Source: European Union/Re-open EU
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
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.
Remarks from the International Road Transport Union
15.02.2021
COVID-19 update: Testing locations in Netherlands
Please find below some of the testing locations in The Netherlands
- https://www.covidsnelteststraat.nl/
- https://www.testjesnelopcorona.nl/
- https://hulptroepen.nu/sneltesten/
Source :TLN
22.01.2020
Covid-19 Update: Curfew in the Netherlands
From Saturday, 23 January 2021 onwards, a curfew will apply throughout the Netherlands. This means that everyone has to stay inside between 21:00 in the evening and 04:30 in the morning.
International freight transport is exempted.
- The driver does not need to carry additional statements during the curfew to prove that he is travelling for a valid reason during the curfew.
- The driver must, however, as always, have a Euro license and CMR waybill with him.
Source: TLN
19.01.2021
Covid-19 Update : Testing for drivers travelling by ferry to the Netherlands from UK
Netherlands (the) - United Kingdom
From 00.01 Tuesday 19 January 2021, all drivers travelling from the UK to the Netherlands by ferry will be required to show evidence of a negative lateral flow test obtained within 24 hours of boarding a service departing for a Dutch port. As part of the support to hauliers and to ensure goods and people can continue to flow, free testing is already available at 35 Information & Advice sites(I&A) across the UK, where hauliers and drivers can also get support with documentation requirements. Alternatively, hauliers and drivers can get an authorised negative COVID test from a private testing facility and firms may have their own arrangements.
Hauliers travelling to all ports are able to use these I&A sites, including those making onward journeys to the Netherlands. To avoid delays, drivers and crew of HGVs, and drivers of LGVs and vans must get tested before they arrive at their port of departure.
Source: UK Department for Transport
14.01.2021
Covid-19 Update : Compulsory test for anyone travelling from UK to the Netherlands
United Kingdom - Netherlands (the)
Travellers from the United Kingdom and South Africa who want to travel to the Netherlands by plane or ferry will soon have to undergo a corona rapid test at the airport or ferry terminal before they leave.
The Dutch government has stated that a negative PCR test is not mandatory.
However, a negative result of a rapid test not older than 72 hours is obligatory!
The obligation will also apply to truck drivers and the crew of ferries and aeroplanes.
The measure is intended to prevent the spread of the new variants of the coronavirus in the Netherlands.
According to the Ministry, the measure will enter into force 15th of January, 2021 00:00h.
The UK government's website lists the locations where transport drivers can get tested free of charge.
A list of private testing facilities where professional drivers can get tested is also published.
The compulsory rapid test already applies to passengers travelling by train from the UK to Netherlands and to drivers using the tunnel between Dover and Calais.
The Netherlands is joining forces with France and Belgium to prevent the import of virus variants from the UK.
Source : TLN
29.12.2020
Professional drivers exempted for the obligation of showing negative COVID test in the Netherlands
New COVID-related measures are entering into force in the Netherlands as of today, 29 December 2020. According the new rules, all travellers from a high-risk area within the EU/Schengen must show a negative COVID-19 test result from 29 December 00:00 when they travel to the Netherlands by air, ship, international intercity and international bus at more than 30 km from the border.
However, professional drivers (EU & Non EU) are exempted from this obligation.
The obligation also applies to passenger transport customers, with the notable exception of private coach transport.
For more information, please check out the official Dutch Government site here and here.
Source: TLN
17.09.2020
Code red: no impact on the transport sector
Good transport is exempt from travel restrictions to or from Belgium and Germany.
Belgium will issue code red for both South Holland and North Holland (provinces in the Netherlands) from 16:00 on 19 September.
In Germany, the measure take effect immediately for both provinces.
Code red means that there is a formal travel ban on all tourist or non-essential trips.
Goods transport is considered to be essential, so is not affected by these restrictions.
Source: TLN
02.09.2020
In order to prepare effectively for Brexit, Dutch stakeholders involved in Brexit, including TLN, have launched a mini-campaign to inform the public of the procedures for transport to the United Kingdom from 1 Janaury 2021.
Digital pre-notification of customs documents will be mandatory at all ferry terminals and most short-sea terminals. Without this pre-notification, trucks will not be allowed to enter the ferry terminal and will be diverted to parking areas.
Attached you will find information in English and German and a YouTube video on how transport to the United Kingdom will work from 1 January 2021.
Dutch website with information on Brexit:
- The YouTube movie in both languages:
- English: https://youtu.be/4Ip0mpP11q4
- German: https://youtu.be/o5BYDKSK8X0
- A short outline of the five steps to be taken:
Source: TLN
03.06.2020
On 3 June, the Dutch Infrastructure Authority announced the creation of a new free parking space to ease congestion on the border with Germany during the Corpus Christi day. The parking will be open from 22:00 as of 10 June until 22:00 of 11 June. The parking has 200 parking spaces and the authorities are asking drivers to use them as much as possible to prevent bottlenecks during that festive day.
The parking’s address is: Marketing 19 a, 6921 RE Duiven, The Netherlands. GPS 51.962767 - 06.028641.
Source: TLN
02.04.2020
In order to guarantee the flow of supplies, especially those destined for the supermarkets and pharmacies, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management has extended the relaxation on driving and rest times until 1 June 2020.
The same conditions continue to apply for the following:
· Maximum daily driving time of 11 hours
· Maximum weekly driving time of 60 hours
· Maximum fortnightly driving limit of 96 hours
· Postponement of a weekly rest period from six to seven 24-hour periods.
Source: EVOFENEDEX
19.03.2020
Currently, the Netherlands is under a relatively relaxed Coronavirus (COVID-19) regime. Most people work from home. The government aims to have the number of infected people at the same time under control. Shops remain open although certain department stores have individually decided to close.
To enable an efficient loading and unloading procedure at shippers’ premises, it is recommended that drivers take personal protection materials with them such as masks and gloves.
The associations are in communication with the government in order to safeguard restaurants and other facilities for drivers. The Ministry recommends that drivers take their meals at fuel stations. All other restaurants remain closed until at least 6 April.
There is an ongoing debate in the Dutch Parliament and it is possible that measures will become stricter in the coming days.
Sources: Evofenedex and TLN