News item | 20-08-2021 | 10:28
There are certain things you need to know if you’re planning to travel to the Netherlands during the current pandemic. In this article Conrad van Tiggelen, director of strategy and branding at the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions, helps fill you in so you can properly prepare for your trip.
What is the current situation in the Netherlands?
‘TheNetherlands has re-opened for the most part. Some basic rules still apply, however: avoid busy places, stay 1.5 metres away from other people, wash your hands often and – if you have symptoms – stay at home and get tested. Face masks are no longer required in most public spaces. Public transport is the only exception: everyone aged 13 or older must still wear a face mask at stations and airports, on trains, buses and ferries, and in taxis.’
Is the Netherlands ready to welcome foreign tourists again?
‘Absolutely. TheNetherlands is a welcoming country and is looking forward to receiving tourists in a safe, responsible way. We’ve missed having visitors from abroad and are excited for their return. The Dutch are always happy to put their knowledge of other languages to use to help foreign visitors.’
What do tourists need to bear in mind when travelling to the Netherlands?
‘Exactly what you need to bear in mind when travelling to theNetherlands depends on where you’re travelling from, how you are travelling and whether the country you’re travelling from is on the list of safe countries and regions.’
See the information below and thischecklistfor more about travelling to theNetherlands from abroad.
Find out whether you are required to self-quarantine and what documents you need when you travelvia the check on reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl. It will give you a personal travel overview, based on your travel details.
See the list of safe countries and regions in the EU/Schengen area.
- You are travelling from a place that is on the list of safe countries/regions: you may travel to theNetherlands. You do not need proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are, however, advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
- You are travelling from a high-risk area: you may travel to theNetherlands. If you are 12 or older you must have a Digital COVID Certificate (proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or negative COVID-19 test result). You do not need to self-quarantine. You are advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
Travelling by air
If you are 13 or older and are travelling to the Netherlands by air, you are required to complete a health declaration form.Download the health declaration form here.
See the list of safe countries and regions outside the EU/Schengen area.
- You are travelling from a place that is on the list of safe countries/regions: you may travel to theNetherlands. You must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are, however, advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
- You are travelling from a high-risk area:an EU entry ban is in place for people travelling to the EU/Schengen area from places not on the list of safe countries and regions. Generally speaking you may not, therefore, travel to theNetherlands – although certain exceptions do apply. Find out who is exempt from the EU entry ban and may travel to theNetherlands. You must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
- You are travelling from a very high-risk area: you are required to show a negative test result and to self-quarantine. When arriving in theNetherlands after a stay in a very high-risk area, you must self-quarantine for 10days – this applies whether or not there is a virus variant of concern in that area. And it applies even if you have proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. If you get tested on day 5 you can shorten your quarantine period.
Travelling by air
If you are 13 or older and are travelling to theNetherlands by air, you are required to complete a health declaration form. Download the health declaration form here.
If you need a negative COVID-19 test result to travel to theNetherlands, it must be from either a NAAT (PCR) test conducted no more than 48hours before your departure or an antigen test conducted no more than 24hours before your departure. There are additional measuresif you are travelling from ahigh risk area.Find out more about test result requirementshere.
If you change planes in the Netherlands and you board your connecting flight within 24hours without leaving the airport in the meantime, you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result. If, however, you are travelling from a very high-risk area you must have a completed and signed quarantine declaration form with you, even if you have been vaccinated.Download the quarantine declaration form here.
If you are 13 or older and travelling to theNetherlands by air you are also required to complete a health declaration form, even if you are only changing planes. Download the health declaration form here.
Please note that in some cases you may require an airport transit visa.
If you will be in the Netherlands for less than 12hours you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result. If, however, you are travelling from a high-risk area you must have a completedand signed quarantine declaration form with you.Download the quarantine declaration form here.
Find out what requirements your proof of vaccination must meet >>
What should tourists bear in mind while they are visiting the Netherlands?
‘You can have a great holiday in the Netherlands. Hotels, camp sites and holiday parks are all open. There may, however, be additional rules in place. Shops, museums, amusem*nt parks and other sights and attractions are also open, but you may need to book tickets in advance. Make sure you find out ahead of time what rules apply at your accommodation and any locations you want to visit.
Restaurants, cafés and bars are open, although guests must be assigned a seat and everyone must keep 1.5 metres apart. Establishments serving food and drink may not stay open past midnight or open before 06.00 in the morning. Nightclubs and similar venues are currently closed.
Multi-day events with overnight stays are not permitted before 20September. One-day events are permitted subject to certain conditions. Event organisers may request that you show a COVID certificate to enter – for this the Dutch CoronaCheck app is required.’
What should tourists do if they become ill while in the Netherlands?
‘Stay in your accommodation and do not leave except to get tested. You can make an appointment to get tested by calling 0800 1202 (or +31 850 659 063 if you’re calling from a foreign phone) between 08.00 and 20.00. COVID-19 tests are free of charge in theNetherlands at all test locations run by the municipal health services (GGD). If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the instructions given to you by the healthcare professionals. If your symptoms are life-threatening, call the Dutch emergency number 112.’
What should foreign visitors bear in mind before leaving the Netherlands to return home?
‘Many countries consider the Netherlands to be a high-risk area. Your home country may therefore require you to show a negative test result when you return. Before leaving the Netherlands, always check the latest rules for entering your home country.’
Do you have any additional tips for holidaymakers travelling to the Netherlands?
‘There is a lot to explore in the Netherlands within a relatively short distance. Avoid busy places and seek out different adventures. Stray from the beaten path and discover some of our country’s lesser-known spots. Do as the locals do and explore by bike, for example. There are many places in the Netherlands where you can rent bikes (including e-bikes). Visit Holland.com for inspiration.
Another option is to take in Dutch culture in our museums, many of which now offer reduced admission. If you are planning to visit several museums, the Netherlands Museum Pass could be a good option for you – it offers unlimited access to more than 400 museums across the country. Due to the restrictions in place, museums may require you to book tickets. You should therefore plan your visit in good time to be sure you can get in during your stay in the Netherlands.’
