Corona (COVID-19) - Holland.com
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Corona (Covid-19): Information for visitors to The Netherlands

Due to the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the Netherlands, the country entered a full lockdown on 15 December 2020. The measure will continue until at least 19 January 2021 and travel to and from the Netherlands is strongly discouraged in this period.

Update for visitors from the UK and high risk countries:

As of Saturday the 15th of August, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential travel to the Netherlands. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. If you do travel to the Netherlands, then a home quarantine of 14 days afterwards will be mandatory. Hopefully we can soon welcome you again as warmly as you are used to from us!

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All dates mentioned below and associated measures are subject to and dependent on the development of the coronavirus.

Overview most important measures (updated daily)

  • Festivals and other events are no longer allowed from October 14, 2020.
  • As per 1 December 2020, everyone from the age of 13 is obliged to wear a (non-medical) mouth mask in public indoor spaces such as shops, car parks, and railway stations
  • Restaurants and cafés are closed as of October 14, 2020.
  • All shops are closed since 15 December 2020, excepting essential retailers for the basic necessities of life, such as supermarkets, pharmacists, petrol stations, and apothecaries. These shops must still comply with the social distancing measures (1.5 meters).
  • Theaters, concert halls, museums, zoos, monuments, swimming pools, saunas and cinemas are closed to the public as of 15 December 2020.
  • Campsites and holiday parks are fully open, including shared shower and toilet facilities.

Travelling in and to The Netherlands

  • From 29 December 2020 all travelers to the Netherlands (including Dutch nationals) are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding an aircraft. Without a negative test result it is no longer possible fly to the Netherlands.
  • We recommend to consult the travel advice of your local authorities and of the Dutch government to see if the Netherlands is one of the countries you can travel to.
  • Tourists must also reserve their holiday accommodation before travelling to the Netherlands. Without a valid reservation you can be refused entry at the border.
  • Individual decisions have also been taken by security regions at local level to discourage tourist visits. Keep a close eye on the website of the local security regions and/or contact the municipality.

Transportation to and within The Netherlands

Touring cars

If you are travelling to The Netherlands, please do so by car or own transportation to minimalize the spread of the virus. Are you travelling to the Netherlands as part of an organized group or you travel to The Netherlands in a touring car? Please consult the instructions of the local tour operator but also keep these general measures into account. These measures have been drafted by the Royal Dutch Organisation for Transportation, together with other institutions.

  1. Wear a face mask during the entire trip
  2. Make sure you fill in and submit a signed declaration to your local touroperator. These forms will be handed over to you, prior to entering to the bus
  3. Don’t enter the bus when you have a cold, fever or any other symptoms
  4. Take the measures into account and respect them. The driver is in charge of what is acceptable and what isn’t. He/she is also allowed to deny access to the vehicle
  5. Don’t walk in the vehicle to ensure you keep a distance of 1.5 metres
  6. Pay contactless when you are required to pay within the vehicle

Public transport

Public transport will once again operate according to the normal timetable. (International) Travellers will be required to wear a 'non-medical' mouth shield. In case you would like to use public transport, please check out the latest information about departure times and potentially adjusted timetables prior to travel.

Opening times restaurants, cafes and hotels

Restaurants and cafés are closed as of October 14, 2020. Hotels are allowed to receive guests although their restaurants and bars as well as room service must be closed to guests.

Number of Covid-19 cases in The Netherlands

The current number of Covid-19 infections can be found on this page of the RIVM.

General hygiene protocol

It is advised to adhere to the following basic measures to prevent further spread of the Corona virus:

  1. Wash your hands frequently with soap

  2. Cough or sneeze in the inside of your elbow

  3. Use disposable paper napkins

  4. Do not shake hands

  5. Stay at home in case you have symptoms of a cold or flu

  6. Limit social contact

  7. Always keep at least 1,5 metres distance from other people

Health complaints: what to do

Are you in The Netherlands and do you have symptoms that may indicate a possible infection with the coronavirus? Stay at home and get yourself tested. You can make an appointment to test yourself by calling 0800-1202 (daily available 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m). In case you're infected, you and your fellow travelers must remain in quarantine for two weeks.

Hospitalization & travel documents: get in touch with your embassy 

The Embassy or Consulate of your country can assist you in case of calamities when you are in The Netherlands, such as disasters, issues with travel documents or hospitalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dutch landscape with wheat field during sunrise

Dream now, visit us later

If you want to get a foretaste of your holiday in the Netherlands, this page offers a lot of inspiration, from unique vlogs to virtual tours!

We wish you a safe stay in The Netherlands.