Source: European Union/Re-open EU
10.01.2023
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in the Netherlands, except for travellers coming from China. They must have a negative COVID-19 test result (antigen test or molecular test — PCR/Nucleic acid amplification test) taken within the 48 hours prior to departure, before they can board the plane to the Netherlands. They are required to present the COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival.
Exemptions:
- children under the age of 12
- persons who only make a transfer in China
- holders of a diplomatic identity card *
- staff members of diplomatic and consular representations or international organizations in the Netherlands, and members of their official households *
- heads of state and members of a foreign government
- persons traveling for humanitarian reasons
- persons who perform work related to the readiness or actual deployment of personnel assigned to the Ministry of Defence *
- personnel involved in a professional capacity in the operation of a flight
- persons with a NATO Travel Order or a NATO-2 visa
- persons who travel and perform tasks of national importance on the instructions of the Minister or State Secretary of Justice and Security and any persons who are accompanied by them.
Please check Travelling to the Netherlands from abroad to see the detailed list of exemptions.
The COVID-19 test certificate must contain the following information:
- data that makes it possible to identify the tested person and the date of testing
- the result of the antigen test or molecular test — PCR/Nucleic acid amplification test
- the conclusion stated in Dutch or English that the tested person is not infected with COVID-19 at that time
- a logo or mark of an institution or doctor where or by whom the test was administered.
Travellers will receive a free COVID-19 self-test and information about its use at the Schiphol airport. It is advised that they perform a self-test as soon as possible and go into isolation in case the result is positive.
Learn more:
Visitors from China
Travelling to the Netherlands
COVID-19 information
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
15.07.2022
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in the Netherlands. Providing proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result is not required.
Learn more:
Travelling to the Netherlands
COVID-19 information
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
An overview of entry rules depending on the country of departure is available on reizentijdenscorona.nl. There is a travel ban for most non-EU and non-Schengen countries.
Travellers must provide one of the following documents:
- Proof of full vaccination
Validity: between 14 days (or 28 days for people who were administered the COVID-19 Jcovden (Janssen) vaccine) and 270 days after the primary vaccination series is completed, and indefinitely after the booster dose.
Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorised in the European Union and by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Travellers can provide proof of vaccination with an 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' (EUDCC) or equivalent documents, or with a valid certificate of vaccination meeting the requirements listed above, in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish. In addition, they must fill in a Vaccine Declaration COVID-19 form. - Proof of recovery from COVID-19
Validity: between 11 and 180 days.
Proof of recovery is only accepted as an 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' (EUDCC) or as equivalent documents. The test result must be in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish.
In addition, travellers must fill in the COVID-19 Recovery Declaration form.
A list of exemptions for certain categories of travellers is available on the webpage Entering the Netherlands from non-EU countries.
Learn more:
Travelling to the Netherlands
COVID-19 information
COVID Certificates: frequent problems and solutions
May I transit this country?
Transit and short stays in the Netherlands are allowed for:
- Travellers from EU and Schengen Associated countries.
- Travellers from safe countries and areas.
- Travellers coming from outside the EU or Schengen zone who hold proof of full vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Documents must meet the requirements listed in the section Entering this country from outside an EU or Schengen Associated country.
- Travellers coming from outside the EU or Schengen zone in transit to a non-EU / non-Schengen Associated country, if they hold proof of a connecting flight departing within 48 hours. These travellers must not leave the airport.
- Travellers in transit to an EU or Schengen Associated country, if they meet the requirements of their country of destination. Note: official documents or an airport transit visa could be necessary.
Learn more:
Checklist for transit or short stay in the Netherlands
National website on the coronavirus
National coronavirus helpline
+31 800-1351
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
21.04.2022
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted. Travelers do not need to fill in any form, nor to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result.
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travellers entering the Netherlands are not subject to further testing/quarantine if they provide one of the following documents:
- Proof of full vaccination.
Validity: 270 days after receiving the final dose of the primary vaccination, or with one dose of vaccine administered followed by recovery from COVID-19, and indefinitely after receiving the booster vaccination.
Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO): Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Nuvaxovid (Novavax), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Janssen, COVAXIN (Bharat Biotech International Ltd), Covovax, Serum Institute of India (Covishield), Sinopharm BIBP/Sinopharm BBIBP, Sinovac (Coronavac). - Proof of recovery from COVID-19.
Validity: between 11 and 180 days.
Note: proof of recovery is only accepted as an ‘ EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC), issued an EU country or in one of the countries that are part of the EUDCC system. The test result must be in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish.
Learn more:
Rules for entering the Netherlands
EU entry ban for travellers from non-EU countries
COVID Certificates: frequent problems and solutions
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
Transit and short stays in the Netherlands are allowed in the following cases:
- Travelers from EU and Schengen Associated countries
- Travelers from safe countries and areas
- Travelers who hold proof of full vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Documents must meet the requirements listed in the section Entering this country from outside an EU or Schengen Associated country.
- Travelers falling under one of the exemption categories:
- If travelling through the Netherlands to a non-EU/Schengen country. A connecting flight to a country outside the Schengen area must be proved. The connecting flight must depart within 48 hours of an arrival in the Netherlands. Do not leave the airport’s international transit zone in this period. Please note: the United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
- If travelling to an EU country/Schengen area country via the Netherlands. A permission to enter the EU country/Schengen country in question must be showed: note verbal from that country’s embassy, for example, or another type of document that proves you can travel there will be accepted. If such a document is not in your possession, the Dutch border authorities will determine whether you may travel via the Netherlands. Without a document showing the permission to enter the EU country/Schengen country in question, fly there directly and not via the Netherlands. If there is a short stop to make at a Dutch airport, an airport transit visa will be needed. Please note: the United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
Learn more:
Checklist for transit or short stay in the Netherlands
National health measures
In the Netherlands, providing proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result is not required to access public spaces.
Learn more:
Rules for entering the Netherlands
Use of facemasks
It is mandatory to wear a face mask in all areas inside airports and on planes. Wearing facemasks in busy places is recommended.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
There are no longer restrictions on the number of people at gatherings and events.
Safety measures for public transportation
It is mandatory to wear a face mask in and around public transport, in all areas inside airports and on planes.
Places of worship
OPEN
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN
Tourist accommodations
OPEN
Catering establishments
OPEN
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN
Personal care services
OPEN
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In case of symptoms suggesting possible infection with coronavirus, it is necessary to remain inside and arranging an appointment for a PCR test by calling 0800-1202 or +31 850 659 063.
For further details, please visit: Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
Information on Tourism at Regional level
Drenthe
Flevoland
Friesland (NL)
Gelderland
Groningen
Limburg (NL)
Noord-Brabant
Noord-Holland
Overijssel
Utrecht
Zeeland
Zuid-Holland
_______________________________________________________________________________________
02.03.2022
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Document checklist:
Travellers must provide all the following documents:
- Health declaration form: all travellers must fill it in before entering the Netherlands.
- Proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Travellers who cannot present either of these two documents must present a negative result to a pre-departure RT-PCR test (valid 48 hours) and rapid antigen test (valid 24 hours).
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the national checklists for entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad.
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
All travellers aged 12 and older can enter the Netherlands if their ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ contains one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination, valid 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or 28 days after receiving the Janssen vaccine. Accepted vaccines: BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- Negative result to a pre-departure molecular test (valid 48 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid 24 hours).
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Documents equivalent to the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) in English or Dutch are also accepted, if they meet the same requirements listed above for the EUDCC.
Learn more:
______________________
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about your passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the national checklists for entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad.
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Document checklist:
Travellers must provide all the following documents:
- Health declaration form: all travellers must fill it in before entering the Netherlands.
- Negative result to a pre-departure RT-PCR test (valid 48 hours) and rapid antigen test (valid 24 hours).
Learn more:
What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?
The Netherlands recommends to always check the travel information for the destination. And make sure to arrange a
- COVID certificate (DCC) for travel within Europe or a
- COVID certificate for travel outside the EU/Schengen area
The Netherlands divides areas and countries, depending on their epidemiological situation, into different categories. The Dutch official travel advice provides an indication of the security situation in a country in relation to the coronavirus pandemic (in Dutch).
Countries are classified as:
- Countries with no special security risks (green);
- Countries with heightened safety and health risks and where measures have been taken that have a limited impact on daily life (yellow);
- Countries where daily life is seriously disrupted. In addition, there may also be an entry ban for travellers from the Netherlands. Non-essential travel is advised against (orange);
- Countries where, due to very serious safety risks, all types of travel is strongly advised against (red).
Travelling to countries or zones with a travel advisory compatible with the latter two categories is strongly discouraged.
Learn more:
Travelling and going on holiday (for people in the Netherlands)
Check the rules for quarantine applicable to you
Checklist for entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
EU entry ban for high-risk areas outside the EU/Schengen area
A European entry ban is in effect for some people, barring them from travelling from a high-risk area to the European Union or the Schengen area.
You may transit in the Netherlands only if one of the following applies to you:
- You are travelling from a safe country/region where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.
You will find the lists of safe areas/countries within and outside the EU/Schengen area in the checklists for entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad.
- You have been fully vaccinated.
- The purpose of your trip falls under one of the exemption categories:
- You are travelling through the Netherlands to a non-EU/Schengen country. You must prove that you have a connecting flight to a country outside the Schengen area. The connecting flight must depart within 48 hours of your arrival in the Netherlands. You must not leave the airport’s international transit zone in this period. Please note: the United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
- You are travelling to an EU country/Schengen area country via the Netherlands. You must be able to show you have permission to enter the EU country/Schengen country in question. You can do this with a note verbal from that country’s embassy, for example, or another type of document that proves you can travel there. If you do not have such a document, the Dutch border authorities will determine whether you may travel via the Netherlands. Without a document showing you have permission to enter the EU country/Schengen country in question, you are advised to fly there directly and not via the Netherlands. If you will be making a short stop at a Dutch airport you may need an airport transit visa. Please note: the United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
Quarantine declaration requirement (only outside the EU/Schengen area)
When you transfer in the Netherlands, and your area of departure outside the EU/Schengen area is considered very high risk, you must be able to show a completed, printed, and signed quarantine declaration. This requirement also applies even if you have been vaccinated.
- You will find a list of areas that are considered very high risk in the checklist for entering or returning to the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area. The United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
- The quarantine declaration
No proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or negative COVID-19 test result requirement
If you transfer/transit in the Netherlands you do no need to show a negative COVID-19 test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery on arrival in the Netherlands.
Please note: this exemption only applies if you change planes and continue your journey within a few hours, and in any case within 1 day without leaving the airport where you transfer. You do need a negative COVID-19 test if you continue your journey with any other mode of transportation.
