities, cultural venues, and event spaces. The health certificate, either the Netherlands' CoronaCheck or the EU Digital COVID Certificate, will certify whether the carrier is vaccinated, has recovered from the disease, or tested negative within the previous 24 hours. Additionally, social distancing will no longer be recommended from Sept. 25 and capacity limits on catering establishments and other venues will be lifted.
Most establishments and businesses can currently operate provided they adhere to social distancing protocols. Facemasks will remain mandatory on public transport. There are no restrictions on private and public indoor and outdoor gatherings. A summary of official domestic COVID-19 restrictions is available 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.