Important! All travellers aged 12 and older entering this country by air must fill in health declaration form before departure.
Learn more:
Checklist for transit or short stay in the Netherlands
General measures
In the Netherlands, holding an 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' (EUDCC) is not necessary to access public spaces anymore. Restrictions to access events, bars, clubs and other public places and services have been lifted.
Please note that for indoor locations with more than 500 visitors per event and without assigned seating (nightclub or a live music venue), the pre-admission testing (1G) has been put in place. Everyone aged 13 and older, going to a large-scale event, must show a negative test result. This applies to indoor locations with more than 500 visitors per event and without assigned seating.
Advice on limiting the spread of the coronavirus
- It is recommended to work no more than half your normal working time at your workplace.
- Do a self-test if you are visiting or going to a busy place with lots of people.
- Wear a face mask where this is required or advised.
- Get a vaccine or booster shot.
- Stay at home and take a self-test if you have any symptoms.
- People who test positive for coronavirus must self-isolate. Anyone who lives with, or is travelling with someone who tests positive must self-isolate, unless they received their booster vaccination at least 1 week ago, they tested positive less than 8 weeks ago or their employer shows that they are needed at work and meet conditions of employees in essential business processes. This only applies if they do not have and COVID-19 symptoms. If you are unsure whether you need to self-quarantine, do the Quarantine Check.
Use of facemasks
It is mandatory to wear a face mask in and around public transport, in all areas inside airports and in aircraft.
Physical Distancing
Stay 1.5 meters from others, including when visiting people and at work
If people are close to each other, they can easily pass on the virus, even if they have been vaccinated. The following rules apply:
- Everyone aged 18 and over must stay 1.5 meters from people they do not live with, including at locations where a coronavirus entry pass is required.
- Work from home. If this is impossible: stay 1.5 meters apart at work.
- Do a self-test before visiting others or going to busy places.
- Wear a face mask where this is required or advised.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Pre-admission testing (1G)
Everyone aged 13 and older, going to a large-scale event, must show a negative test result. This applies to indoor locations with more than 500 visitors per event and without assigned seating. For example, at a nightclub or a live music venue.
Learn more:
Pre-admission testing for visitors to large events
Safety measures for public transportation
It is mandatory to wear a face mask in and around public transport, in all areas inside airports and in aircraft.
Places of worship
Open
OPEN
Quarantine
Self-quarantine
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should always self-quarantine. There are other circumstances in which you may need to self-quarantine, depending on your situation. If you arrive in the Netherlands from a very high-risk area, you must self-quarantine. If a coronavirus test shows that you are infected, you must self-isolate, even if you are protected against coronavirus.
Learn more:
Self-quarantining and self-isolating due to coronavirus
Quarantine and families with children
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Open with limitations
OPEN
Tourist accommodations
Open with limitations
OPEN
Catering establishments
Open with limitations
OPEN
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
Open with limitations
OPEN
Personal care services
Open with limitations
OPEN
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In case of symptoms suggesting possible infection with coronavirus, it is necessary to remain inside and arranging an appointment for a PCR test by calling 0800-1202 or +31 850 659 063.
For further details, please visit: Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
27.01.2022
EU Digital COVID Certificates
Information on ‘EU Digital COVID Certificates’bissued in the NETHERLANDS
Important: In the Netherlands, the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) is required to some access public spaces, such as bars and restaurants, museums, swimming pools, large events, etc. Please, consult the measures section for further details. Travellers are strongly advised to carry relevant certificates at all times.
The 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' (EUDCC) is digital proof, valid in all EU countries, that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered from COVID-19, or has received a negative test result. National authorities are responsible for issuing the certificate. All EU citizens and their family members, as well as non-EU nationals who are legally staying or residing in an EU country and have the right to travel within the EU, can get the EUDCC. A list of non-EU countries and territories whose certificates are accepted under the same conditions as the EUDCC is also available.
Note: although the 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' is valid across the EU, countries remain responsible for their own entry rules and health measures during the pandemic. This means that entry requirements depend on your destination.
As of 1 February 2022, vaccination certificates will be valid for travel purposes within the EU for a period of 9 months (270 days).
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Document checklist:
Travellers must provide all the following documents:
- Health declaration form: all travellers must fill it in before entering the Netherlands.
- Proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Travellers who cannot present either of these two documents must present a negative result to a pre-departure RT-PCR test (valid 48 hours) and rapid antigen test (valid 24 hours).
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the national classification to the country of departure, according to the Netherlands’ own national classification of risk areas.
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
All travellers aged 12 and older can enter the Netherlands if their ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ contains one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination, valid 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or 28 days after receiving the Janssen vaccine. Accepted vaccines: BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- Negative result to a pre-departure molecular test (valid 48 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid 24 hours).
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Documents equivalent to the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) in English or Dutch are also accepted, if they meet the same requirements listed above for the EUDCC.
Learn more:
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entry rules
Entry requirements depend on the national classification to the country of departure, according to the Netherlands’ own national classification of risk areas.
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Document checklist:
Travellers must provide all the following documents:
- Health declaration form: all travellers must fill it in before entering the Netherlands.
- Negative result to a pre-departure RT-PCR test (valid 48 hours) and rapid antigen test (valid 24 hours).
Learn more:
What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?
The Netherlands recommends to always check the travel information for the destination. And make sure to arrange a
- COVID certificate (DCC) for travel within Europe or a
- COVID certificate for travel outside the EU/Schengen area
The Netherlands divides areas and countries, depending on their epidemiological situation, into different categories. The Dutch official travel advice provides an indication of the security situation in a country in relation to the coronavirus pandemic (in Dutch).
Countries are classified as:
- Countries with no special security risks (green);
- Countries with heightened safety and health risks and where measures have been taken that have a limited impact on daily life (yellow);
- Countries where daily life is seriously disrupted. In addition, there may also be an entry ban for travellers from the Netherlands. Non-essential travel is advised against (orange);
- Countries where, due to very serious safety risks, all types of travel is strongly advised against (red).
Travelling to countries or zones with a travel advisory compatible with the latter two categories is strongly discouraged.
Learn more:
Travelling and going on holiday (for people in the Netherlands)
Check the rules for quarantine applicable to you
Checklist for entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
EU entry ban for high-risk areas outside the EU/Schengen area
A European entry ban is in effect for some people, barring them from travelling from a high-risk area to the European Union or the Schengen area.
You may transit in the Netherlands only if one of the following applies to you:
- You are travelling from a safe country/region where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.
You will find the lists of safe areas/countries within and outside the EU/Schengen area in the checklists for entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad.
- You have been fully vaccinated.
- The purpose of your trip falls under one of the exemption categories:
- You are travelling through the Netherlands to a non-EU/Schengen country. You must prove that you have a connecting flight to a country outside the Schengen area. The connecting flight must depart within 48 hours of your arrival in the Netherlands. You must not leave the airport’s international transit zone in this period. Please note: the United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
- You are travelling to an EU country/Schengen area country via the Netherlands. You must be able to show you have permission to enter the EU country/Schengen country in question. You can do this with a note verbal from that country’s embassy, for example, or another type of document that proves you can travel there. If you do not have such a document, the Dutch border authorities will determine whether you may travel via the Netherlands. Without a document showing you have permission to enter the EU country/Schengen country in question, you are advised to fly there directly and not via the Netherlands. If you will be making a short stop at a Dutch airport you may need an airport transit visa. Please note: the United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
Quarantine declaration requirement (only outside the EU/Schengen area)
When you transfer in the Netherlands, and your area of departure outside the EU/Schengen area is considered very high risk, you must be able to show a completed, printed, and signed quarantine declaration. This requirement also applies even if you have been vaccinated.
- You will find a list of areas that are considered very high risk in the checklist for entering or returning to the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area. The United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the EU/Schengen area.
- The quarantine declaration
No proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or negative COVID-19 test result requirement
If you transfer/transit in the Netherlands you do no need to show a negative COVID-19 test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery on arrival in the Netherlands.
Please note: this exemption only applies if you change planes and continue your journey within a few hours, and in any case within 1 day without leaving the airport where you transfer. You do need a negative COVID-19 test if you continue your journey with any other mode of transportation.
Important! All travellers aged 12 and older entering this country by air must fill in health declaration form before departure.
Learn more:
Checklist for transit or short stay in the Netherlands
General measures
Information on the situation in the country is available on the official website on COVID-19 information.
The current measures are valid until at least 8 March 2022, regardless of the rate of infection.
Important: In the Netherlands, the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) is required to access the following public spaces:
- Catering establishments
- Leisure and cultural activities
- Sports activities
- Indoors and outdoors events
To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination, valid 14 daysafter receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or 28 days after receiving the Janssen vaccine. Accepted vaccines: BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days.
- Negative molecular (valid 48 hours) or antigen test result (valid 24 hours).
Citizens of countries that do not issue the EUDCC should provide equivalent certificates in English or Dutch.
Travellers are strongly advised to carry relevant certificates at all times.
Learn more:
Dutch measures against coronavirus: basic rules for everyone
Use of facemasks
The face mask rules have been expanded. You are advised to wear a face mask wherever it is difficult to stay 1.5 meters from others. This includes busy outdoor locations, such as shopping streets, and busy indoor locations, such as at work. You are advised to wear disposable face masks, not fabric or homemade face masks.
Physical Distancing
Stay 1.5 meters from others, including when visiting people and at work
If people are close to each other, they can easily pass on the virus, even if they have been vaccinated. The following rules apply:
- Everyone aged 18 and over must stay 1.5 meters from people they do not live with, including at locations where a coronavirus entry pass is required.
- Work from home. If this is impossible: stay 1.5 meters apart at work.
- Do a self-test before visiting others or going to busy places.
- Wear a face mask where this is required or advised.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Events are permitted between 5 AM and 10 PM under certain conditions.
- Events with assigned seats and events with a constant flow of people are permitted under certain conditions. Indoors, the maximum number of people per space is 1,250.
- Events without assigned seats, such as festival, are not permitted.
Please note that the EUDCC is required to access events such as festivals and concerts, business events, such as trade shows and conferences.
Private gatherings
- Receive no more than 4 visitors a day (not including children under 13).
- Visit no more that 1 household a day.
- Do a self-test before visiting others.
Safety measures for public transportation
Public transport
Facemasks must be worn on trains, trams, buses, metros, ferries, and aircraft, at stations (including in shops) on platforms and at tram and bus stops. Passengers who do not wear a facemask can be fined 95€.
Commercial transport
Passengers aged 13 and over are required to wear a face mask on commercial transport (such as taxis, passenger vans and coaches) if there is more than 1 passenger.
Private transport
- There may be no more than one person aged 13 or over from a different household in the vehicle.
- People are advised to wear a face mask if they are sharing a vehicle with someone from another household.
Places of worship
OPEN
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Religious activities and services can be carried out inside and outside places of worship, provided they adhere to strict health protocols. For some religious gatherings, a coronavirus entry pass system might apply. Church services should not take place between 5pm and 5am.
Quarantine
For some travellers a mandatory quarantine is in place. Different kinds of rules apply depending on your place of departure.
Use the Quarantine Check for Travellers to find out what you need to arrange if you are travelling to the Netherlands from abroad, such as a negative COVID-19 test result and/or a quarantine declaration. The tool also tells you if you need to self-quarantine on arrival.
Please note that if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should always self-quarantine. There are other circumstances in which you may need to self-quarantine, depending on your situation. If you arrive in the Netherlands from a very high-risk area, you must self-quarantine unless you are fully vaccinated. If a coronavirus test shows that you are infected, you must self-isolate, even if you are protected against coronavirus.
Self-quarantine
After close contact with a person who has coronavirus, you do not need to self-quarantine if you have no symptoms, and
- You had a booster vaccination at least 1 week ago, or
- You tested positive less than 8 weeks ago.
Learn more:
Self-quarantine upon arrival in the Netherlands
Self-quarantining and self-isolating due to coronavirus
Quarantine and families with children
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Non-essential shops can open to the public from 5 AM to 10 PM.
Tourist accommodations
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Tourism accommodations are open. Campsites and holiday parks are open. On-site restaurants and bars will close between 5am and 5pm. No coronavirus entry pass will be required to stay a night or to book a meeting room but only for restaurant and swimming pool or gym. Please note that a coronavirus entry pass is also required for guests who have not booked a room and who wants to go inside to use the toilet or pay.
Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Restaurants, cafés, and bars can open to the public from 5 AM to 10 PM. Please note that the EUDCC is required the locations, except for takeaway.
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
All recreational locations (included casinos), cultural venues and sports facilities can open to the public from 5 AM to 10 PM. Please note that the EUDCC is required to access the locations.
Cultural activities (such as music and dance lessons) are permitted. No time restrictions apply. Performing for audiences is not allowed yet.
People below 18 years are exempt from the EUDCC requirements for:
- Indoor sport venues, including gyms and swimming pools
- Sports clubhouses
- Artistic and cultural activities, such as music and painting lessons and singing, dance and theatre rehearsals.
Personal care services
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
All contact-based industries, such as hairdressers and beauty salons, can open to the public from 5 AM to 10 PM.
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN
Beaches and most outdoor areas are open. People that do not belong to the same household should keep 1.5 metres apart.
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In case of symptoms suggesting possible infection with coronavirus, it is necessary to remain inside and arranging an appointment for a PCR test by calling 0800-1202 or +31 850 659 063.
For further details, please visit: Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
Other measures
Education and childcare
- Daycare centers for children aged 0 to 4 and out-of-school care are open.
- Primary schools, secondary schools, secondary vocational education (MBO) and higher education (HBO and universities) are open.
At home and work
- Stay at home as much as possible. If you do go out, limit contact with others and stay 1.5 metres apart.
- If you test positive for coronavirus, you must self-isolate. The people you live with do not have to self-quarantine if they tested positive for coronavirus less than 8 weeks ago and have fully recovered, or if they received their booster vaccination at least 1 week ago.
- If you are unsure whether you need to self-quarantine, do the Quarantine Check.
- Work from home. If this is impossible, stay 1.5 metres apart at work.
- Receive no more than 4 visitors aged 13 and over per day.
- Visit no more than 1 household a day.
- Do a self-test before visiting others or receiving visitors.
- People aged 70 and over are advised to limit contact with others, including children, and to stay 1.5 metres apart from others.
- Outside homes, the advised maximum group size for people aged 13 and over is 4. There are allowed to be more than 4 people in a group if everyone in the group lives at the same address.
__________________________________________________________________________________
09.12.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Mandatory travel documentation
All travellers entering this country by air must fill in a Health declaration Form.
Entry requirements depend from two main national classification attributed to the country/region of departure. NETHERLANDS own national classification of risk areas (https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist-entry/from-the-eu ) are the following: Safe country/region within the EU/Schengen area or High risk area
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Travellers are advised to consult current measures on https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist-entry/from-the-eu
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Travellers from Safe country/region within the EU/Schengen area’ (according to the NETHERLANDS classificationhttps://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist-entry/from-the-eu), are submitted to no restrictions. Except the fact that they must fill-in a health declaration if they are travelling by air. They are also advised to take a coronavirus test after arriving in the Netherlands.
Travellers from High risk areas (according to the NETHERLANDS classification -https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist-entry/from-the-eu) can enter this country if their EUDCC contains one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination. Netherlands considers it not valid until 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) or 28 days after receiving the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days following a positive result from a NAAT (PCR) test
- Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: no more than 48 hours before departure in the foreign country. For a rapid test result the test must be a rapid test conducted up to 24 hours before departure. Usually this is an antigen test but it can also be a NAAT (PCR) test.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Travellers can access THE NETHERLANDS if they hold one of the following documents:
- Proof of full vaccination completed at least 14 days after vaccination (28 days for Janssen) travelling. Accepted vaccines: Moderna, BioNTech/Pfizer or AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: is you tested positive for Corona at least 11 days ago and no longer than 180 days.
- Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: no more than 48 hours before departure in the foreign country. For a rapid test result the test must be a rapid test conducted up to 24 hours before departure. Usually this is an antigen test, but it can also be a NAAT (PCR) test.
If you receive a third dose, this will not affect the validity of your proof of vaccination. The proof of vaccination showing you have received two doses (or one dose in the case of the Janssen vaccine) will remain valid.
However, you can choose to generate a proof of vaccination via CoronaCheck showing you have received a third dose. You will then receive an additional international QR code that shows this.
Find out more:
National health institute
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Mandatory travel documentation
All travellers entering this country by air must fill in a Health Declaration.
Entry requirements depend on the classification attributed to the country of departure, according to the NETHERLANDS own national classification of risk areas: Safe country/ region -High risk area -Very high risk area
Only travellers coming from countries listed on the country's website can enter this country
Safe country/region from outside the EU/Schengen area:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Canada
- Chile
- China (the EU travel ban applies until China lifts entry restrictions on European travellers)
- Colombia
- Faroe Islands
- Greenland
- Hong Kong SAR
- Indonesia
- Kuwait
- Macau SAR
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Svalbard
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Saba
- St Eustacius
The status of these countries may change. Please consult this page regularly for the latest information.
Travellers coming from high-risk areas (countries and regions that are not on the list of safe countries/regions or on the lists of very high-risk areas are considered high-risk areas on this page) are submitted to the following requirements:
- The purpose of your trip must fall under one ofthe exemption categories
- Mandatory negative COVID-19 test result
- No self-quarantine required
- Health declaration
- Take a test (even if you have no symptoms and/or have been vaccinated)
Travellers coming from very high-risk areas according to the Netherlands classification:
- Afghanistan
- Anguilla
- Armenia(until 7 December 2021 5:00 PM, high-risk area from 7 December 2021 5:00 PM onwards)
- Barbados
- Belize (until 7 December 2021 5:00 PM, high-risk area from 7 December 2021 5:00 PM onwards)
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Georgia
- Haiti
- Jordan(from 7 December 2021 5:00 PM onwards, mandatory quarantine from 7 December 5:00 PM onwards, mandatory negative testresult from 9 December 5:00 PM)
- Mauritius (from 7 December 2021 5:00 PM onwards, mandatory quarantine from 7 December 5:00 PM onwards, mandatory negative testresult from 9 December 5:00 PM)
- Montenegro
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Somalia
- Trinidad and Tobago (from 7 December 2021 5:00 PM onwards, mandatory quarantine from 7 December 5:00 PM onwards, mandatory negative testresult from 9 December 5:00 PM)
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Venezuela
Are submitted to the following requirements:
- EU entry ban for (very) high-risk areas outside the EU/Schengen area. But trips can be allowed if it falls under one ofthe exemption categories.
- Mandatory quarantine
- Negative COVID-19 test result Health declaration
Travellers coming from very high-risk areas where there is a virus variant of concern according to the Netherlands classification:
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria (from 6 December 2021 onwards)
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
Are ban from entering Netherlands. There are exemptions for travellers with a Dutch or other EU/Schengen passport.
Children below 12 years are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
Find out more
Ban on flights from southern Africa
For travel outside Europe,the EU list of safe countries applies. People travelling from countries on this list can enter the Netherlands but must show a negative test result or proof of vaccination.
From 20 October 23:59 hours, Morocco bans all direct passenger flights from and to the Netherlands.
What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?
The Netherlands recommends to always check the travel information for the destination. And make sure to arrange a
- COVID certificate (DCC) for travel within Europe or a
- COVID certificate for travel outside the EU/Schengen area
More information on Travelling and going on holiday (for people in the Netherlands)
The Netherlands divides areas and countries, depending on their epidemiological situation, into different categories. The Dutch official travel advice provides an indication of the security situation in a country in relation to the coronavirus pandemic (in Dutch).
Countries are classified as:
- Countries with no special security risks (green);
- Countries with heightened safety and health risks and where measures have been taken that have a limited impact on daily life (yellow);
- Countries where daily life is seriously disrupted. In addition, there may also be an entry ban for travellers from the Netherlands. Non-essential travel is advised against (orange);
- Countries where, due to very serious safety risks, all types of travel is strongly advised against (red).
Travelling to countries or zones with a travel advisory compatible with the latter two categories is strongly discouraged.
Find out more:
Travel advice for individual countries (in Dutch)
Check the rules for quarantine applicable to you
Checklist for entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad
May I transit this country?
YES
If you transit in the Netherlands, you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery on arrival in the Netherlands. Please not that this exemption only applies if you change planes and continue your journey withing a few hours, and in any case within 1 day without leaving the airport where you transfer. You do need a negative COVID-19 test if you continue your journey with any other mode of transportation.
All travellers aged 12 or older must fill in a health declaration and always carry it. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally when you check in.
PARTIALLY
Do you wish to transit/transfer in the Netherlands or are you travelling by car or motorcycle and staying in the Netherlands for a short period of time (less than 12 hours)? Use this checklist.
General measures
Basic rules for everyone
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
- Stay 1.5 metres apart.
- If you have symptoms, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible.
- Ensure a good flow of fresh air indoors.
At home and at work
- Stay home as much as possible.
- If a member of your household tests positive for coronavirus, they must self-isolate. All other members of the household must self-quarantine, even if they have been vaccinated or have had coronavirus before. If you are unsure whether you need to self-quarantine, do the Quarantine Check.
- Work from home, if that is not possible, stay 1.5 meters apart at work.
- Receive no more than 4 visitors a day in your home, not counting children under 13.
- Limit visits to one a day.
- Do a self-test before visiting others or receiving visitors.
- Take extra care in situations where people aged 70 and over come into contact with children under 13.
Find out more
Dutch measures against coronavirus: basic rules for everyone
Use of facemasks
Settings in which face masks are mandatory
Wearing a face mask is required by law in the following settings:
- on public transport, such as trains, trams, buses and ferries;
- at stations, on platforms and at bus and tram stops;
- at airports and on planes;
- on other passenger transport, such as taxis or coaches;
- in public indoor spaces such as shops and libraries;
- at indoor events. At placed indoor events where a coronavirus entry pass is mandatory, you can take off the face mask when seated.
- in primary schools: adults only, when moving around the building;
- in secondary schools: when moving around the building;
- in institutions for secondary vocational education (MBO) and higher education (HBO and universities): when moving around the building;
- at the hairdressers, beauty salon, massage providers and other contact-based professions.
Face masks can be taken off when seated, except on public transport and in planes
Face masks must also be worn when moving around locations where you need to show a coronavirus entry pass. For instance, if you are in a restaurant and want to go to the toilet. On aircraft and public transport, you must always keep your face mask on, even while seated.
Physical Distancing
Stay 1.5 meters from others, including when visiting people and at work
If people are close to each other, they can easily pass on the virus, even if they have been vaccinated. The following rules apply:
- Everyone aged 18 and over must stay 1.5 meters from people they do not live with. Don’t shake hands; use other, safer ways of greeting people.
- Stay 1.5 meters from others, including at locations where a coronavirus entry pass is required.
- Work from home. If this is impossible: stay 1.5 meters apart at work.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
All indoor and outdoor locations accessible to the public may remain open, however with certain restrictions. The basic rules against the spread of the coronavirus apply everywhere in the Netherlands. Managers of each location must take hygiene precautions. For example, providing patrons with disinfectant hand gel and handwashing facilities.
- For public indoor areas, the visitor norm is 100% of the restricted 1.5m capacity. For venues with a constant flow of visitors, 1 visitor per 5 m2 applies.
- Essential shops (for example, supermarkets or pet shops), shops selling healthcare equipment and business-to-business wholesalers may remain open until 20.00.
- Non-essential shops must close at 17.00.
- All food and drink venues may open between 05.00 and 17.00. Assigned seating seat is required. Take-away is still possible.
- Contact professions, except for paramedical contact professions, must close at 17.00.
- Recreational activities, such as amusement parks and zoos, casinos, arcades and bowling alleys, saunas, wellness, and tanning salons must close at 17.00.
- Recreational transport, such as tour boats, balloon trips and touring cars, may not operate after 17.00.
- Room hire is possible from 05.00 to 17.00.
- Sports at indoor and outdoor sports venues are not possible after 17.00. Organized sports in public spaces are allowed after 17.00 with a maximum of 4 people (excluding instructors).
- Events may not take place after 17.00. Professional sports matches without spectators, funerals and cultural events without an audience may take place in the evening.
- Assigned seating is required for events. This does not apply to events with a continuous flow of visitors. For events there is a maximum number of 1 250 visitors per room.
- Art and culture exhibitions and activities may not take place after 17.00, except for events held by professional art and culture practitioners without an audience.
Find out more
Rules that apply indoors and outdoors
Safety measures for public transportation
Public transport
Facemasks must be worn on trains, trams, buses, metros, ferries and aircraft, at stations, including shops at the station, on platforms and at tram and bus stops. Passengers who do not wear a facemask can be fined 95€.
Commercial transport
- Passengers aged 13 and over are required to wear a facemask on commercial transport (such as taxis, passenger vans and coaches) if there is more than 1 passenger.
- A pre-entry health check is required when travelling by taxi, and passengers must book in advance.
- A pre-entry health check is required when travelling by passenger van or coach, and passengers must book their seats in advance.
Places of worship
OPEN
Places of worship are open. For some religious gatherings, a coronavirus entry pass system might apply. Church services should not take place between 5pm and 5am.
Quarantine
For some travellers a mandatory quarantine is in place. Different kinds of rules apply depending on your place of departure.
Please note that if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should always self-quarantine. There are other circumstances in which you may need to self-quarantine, depending on your situation. If you arrive in the Netherlands from a very high-risk area, you must self-quarantine unless you are fully vaccinated. If a coronavirus test shows that you are infected, you must self-isolate, even if you are protected against coronavirus.
Find out more
Self-quarantining and self-isolating due to coronavirus
Quarantine and families with children
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Non-essential shops can open between 5pm and 5am hours. Facemasks are mandatory. Essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, can say open until 8pm.
The following conditions must be always respected:
- Face masks must been worn in all indoor public spaces, including supermarkets, train stations and restaurants.
- Everyone must stay 1,5 metres apart. This means fewer people can be admitted (no more than the maximum number of seats available with 1.5-metre distancing or, at locations where there is a continuous flow of visitors, 1 visitor per 5 square metres).
- Assigned seats are mandatory at food and drink venues, events and art and culture venues. This does not apply at locations where there is a continuous flow of visitors
- Everyone aged 13 and over must show a coronavirus entry pass at certain locations, including food and drink venues, event, sports matches and cultural performances.
- People must wear a face mask when moving around any enclosed public space.
Tourist accommodations
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Tourist accommodations are open. Campsites and holiday parks are open. On-site restaurants and bars will close between 5pm and 5am.
Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
All restaurants and cafes are only open b between 5am and 5 pm but you will need a coronavirus entry pass to access it. In some municipalities, people going to a food and drink venue get a wristband after their coronavirus entry pass has been checked.
- Everyone aged 13 and over must show a coronavirus entry pass where this is required for admission. Everyone aged 14 and over must also show a valid form of ID (identity card, passport or driving license) along with their coronavirus entry pass.
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Bars, clubs and discos are closed.
The following establishments are only open between 5am and 7pm but you will need a coronavirus entry pass to access it:
- Theatre, cinema
- Music venue
- Museum, monument
- Fun fair
Everyone aged 13 and over must show a coronavirus entry pass where this is required for admission. Everyone aged 14 and over must also show a valid form of ID (identity card, passport or driving license) along with their coronavirus entry pass.
Please note that the coronavirus entry pass in not required to access amusement park and zoo but you may have to show one it once you are in, for example to watch a show or eat at a restaurant.
Personal care services
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS
Contact-based professions, such as hairdressers and pedicures, are allowed to operate with restricted opening hours (from 5am to 5pm). When it is not feasible to keep 1.5 meters distance, a face mask must be worn.
Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN
Beaches and most outdoor areas are open. People that do not belong to the same household should keep 1.5 metres apart.
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In case of symptoms suggesting possible infection with coronavirus, it is necessary to remain inside and arranging an appointment for a PCR test by calling 0800-1202 or +31 850 659 063.
For further details, please visit: Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
Other measures
Education and childcare
- Daycare centres for children aged 0 to 4 are open.
- Primary schools are open.
- All staff and pupils in primary years 6, 7 and 8 are advised to do a self-test twice a week. This also applies to staff and pupils who are vaccinated or have had coronavirus. Primary schools will receive more information about this soon.
- Pupils and staff with symptoms, including mild cold symptoms, must stay at home and get tested by the municipal health service (GGD).
- Staff must wear a face mask when moving around the school, for example, in hallways. Face masks may be taken off in the classroom. Children in primary years 6, 7 and 8 are strongly advised to wear a face mask outside their classroom
- Out-of-school care (BSO) is open.
- Secondary schools are open.
- Pupils and staff should do a self-test at home twice a week. Secondary schools will receive more information about this soon.
- All pupils and staff must wear a face mask indoors, except in classrooms.
- Secondary vocational schools (MBO) are open.
- Higher professional education institutions (HBO) and universities (WO) are open.
- Accredited (further) education may take place in the evenings.
________________________________________________________________________-
17.08.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
If you wish to enter or return from the EU/Schengen area to the Netherlands, check these points before you travel.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
The Netherlands is accepting "EU Digital COVID certificates" (EUDCC) since 1 July 2021.
The EUDCC can be used to enter the Netherlands, at the condition that the certificate contains:
- Proof of vaccination, or;
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19
- or, a negative result to a COVID-19 test.
Accepted tests:
PCR taken within 72 hours prior to arrival;
Antigenic test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
If you are travelling from high risk areas within the EU or Schengen associated countries, you are also advised to take a coronavirus test after arriving in the Netherlands. This applies even if you have been vaccinated.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Netherlands adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for the Netherlands are not based on the "EU Traffic Light" map.
Countries are classified as: very high risk with variants of concern, very high risk, high risk, or safe.
If you are coming from a country where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low (a safe country) you do not need to show a negative test result when you travel to the Netherlands. You are also not required to self-quarantine when you arrive in the Netherlands.
If you are coming from a high risk country, you need to show a negative Covid-19 test, or proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery of Covid-19.
If you are coming from a very high risk country, or a very high risk country with virus variants of concern, self-quarantine is mandatory, and you need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery does not exempt you from this.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands by aircraft, ship, train, coach or private transport from a very high-risk area, you are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test, even if you have had a coronavirus vaccination.
Accepted tests: molecular NAAT test (PCR, RT PCR, LAMP, TMA or mPOCT).
The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Children under 12 years old are exempted.
A negative COVID-19 test result is not mandatory for travellers on a regional, cross-border bus that remains within 30 km of the Dutch border on both sides, as well as those travelling on regional cross-border trains.
When travelling from a country on the mandatory quarantine lists, you must have with you a completed, printed and signed quarantine declaration. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you must self-quarantine for 10 days. If, on day 5, you test negative for coronavirus, your self-quarantine can be ended. You can make an appointment to get tested once you are in the Netherlands by calling 0800 1202. You may be fined if you do not have a quarantine declaration or if you do not comply with the mandatory quarantine requirement.
It doesn’t matter how you travel to the Netherlands. The mandatory quarantine requirement applies regardless of how travellers enter the country (by air, train, bus/coach or car).
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain specific restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 tests
FAQs about Tourism
Netherlandsworldwide.nl
Contact point:
Contact form
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
For travel outside Europe, the EU list of safe countries applies. From 8 August people travelling from countries on this list can enter the Netherlands but must show a negative test result or proof of vaccination.
May I transit this country?
Partially
Do you wish to transit/transfer in the Netherlands or are you travelling by car or motorcycle and staying in the Netherlands for a short period of time (less than 12 hours)? Use this checklist.
General measures
Information about the current Dutch measures to control the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands is available at www.government.nl
Use of facemasks
The use of non-medical facemasks is mandatory in public transport and other passenger transport, at stations and airports, and at secondary schools, regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not.
Physical Distancing
1.5 metre physical distancing is required in the street, in shops and other buildings, and at work.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
There is no restriction in the number of visitors people can receive at home. The same applies to the number of people who can form a group, for example in a park or restaurant. However, people are urged to act responsibly, and keep parties small and manageable. It still remains the norm to stay 1.5 metres apart when you have visitors or meet up with other people.
Facilities can use full capacity, provided the 1.5 metres distancing is respected.
Events and cultural locations are open for the public if participants have an assigned seat and stay 1.5 metres apart. Events cannot last more than 24 hours (overnight festivals are banned). Amateur sports matches and competitions can be held for all ages. Spectators are permitted if they have an assigned seat and must stay 1.5 metres apart.
In case the event uses a coronavirus entry-pass system, spectators do not need to stay 1.5 metres apart, but still have to have a seat, while maximally two-thirds of the venue’s maximum capacity may be used. At locations where people move around, like shops and museums, the maximum number of visitors is 1 per 5 square metres.
Outside festivals with up to 750 people are allowed. Visitors must be able to show proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test (no older than 24 hours).
You can generate a corona-virus entry pass via the CoronaCheck app or coronacheck.nl if you have: a negative test result no more than 24 hours old; proof of vaccination; or proof of recovery no more than 6 months old.
Safety measures for public transportation
The use of non-medical facemasks is mandatory in public transport and other passenger transport, at stations and airports, and at secondary schools.
Places of worship
Open
Places of worship are accessible. You have to keep 1.5 metre distance from people who are not part of your household, and hygene rules must be respected.
Quarantine
If you develop symptoms that could indicate COVID-19, then stay home and get tested.
If you have had contact with someone with COVID-19, and you have had contact with someone who has COVID-19, you may also become ill. This applies in the following situations:
- If someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19.
- If you are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.
- If you have received a notification via the CoronaMelder app.
Whether you need to be quarantined depends on whether or not you are already protected against COVID-19. You are protected against COVID-19 if one or more of the following applies:
- It is more than 14 days since you received a second COVID-19 vaccination with the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna vaccine;
- It is more than 14 days since you received one COVID-19 vaccination with the Janssen vaccine;
- it is more than 14 days since you received one vaccination with any of the COVID-19 vaccines used in the Netherlands, and you had previously had COVID-19;
- You had COVID-19 within the past 6 months.
If you are protected against COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine. However, it is important to monitor your health closely. If you develop symptoms that could indicate COVID-19, then you should always get tested. Never use a self-test if you have symptoms.
If you are not yet protected against COVID-19, and you have had contact with someone with COVID-19, you must go into quarantine. That means you stay home.
While in quarantine, the following rules apply:
- Stay home and do not receive any visitors.
- Stay 1.5 metres from other household members.
- Wash your hands and sneeze and cough into your elbow.
- Does a household member have COVID-19? Then avoid contact with the household member who is infected and keep cleaning your belongings and your house.
- Do you have COVID-19 yourself? In that case, go into isolation. Stay alone in a room of your own as much as possible. This ensures that your household members can avoid having any contact with you.
When you need to get tested depends on whether you are a household member or close contact of someone who has COVID-19. If you are a household member, you get tested immediately, even if you do not have any symptoms (yet). You may only go outside for the test.
If you are a close contact, then get tested on the fifth day of quarantine. If the test result is negative for COVID-19, you may be released from quarantine.
Close contacts:
- Someone, other than your household members, who you spent time with for more than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 1.5 meters. Or someone who you spent time with for more than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 1.5 meters, cumulatively within a 24-hour period.
- Someone who you spent time with for less than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 1.5 meters, with a major risk of infection. For example, if someone coughed in your face, or if you had physical contact such as hugging or kissing.
If you have been tested and the results confirm that you have coronavirus, the municipal health service (GGD) will contact you. The GGD will tell you what you need to do, for example, self-isolate at home (which implies stricter rules than quarantine).
Self-quarantining in the Netherlands
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Open
All shops can open in accordance with their regular opening times. The maximum number of visitors is 1 per 5 square metres. Keeping 1.5 metres distance remains the norm.
Tourist accommodations
Open
Tourist accommodations are open. Campsites and holiday parks are open.
You have to keep 1.5 metre distance from people who are not part of your household, and hygene rules must be respected.
Catering establishments
Open with limitations
Establishments serving food and drinks are open but must provide assigned seats to all guests. All establishments close between midnight and 06:00 AM. Entertainment by loud or live music is prohibited. Members from different households must be seated 1.5 metres apart. This does not apply to children under the age of 13. Registration and a health check are mandatory.
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
Open with limitations
Museums and historic buildings are open. Also cinema's, theatres, and conference centres are open. Discotheques and nightclubs are closed. At locations where people are seated, assigned seats must be 1.5 metres apart. Registration and a health check are mandatory. At locations where people move around, like shops and museums, the maximum capacity is 1 person per 5 square metres. If a coronavirus entry pass system is used, people do not have to stay 1.5 metres apart and locations may open at full capacity. You can generate a corona-virus entry pass via the CoronaCheck app or coronacheck.nl if you have: a negative test result no more than 24 hours old; proof of vaccination; or proof of recovery no more than 6 months old.
Personal care services
Open
Contact-based professions, such as hairdressers and pedicures, are allowed to operate.
Indoor sports facilities like fitness centres, swimming pools, and saunas are open under conditions. Maximum capacity applies, and people must stay 1,5 metres apart.
Outdoors areas and beaches
Open
Beaches and most outdoor areas are open. Open air theatres and museums, amusement parks, nature parks and zoos are also open. Visitors that are not members of the same household must stay 1.5 metres apart.
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
In case of symptoms suggesting possible infection with coronavirus, it is necessary to remain inside and arranging an appointment for a PCR test by calling 0800-1202 or +31 850 659 063.
For further details, please visit: Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
22.07.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Provisional information subject to further revision and confirmation from National Authorities
The Netherlands is accepting "EU Digital COVID certificates" (EUDCC) since 1 July 2021.
Holders of EUDCC will be allowed to enter the Netherlands, without being subject to further restrictions (testing or quarantine), at the condition that their certificate contains either:
- Proof of vaccination;
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19
- a negative result to a COVID-19 test. Accepted tests:
- PCR taken within 72 hours prior to arrival;
- Antigenic test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Children under 13 years old are exempted from the testing or quarantine requirements.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Netherlands adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for the Netherlands are not based on the "EU Traffic Light" map.
Countries are classified as: very high risk with variants of concern, very high risk, high risk, or safe.
If you are coming from a country where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low (a safe country) you do not need to show a negative test result when you travel to the Netherlands. You are also not required to self-quarantine when you arrive in the Netherlands.
If you are coming from a high risk country, you need to show a negative Covid-19 test, or proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery of Covid-19.
If you are coming from a very high risk country, or a very high risk country with virus variants of concern, self-quarantine is mandatory, and you need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery does not exempt you from this.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands by aircraft, ship, train, coach or private transport from a very high-risk area, you are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test, even if you have had a coronavirus vaccination.
Accepted tests: molecular NAAT test (PCR, RT PCR, LAMP, TMA or mPOCT).
The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Children under 13 years old are exempted.
A negative COVID-19 test result is not mandatory for travellers on a regional, cross-border bus that remains within 30 km of the Dutch border on both sides, as well as those travelling on regional cross-border trains.
When travelling from a country on the mandatory quarantine lists, you must have with you a completed, printed and signed quarantine declaration. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you must self-quarantine for 10 days. If, on day 5, you test negative for coronavirus, your self-quarantine can be ended. You can make an appointment to get tested once you are in the Netherlands by calling 0800 1202. You may be fined if you do not have a quarantine declaration or if you do not comply with the mandatory quarantine requirement.
It doesn’t matter how you travel to the Netherlands. The mandatory quarantine requirement applies regardless of how travellers enter the country (by air, train, bus/coach or car).
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain specific restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 tests
FAQs about Tourism
Netherlandsworldwide.nl
Contact point:
Contact form
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
A European entry ban is in effect for some people, barring them from travelling to the European Union or the Schengen area. You may only travel to the Netherlands if the purpose of your trip falls under one of these exemption categories or if your country is on the list of safe countries outside the EU/Schengen area.
The government lists countries by classification.
If your country is not on the Dutch list of safe countries, and not on the list of very high risk countries, you can be exempted from the travel ban only by proof of full vaccination.
Dutch nationals are always permitted to return to the Netherlands.
Travellers aged 13 or above from a country that is not considered safe are subject to a pre-departure COVID-19 test requirement. If you are from a country considered high risk and you have proof of full vaccination, you do not need to present a negative Covid-19 test result. If you are from a very high risk country, the negative Covid-19 test is mandatory, regardless of your vaccination status.
Accepted tests: molecular NAAT test (PCR, RT PCR, LAMP, TMA, or mPOCT).
The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Additionally, if you are from a very high risk country, it is mandatory to quarantine for 10 days after arrival, also when you are fully vaccinated. You must be able to show a completed, printed and signed quarantine declaration. You may be fined if you do not have a quarantine declaration, or do not comply with the quarantine requirement.
The quarantine period can be ended by a negative result to a COVID-19 test performed on day 5. You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. To prepare for your journey you can do the Quarantine Check for Travellers. This is a checklist of steps to take before and after your journey.
Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector, and those travelling from low-risk countries.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
May I transit this country?
Partially
Do you wish to transit/transfer in the Netherlands or are you travelling by car or motorcycle and staying in the Netherlands for a short period of time (less than 12 hours)? Use this checklist.
May I fly to this country?
Tourists and foreign travellers from countries where the health risks are similar to or lower than in the Netherlands can enter the Netherlands. Use this checklist to see what rules apply to you when entering or returning from abroad.
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
General measures
Information about the current Dutch measures to control the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands is available at www.government.nl
Use of facemasks
The use of non-medical facemasks is mandatory in public transport and other passenger transport, at stations and airports, and at secondary schools, regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not.
Physical Distancing
1.5 metre physical distancing is required in the street, in shops and other buildings, and at work.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
There is no restriction in the number of visitors people can receive at home. The same applies to the number of people who can form a group, for example in a park or restaurant. However, people are urged to act responsibly, and keep parties small and manageable. It still remains the norm to stay 1.5 metres apart when you have visitors or meet up with other people.
There is no maximum number or attendants for weddings and funerals. Facilities can use full capacity, provided the 1.5 metres distancing is respected.
Events and cultural locations are open for the public if participants have an assigned seat and stay 1.5 metres apart. Events cannot last more than 24 hours. Amateur sports matches and competitions can be held for all ages. Spectators are permitted if they have an assigned seat and must stay 1.5 metres apart.
In general, at events, cultural locations and sports matches, if people have an assigned seat the maximum number of people is equal to the maximum number of seats available with 1.5 metres distancing. In case the event uses a coronavirus entry-pass system, spectators do not need to stay 1.5 metres apart, but still have to have a seat, while maximally two-thirds of the venue’s maximum capacity may be used. At locations where people move around, like shops and museums, the maximum number of visitors is 1 per 5 square metres.
You can generate a corona-virus entry pass via the CoronaCheck app or coronacheck.nl if you have: a negative test result no more than 24 hours old; proof of vaccination; or proof of recovery no more than 6 months old.
Information on Tourism at Regional level
Drenthe
Flevoland
Friesland (NL)
Gelderland
Groningen
Limburg (NL)
Noord-Brabant
Noord-Holland
Overijssel
Utrecht
Zeeland
Zuid-Holland
EU Digital COVID Certificates
This country is already connected to the Gateway and is issuing and/or verifying at least one EU Digital COVID Certificate (Vaccination, Recovery, Test)
Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in the Netherlands
_________
The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination.
Find out more:
Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate"
Further information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/NLD/7011
________________________________________________________________________________________________
21.06.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Information not yet available.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
The Netherlands adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for the Netherlands are not based on the "EU Traffic Light" map.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain specific restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
If you are coming from a country where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low (a safe country) you do not need to show a negative test result when you travel to the Netherlands. You are also not required to self-quarantine when you arrive in the Netherlands.
Countries that are not on the list of safe countries are considered high-risk areas.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands by aircraft, ship, train, coach or private transport from a high-risk area, you are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test, even if you have had a coronavirus vaccination.
Accepted tests: molecular NAAT test (PCR, RT PCR, LAMP, TMA or mPOCT).
The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Children under 13 years old are exempted.
A negative COVID-19 test result is not mandatory for travellers on a regional, cross-border bus that remains within 30 km of the Dutch border on both sides, as well as those travelling on regional cross-border trains.
Additionally, when travelling from a country on the mandatory quarantine list, you must have with you a completed, printed and signed quarantine declaration. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you must self-quarantine for 10 days. If, on day 5, you test negative for coronavirus, your self-quarantine can be ended. You can make an appointment to get tested once you are in the Netherlands by calling 0800 1202. You may be fined if you do not have a quarantine declaration or if you do not comply with the mandatory quarantine requirement.
It doesn’t matter how you travel to the Netherlands. The mandatory quarantine requirement applies regardless of how travellers enter the country (by air, train, bus/coach or car).
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 tests
FAQs about Tourism
Netherlandsworldwide.nl
Contact point:
Contact form
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
If you are not a national of an EU or Schengen area country, the EU entry ban applies to you. You can only travel to the Netherlands if you fall into one of the exemption categories or if your country is on the list of safe countries outside the EU/Schengen area.
Only travellers from the following third countries are allowed to enter the Netherlands without being subject to the testing or self-isolation requirement: Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, China.
Dutch nationals are always permitted to return to the Netherlands.
Travellers aged 13 or above from a high-risk country are subject to a pre-departure COVID-19 test requirement.
Accepted tests are PCR (taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure) and rapid antigen test (taken no more than 24 hours prior to departure).
After arrival, travellers must self-quarantine for 10 days. The quarantine period can be ended by a negative result to a COVID-19 test performed on day 5. You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. To prepare for your journey you can do the Quarantine Check for Travellers. This is a checklist of steps to take before and after your journey.
Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector, and those travelling from low-risk countries.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
May I transit this country?
Partially
Transit by Air:
A European entry ban is in effect for some people, barring them from travelling to the European Union or the Schengen area. You may only transit in the Netherlands if you travel from a safe country where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low, or if the purpose of your trip falls under one of the exemption categories:
- You are travelling through the Netherlands to a non-EU country. You must prove that you have a connecting flight to a country outside the Schengen area. The connecting flight must depart within 48 hours of your arrival in the Netherlands. You must not leave the airport’s international transit zone during this period.
- You are travelling to an EU country/Schengen area country via the Netherlands. You must be able to show you have permission to enter the EU country/Schengen country in question. You can do this with a note from that country’s embassy, for example, or another type of document that proves you can travel there. If you do not have such a document, the Dutch border authorities will determine whether you may travel via the Netherlands. Without a document showing you have permission to enter the EU or Schengen country in question, you are advised to fly there directly and not via the Netherlands. If you will be making a short stop at a Dutch airport you may need an airport transit visa.
If you transfer/transit in the Netherlands, you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival in the Netherlands. Please note: you must change flight and continue your journey within a few hours, and in any case within 1 day, without leaving the airport where you transfer.
If you are travelling by air, you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally when you check-in.
Transit by car or motorcycle (staying less than 12 hours):
If you are travelling from a "very high-risk" country by your own car or motorcycle, when staying for a short period of time you must be able to show a completed, printed and signed quarantine declaration. This requirement also applies even if you have been vaccinated. You may be fined if you do not have a quarantine declaration.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands (by car or motorcycle) from a "very high-risk" or "high-risk" country, you do not need to show a negative test result if
- you are staying in the Netherlands for less than 12 hours;
- you stayed less than 12 hours in a "very high-risk" or "high-risk" country. During this time you only made short, necessary stops.
General measures
Strict measures are in place. The most updated information is available at www.government.nl
Use of facemasks
Everyone aged 13 and over must wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport. In secondary schools, secondary vocational (MBO) schools, and institutions for higher education (HBO and universities) everyone must wear a face mask except during lessons/lectures.
Physical Distancing
1.5 metre physical distancing is required in the street, in shops and other buildings, and at work.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
You can host no more than 4 guests in your home, garden or balcony per day. This is in addition to members of your own household and does not include children under the age of 13.
Only go outdoors alone, with members of your household or in a group of no more than 4 people. This does not include children under the age of 13.
The maximum number of mourners at a funeral is 100.
Children aged 17 and under may take part in team sports and play matches against children at the same club, but only outdoors. Groups will be allowed to do sports outdoors again, subject to conditions. The maximum group size is 30 and everyone must stay 1.5 metres apart. Everyone up to age 27 can play team sports within their own club and within their own team. Matches and competitions are not allowed. Exceptions are: elite athletes with a status at designated locations; footballers (including support staff in a ‘bubble’) in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie. Spectators are not allowed.
The maximum number of visitors in one space is 50, at a distance of 1.5 metres apart. Large venues with 1,000 seats or more, however, may admit up to 250 visitors, 1.5 metres apart. This applies to all large indoor and outdoor venues like indoor arenas, open-air theatres and concert halls.
Safety measures for public transportation
The use of non-medical facemasks is mandatory in public transport and strongly advised in all indoor public spaces for passengers aged 13 and over. 1.5 metres distancing and hygiene rules must be respected for as far as posisble. A strong advice is in place to only use public transport when necessary.
Information on Tourism at National level
Useful Info for tourists
Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements for your destination at: The Schengen visa
EU Digital COVID Certificates
This country is ready to connect to the EU Digital COVID certificate Gateway
Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in the Netherlands
_________
The "EU Digital COVID Certificate" (available from 1 July 2021) provides proof that a person has either:
- been vaccinated against COVID-19 (vaccine type and manufacturer, number of doses, date of vaccination);
- received a negative test result, PCR or rapid antigen, with the name of the test, date and time of test, test centre and result (self-tests are not valid);
- recovered from COVID-19.
When travelling, holders of the "EU Digital COVID Certificate" will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from COVID or test result. Each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what you will be eligible for, upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your country of destination.
How does it work:
- Member States issue a certificate automatically or upon request, which is issued either digitally or on paper, and has a QR code with an electronic signature;
- Citizens store the certificate in their digital app or wallet and can use it when they travel;
- When the verifier asks the citizen for the certificate, the QR code is shown and the digital signature is verified.
Find out more:
Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate"
Press Release
Questions & Answers
Factsheet
06.05.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
No
The Netherlands adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for the Netherlands are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain specific restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Is a coronavirus test required?
If you are travelling to the Netherlands by aircraft, ship, train or coach from a high-risk area, you are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test.
Accepted tests: molecular NAAT test (PCR, RT PCR, LAMP, TMA or mPOCT).
The test must be taken within 24 hours prior to boarding.
Alternatively, you can present both a negative NAAT (PCR) test result based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands and a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding.
Certain exemptions apply, including for diplomats. The rapid test must meet certain requirements
Children aged 12 and under are exempted.
A negative COVID-19 test result is not mandatory if you are travelling to the Netherlands by car. The same applies to travellers on a regional, cross-border bus that remains within 30 km of the Dutch border on both sides, as well as those travelling on regional cross-border trains.
Is a quarantine required?
All travellers must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a PCR test no less than 5 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. To prepare for your journey you can do the Quarantine Check for Travellers. This is a checklist of steps to take before and after your journey.
Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector, and those travelling from low-risk countries.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 tests
FAQs about Tourism
Netherlandsworldwide.nl
Contact point:
Contact form
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
If you are not a national of an EU or Schengen area country, the EU entry ban applies to you. You can only travel to the Netherlands if you fall into one of the exemption categories or if your country is on the list of safe countries outside the EU/Schengen area.
Dutch nationals are always permitted to return to the Netherlands.
Is a coronavirus test required?
If you are aged 13 or above and you are travelling from a high-risk country, you must provide proof that you have tested negative for COVID-19. You can do this by presenting a negative PCR test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding. Alternatively, you can present both a negative PCR test result based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands and a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding.
Is a quarantine required?
You must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arriving in the Netherlands. The quarantine period can be ended by a negative result to a COVID-19 test performed on day 5 after arrival.
You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. To prepare for your journey you can do the Quarantine Check for Travellers. This is a checklist of steps to take before and after your journey.
Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector, and those travelling from low-risk countries.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
May I transit this country?
Partially
If your journey includes a transfer in the Netherlands or another country, the rules are as follows:
If you start your journey in a safe country and change planes in a high-risk country without leaving the airport, you are not required to present a negative test result. If you leave the airport, however, the negative test result requirement does apply to you.
If you start your journey in a high-risk country and change planes in another country the negative test result requirement applies to you, even if the country where you change planes is a safe country. The result remains valid during the layover.
If you start your journey in a high-risk country and change planes in the Netherlands the negative test result requirement applies to you, regardless of whether you leave the airport.
General measures
Strict measures are in place. The most updated information is available at www.government.nl
Use of facemasks
Everyone aged 13 and over must wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport. In secondary schools, secondary vocational (MBO) schools, and institutions for higher education (HBO and universities) everyone must wear a face mask except during lessons/lectures.
Physical Distancing
1.5 metre physical distancing is required in the street, in shops and other buildings, and at work.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/NLD/7001
31.03.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
NO
The Netherlands adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for the Netherlands are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain specific restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers from high-risk countries are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 24 hours prior to boarding. Alternatively, if the PCR test is taken within 72 hours prior to boarding, a second test (rapid antigen test) must be taken within 24 hours prior to boarding.
Children aged 12 and under are exempted.
Is a quarantine required?
All travellers must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a PCR test no less than 5 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. To prepare for your journey you can do the Quarantine Check for Travellers. This is a checklist of steps to take before and after your journey.
Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector, and those travelling from low-risk countries.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 tests
FAQs about Tourism
Netherlandsworldwide.nl
Contact point:
Contact form
Documents you need to travel in Europe
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
If you are not a national of an EU or Schengen area country, the EU entry ban applies to you. You can only travel to the Netherlands if you fall into one of the exemption categories or if your country is on the list of safe countries outside the EU/Schengen area.
Dutch nationals are always permitted to return to the Netherlands.
Is a coronavirus test required?
If you are aged 13 or above and you are travelling from a high-risk country, you must provide proof that you have tested negative for COVID-19. You can do this by presenting a negative PCR test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding. Alternatively, you can present both a negative PCR test result based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands and a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding.
Is a quarantine required?
You must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arriving in the Netherlands. The quarantine period can be ended by a negative result to a COVID-19 test performed on day 5 after arrival.
You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. To prepare for your journey you can do the Quarantine Check for Travellers. This is a checklist of steps to take before and after your journey.
Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector, and those travelling from low-risk countries.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
If your journey includes a transfer in the Netherlands or another country, the rules are as follows:
If you start your journey in a safe country and change planes in a high-risk country without leaving the airport, you are not required to present a negative test result. If you leave the airport, however, the negative test result requirement does apply to you.
If you start your journey in a high-risk country and change planes in another country the negative test result requirement applies to you, even if the country where you change planes is a safe country. The result remains valid during the layover.
If you start your journey in a high-risk country and change planes in the Netherlands the negative test result requirement applies to you, regardless of whether you leave the airport.
General measures
Strict measures are in place. There is a national curfew between 22.00 and 05.30 hours. During this time people may only leave the house for essential purposes, and need to carry a certificate as proof. The most updated information is available at www.government.nl
Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
Everyone aged 13 and over must wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport. In secondary schools, secondary vocational (MBO) schools, and institutions for higher education (HBO and universities) everyone must wear a face mask except during lessons/lectures.
Physical Distancing
1.5 metre physical distancing is required in the street, in shops and other buildings, and at work.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/NLD/7001
28.01.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
PARTIALLY
The Netherlands adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for the Netherlands are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Is a coronavirus test required?
YES.
- All travellers aged above 13 (including Dutch nationals) must be able to present a negative COVID-19 test result that meets certain requirements, if they are coming from a high-risk area in the EU/Schengen area (with the exception of Iceland) to the Netherlands. The government provides a list of countries concerned. This measure concerns passenger transport by aircraft, ferry or international intercity train or coach, travelling more than 30km into the Netherlands from the border.
- If you are travelling to the Netherlands by air or sea from a high-risk country, you must also take a rapid test shortly before departure. Certain exemptions apply, including for diplomats. Several requirements to the rapid test apply.
Is a quarantine required?
YES. You must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arriving in the Netherlands. You can get tested again on day 5 after your arrival. If the result is negative you can end your quarantine. Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector. You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
Other
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
FAQs about Tourism
Netherlandsworldwide.nl
Contact point:
Contact form
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
If you are not a national of an EU or Schengen area country, the EU entry ban applies to you. You can only travel to the Netherlands if you fall into one of the exemption categories for the travel ban.
There is a ban on flights from the United Kingdom, Cabo Verde, the Dominican Republic, South Africa and all the countries in South America. There is also a docking ban for passenger ferries from the United Kingdom. Exemptions apply to certain limited categories of traveller. Dutch nationals are permitted to return to the Netherlands.
Entry requirements:
- All travellers aged above 13 (including Dutch nationals) must be able to present a negative COVID-19 test result, if they are coming from a high-risk area to the Netherlands. The government provides a list of countries concerned.
- If you are travelling to the Netherlands by air or sea from a high-risk country, you must also take a rapid test shortly before departure. Several requirements to the rapid test apply. Certain exemptions apply, including for diplomats.
- If you are coming from a country that is not in the EU or Schengen area and you are not a national of an EU or Schengen country, you must also fill in a negative test declaration and carry it with you.
- You must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arriving in the Netherlands. You can get tested again on day 5 after your arrival. If the result is negative you can end your self-quarantine. Some travellers do not have to self-quarantine, for example, workers in the transport sector. You can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation.
- If you are travelling by air you must also fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Find out more:
Dutch government on COVID-19
May I transit this country?
Partially
From 29 December 2020 all passengers from risk countries and areas, including Dutch nationals, must have a recent negative COVID-19 test result in order travel to the Netherlands. The test must have been conducted no more than 72 hours prior to the passenger’s scheduled arrival in the Netherlands. If you travel from outside the EU/Schengen area, you must also present a signed negative test declaration form. Passengers who arrive at an airport in the Netherlands by air and continue their journey by air without leaving the airport are also required to present a negative test result.
Partially
Travellers from EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries can transit in the Netherlands. Permanent (long-term) residents of the following countries are also allowed to transit the Netherlands: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and China*.
If you transfer from a third country via Schiphol - Amsterdam airport to an onward non-Schengen destination, you have to stay in the non-Schengen transit zone and leave within 48 hours to a non-Schengen destination, being able to show proof of onward travel with a valid flight ticket and travel documents. If you transfer via Schiphol - Amsterdam airport in order to travel onward to another Schengen country, the Dutch entry conditions apply.
General measures
A strict lockdown is in place until at least 9 February 2021. There is a national curfew between 21.00 and 04.30 hours. During this time people may only leave the house for essential purposes, and need to carry a certificate as proof. The most updated information is available at www.government.nl
Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
Everyone aged 13 and over must wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport. In secondary schools, secondary vocational (MBO) schools, and institutions for higher education (HBO and universities) everyone must wear a face mask except during lessons/lectures.
Physical Distancing
1.5 metre physical distancing is required in the street, in shops and other buildings, and at work.
15.12.2020
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
PARTIALLY
Entry Restrictions
Travellers arriving in the Netherlands from certain countries and regions in EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries should self-quarantine for 10 days, even if they do not have any symptoms or if they have tested negative for COVID-19. Once in the Netherlands, you can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. The government provides a list of countries concerned.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Travel advice for individual countries (in Dutch)
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All passengers aged 13 and above travelling to and from Dutch airports must fill in a Health Screening Form before starting their flight. Travellers reporting COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed to board the aircraft.
Your Health Screening Form may be checked at the entrance of the airport and in the airport building itself, during check-in and boarding. At the destination airport, passengers will be randomly selected and asked to show their form. You will also need a completed Health Screening Form for the return journey. You are advised to take a blank form with you in case you are unable to download and print a form at your holiday address.
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Permanent (long-term) residents of the following countries are allowed to enter the Netherlands: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Uruguay, and China(*)
(*)The condition of reciprocity explicitly applies to China: the EU will only open to China when China opens to EU citizens.
Entry explicitly concerns residents of countries, not nationals. E.g. an American resident in Australia is allowed to travel to Schengen. For more information, and a list of exceptional categories, please see https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl and https://www.government.nl
May I transit this country?
YES
Travellers from EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries can transit in the Netherlands. Permanent (long-term) residents of the following countries are also allowed to transit the Netherlands: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Uruguay, and China*
*The condition of reciprocity explicitly applies to China: the EU will only open to China when China opens to EU citizens).
If you transfer from a third country via Schiphol - Amsterdam airport to an onward non-Schengen destination, you have to stay in the non-Schengen transit zone and leave within 48 hours to a non-Schengen destination, being able to show proof of onward travel with a valid flight ticket and travel documents. If you transfer via Schiphol - Amsterdam airport in order to travel onward to another Schengen country, the Dutch entry conditions apply.
Find out more:
Contact point for the Netherlands
Documents you need to travel in Europe
14.10.2020
Entry Restrictions
Travellers arriving in the Netherlands from certain countries and regions in the EU+ should self-quarantine for 10 days, even if they do not have any symptoms or if they have tested negative for COVID-19. Once in the Netherlands, you can self-quarantine at home or in temporary or holiday accommodation. The government provides a list of countries concerned.
EU+ comprises EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (in Dutch).
Everyone must follow the Dutch advice and rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Travelling from the Netherlands or returning to the Netherlands
The Netherlands divides areas and countries, depending on their epidemiological situation, in different categories. The Dutch official travel advice provides an indication of the security situation in a country in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.
Countries are classified as:
- Green: no special security risks;
- Yellow: these countries have taken measures that have a limited impact on daily life;
- Orange: daily life is seriously disrupted in these countries. There may also be an entry ban for travellers from the Netherlands. Non-essential travel is advised against;
- Red: Due to very serious safety risks all types of travel is strongly advised against. There is no prospect of entry and exit.
Travelling to countries or zones with an 'orange' or 'red' travel advisory is strongly discouraged. If this code is issued based on increased spread of COVID-19 in that particular territory, you are strongly advised to self-quarantine at home for 10 days immediately after returning to the Netherlands. This rule applies also if the travel advisory changes to 'orange' after arrival to the Netherlands. As an exception, no quarantine is required when returning from countries that have been set 'orange' only to flag the enforcement of restrictive measures for Dutch travellers in those countries.
Travel advice for individual countries (in Dutch)
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (only in Dutch)
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All passengers aged 13 and above travelling to and from Dutch airports must fill in a Health Screening Form before starting their flight. Travellers reporting COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed to board the aircraft.
Your Health Screening Form may be checked at the entrance of the airport and in the airport building itself, during check-in and boarding. At the destination airport, passengers will be randomly selected and asked to show their form. You will also need a completed Health Screening Form for the return journey. You are advised to take a blank form with you in case you are unable to download and print a form at your holiday address.
Transit
Travellers from EU and Schengen countries can transit in the Netherlands. Permanent (long-term) residents of the following countries are also allowed to transit the Netherlands: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China*
*The condition of reciprocity explicitly applies to China: the EU will only open to China when China opens to EU citizens).
If you transfer from a third country via Schiphol - Amsterdam airport to an onward non-Schengen destination, you have to stay in the non-Schengen transit zone and leave within 48 hours to a non-Schengen destination, being able to show proof of onward travel with a valid flight ticket and travel documents. If you transfer via Schiphol - Amsterdam airport in order to travel onward to another Schengen country, the Dutch entry conditions apply.
Third-country national coming from outside the EU and Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein
Permanent (long-term) residents of the following countries are allowed to enter the Netherlands: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China(*)
(*)The condition of reciprocity explicitly applies to China: the EU will only open to China when China opens to EU citizens.
Entry explicitly concerns residents of countries, not nationals. E.g. an American resident in Australia is allowed to travel to Schengen. For more information, and a list of exceptional categories, please see https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl and https://www.government.nl
Find out more:
Contact point for the Netherlands
Documents you need to travel in Europe
11.09.2020
Travelling to the Netherlands
The Netherlands divides areas and countries, depending on their epidemiological situation, in different categories. An updated map providing travel advice is available from the joint website of all Dutch representations worldwide.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl
Third-country nationals
Permanent (long-term) residents of the following countries are allowed to enter the Netherlands: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China(*)
(*)The condition of reciprocity explicitly applies to China: the EU will only open to China when China opens to EU citizens.
Entry explicitly concerns residents of countries, not nationals. E.g. an American resident in Australia is allowed to travel to Schengen. For more information, and a list of exceptional categories, please see https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl and https://www.government.nl
Travelling from the Netherlands or returning to the Netherlands
Travelling to countries or zones with an 'orange' or 'red' travel advisory is discouraged. If you do go, you are strongly advised to self-quarantine at home for 10 days immediately after returning to the Netherlands.
This rule applies also if the travel advisory changes to 'orange' after arrival to the Netherlands.
As an exception, no quarantine is required when returning from countries that have been set 'orange' only to flag the enforcement of restrictive measures for Dutch travellers in those countries.
For some areas of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom certain restrictions apply, please see www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (only in Dutch)
Travel advice for individual countries
Rules and Exceptions
Foreign travellers from countries where the health risks are similar to or lower than in the Netherlands can enter the Netherlands for tourism.
Everyone must follow the Dutch advice and rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The travel advice provides an indication of the security situation in a country in relation to the coronavirus pandemics.
Countries are classified as:
- Green: no special security risks;
- Yellow: these countries have taken measures that have a limited impact on daily life;
- Orange: daily life is disrupted in these countries. There may also be an entry ban;
- Red: this country or area is completely closed. There is no prospect of entry and exit.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All passengers aged 13 and above travelling to and from Dutch airports must fill in a Health Screening Form before starting their flight. Travellers reporting COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed to board the aircraft.
Your Health Screening Form may be checked at the entrance of the airport and in the airport building itself, during check-in and boarding. At the destination airport, passengers will be randomly selected and asked to show their form. You will also need a completed Health Screening Form for the return journey. You are advised to take a blank form with you in case you are unable to download and print a form at your holiday address.
Find out more:
www.governernment.nl
netherlandsworldwide.nl
Driving abroad
Goverment of the Netherlands - government.nl
10.12.2021
Ban on flights from southern Africa
A coronavirus variant of concern has been discovered in southern Africa. The Dutch government has therefore introduced measures to reduce the risk that this variant spreads to the Netherlands. This includes a ban on passenger flights from countries in southern Africa.
Ban on flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa
From 12.00 noon on 26 November a ban is in place on passenger flights to the Netherlands, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba from the following countries:
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Zimbabwe
- South Africa
The ban will be in place until 23.59 on 15 December 2021.
Exemptions to the flight ban
The following are exempted from the ban on flights to the Netherlands:
- Dutch nationals;
- Foreign nationals who are registered in the Personal Records Database or the Non-residents Record Database (RNI);
- EU residents and residents of Schengen area countries who are transiting through the Netherlands to their country of residence;
- People who have compelling reasons to visit family in the Netherlands and who meet the requirements of the exemptions for the entry ban. Compelling reasons include visiting a seriously ill family member, attending a funeral or visiting a grandchild;
- People travelling to the Netherlands for humanitarian reasons. They must meet the requirements of the exemptions for the entry ban.
- Healthcare workers
- travelling to the Netherlands to help with efforts to combat coronavirus; or
- whose journey is in the interests of public health in the Netherlands;
- Seafarers in possession of a seafarer’s record book, who are travelling to the Netherlands for work. This does not include seafarers on commercial yachts and pleasure crafts;
- Flight crews travelling to the Netherlands for work;
- Cargo transport.
Travellers from the countries for which the flight ban has been imposed were already subject to the EU entry ban for people travelling from outside the EU.
Additional requirements for exempted travellers
The countries to which the flight ban applies have also been designated very high-risk countries where there is a virus variant of concern. Additional requirements therefore apply:
- Exempted travellers must show a negative PCR test result before departing for the Netherlands.
- They are required to quarantine on arrival in the Netherlands.
These requirements also apply to travellers who have been fully vaccinated or who have proof of recovery (EU Digital COVID Certificate).
Check the travel advice (in Dutch only) for these countries.
Ministry responsible
Travelling to the Netherlands from abroad
Tourists and foreign travellers from countries where the health risks are similar to or lower than in the Netherlands can enter the Netherlands.
Checklists for entering or returning from abroad
Checklist for transit or short stay
Mandatory negative COVID-19 test result
Self-quarantine on arrival in NL
Travelling to the Netherlands with proof of vaccination
Travelling to the Netherlands: requirements for proof of recovery
Tourism and recreation in the Netherlands
Travelling in the border region
Ministry responsible
RESOURCE: WCO/The Customs Administration of the Netherlands
21.04.2020
Customs issues related to the COVID-19 emergency
Customs issues out of EU – NL perspective
The Corona virus outbreak has led to many far-reaching measures. This also applies to the
work of Customs. In this note a summary of the measures taken by the Customs
Administration of the Netherlands.
General information
Where it is possible and responsible to do so customs has 'downscaled' some of their
activities. The vital work processes remain in place. The continuity of customs processes in
relation to the movement of goods is safeguarded as much as possible.
All telephone and digital counters are still open.
The handling of declarations and the release of goods is continued as usual.
Customs also continues their enforcement tasks concerning the health of citizens
and the safety of society.
It is also necessary to maintain the core fiscal responsibility at a responsible level.
Activities for the other enforcement areas are downscaled. Customs trusts that by scaling
down their operational work they have struck the right balance between limiting the health
risks for customs staff and their duty to contribute to the safety and health of society.
Import and export
Import
There is a possibility of exempting the import of personal protective equipment from customs
duties under certain conditions.
The following conditions apply:
There must be a disaster affecting one or more EU Member States. With the corona
crisis in which we now find ourselves, this condition has been met.
The personal protective equipment must be introduced by an organization that falls
within one of the following categories: government organizations, disaster-relief
agencies or philanthropic organizations.
The goods will be donated to or used for victims of the disaster.
The WCO keeps a list of national legislation of countries that adopted temporary import
support (lowering or waiving of direct and indirect duties and taxes) on certain categories of
critical medical supplies in response to COVID-19. Click here for this list.
Export
The export of personal protective equipment is subjected to the production of an export
authorization. EU Regulation 2020/402 was published on 15 March and was effective
immediately. Personal protective equipment is listed in Annex I of the regulation. The
regulation is amended by Regulation 2020/426.
The application for an export authorization must be submitted to customs ‘Central Import and
Export Office’ (the CDIU). Customs has taken the necessary measures to enforce the export
on personal protective equipment.
The WCO keeps a list of national legislation of countries that adopted temporary export
restrictions on certain categories of critical medical supplies in response to COVID-19. Click
here for this list.
Certificates of origin
As proposed by the EU, the Netherlands accepts certificates issued for preferential purposes
in the form of a copy, issued on paper or electronically. More specifically this applies to:
A copy, either in paper or in electronic form (scanned or available on-line), of the
original certificate signed and stamped by the competent authorities as normally
required
The certificate, not signed and stamped by the competent authorities as normally
required but with a digital signature of the competent authorities, or a copy of it, either
in paper or in electronic form (scanned or available on-line).
Customs assures the authenticity and validation of the proof of origin carried out by the
customs authority of the exporting country. Customs must be able to check the original
certificates in the administration afterwards.
The measure applies to: EUR.1, EUR-MED, FORM A and A.TR certificates.
Export certificates
Countries might have problems sending their original export certificates by courier services
to the EU, because of the suspension of activities or to flight restrictions. As a consequence,
the original documents cannot be presented in time at customs.
Customs will, until further notice, accept the following procedure:
-To perform documentary checks customs accepts health certificates that are issued in the
TRACES system, although no electronic signature has been implemented so far.
-In case certificates are not issued in the TRACES system, the Competent Authority in a third
country can send the export/health certificate and catch certificate (fish) as a scanned
document by email to customs.
-The procedure is in line with letter SANTE.DDG2.G/BVG from the European Commission
and is announced and communicated by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product
Safety Authority (the NVWA).
Customs supports entrepreneurs
Due to the corona crisis, many entrepreneurs may temporarily not be able to comply with
their payment obligations pursuant to the customs regulations and it may not be possible to
observe all the deadlines and customs formalities. In addition to the measures taken by the
EU, the Customs Administration of the Netherlands will support entrepreneurs who get into
problems for this reason by providing a set of measures.
Statutory deadlines
Tailor-made arrangements are provided for entrepreneurs who are not able to keep
to the strict statutory deadlines such as deadlines for the filing of supplementary
customs declarations (the monthly declaration).
Entrepreneurs are advised to make proforma objections and applications for refunds.
If the statutory deadline is exceeded, we will make allowances for the circumstances.
Failure to meet legal deadlines for customs transit as a result of corona measures
are an excusable delay.
Authorizations
Tailor-made solutions are provided for organizations that are unable to meet the
solvability requirements of an AEO authorization, the provision of access to a
customs representative or the reduction or waiver of the guarantee under a UCCauthorization comprehensive guarantee.
The time limit is suspended for current applications for authorizations which cannot
be completed properly due to the corona crisis.
Deferment of payment
On application, a deferment of payment will be granted to entrepreneurs.
For the excise/consumer tax, a tax return have to be filed in the normal way. A
postponement of payment can be asked when the additional assessment is received.
Penalties
Certain allowances for entrepreneurs are made who, as a result of the corona crisis,
fail to meet their customs obligations in a timely fashion. If it is not a matter of a
violation or a crime or willful misconduct/gross negligence, a penalty is not imposed.