Corona (COVID-19): Information for visitors to The Netherlands
Holidaying in the Netherlands is possible in most cases, although you must comply with a few rules and recommendations while you are here. The European travel ban on travelers from high and very high risk regions is still in force, as well. Always check the current measures applicable for your situation prior to traveling and follow the instructions of the Dutch authorities.
- Before you travel, always check this checklist for current travel bans and the rules regarding tests and quarantine in the Netherlands.
- You can find up to date information and travel advisories at Rijksoverheid.nl.
The basic rules
While you can do many things in the Netherlands once again, COVID-19 has not disappeared so you must comply with the following basic rules when staying in the Netherlands:
- Wash your hands often.
- Maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people and avoid crowds.
- Stay at home if you have symptoms that may be caused by a COVID-19 infection and take a test.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Use paper handkerchiefs and throw these away.
- In most places, you no longer have to wear a face mask. However, it is still mandatory in places where social distancing (1.5 m) is impossible, and any person aged 13 and over must wear a face mask. Examples are passenger transportation, public transportation, railway and metro stations, airports, and in aircraft.
Entering the Netherlands and holidays
If travel into the Netherlands is allowed and you do not travel from a COVID high or very high risk region, there are no entry requirements on arrival in the Netherlands. This means you do not have to show a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. If travel into the Netherlands is allowed and you do travel from a COVID high or very high risk region, you must show a negative PCR test result on arrival in the Netherlands. The test requirement also applies to persons who have been vaccinated.
On arrival in the Netherlands, visitors from high risk regions must also self-isolate for ten full days, regardless of their mode of travel. The ten-day quarantine may be reduced if a PCR test taken at least five days following arrival has a negative result.
If you do travel into the Netherlands from a high or very high risk region, you must comply with the following travel restrictions.
Arrival in the Netherlands by airplane or ferry:
- Everyone who wishes to enter the Netherlands by airplane or ferry must show a recent negative PCR test certificate on boarding. The test certificate must not be older than 24 hours. If you have a negative test certificate older than 24 hours but no older than 72 hours, you must also show a negative quick test certificate, which must have been issued less than 24 hours ago.
- When traveling by aircraft, you must also present a completed health statement. This applies to all travelers aged 13 and over. Some airlines offer the option to fill out this form during your online check-in.
- There is currently a European travel ban for travelers from non-EU countries. Travelers from these countries are not allowed to enter the Netherlands. There is also a special flight ban into the Netherlands for passenger flights from South Africa, India, and Central and Latin American countries. There are a few exceptions, however.
Entering the Netherlands on other ships, such as cruise ships:
- On arrival in the Netherlands, you need a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours.
Entering the Netherlands by train or bus:
- If you travel to the Netherlands by international bus or train, you need a negative PCR test result. The result must not be older than 72 hours. This does not apply to regional trains and buses. The train and bus connections requiring a negative test result can be found here.
Traveling to the Netherlands by car:
- Travelers travelling by car to the Netherlands from a high risk region, need a negative PCR test result.
Accommodations, cafés and restaurants, and shops
The Netherlands has largely opened up so you can book your stay at all available accommodations for your holiday, such as hotels, campgrounds and holiday parks. Before traveling to an accommodation, don't forget to ask the owner about applicable rules. Shops in the Netherlands are open once again, too (subject to compliance with the applicable rules) and will be happy to receive you.
Cafés and restaurants:
- Restaurants and cafés are closed between midnight and 6 AM. Nightclubs and discos will remain closed altogether.
- COVID-19 tickets are not valid in restaurants and cafés.
- If you visit a restaurant or café, you must always have a fixed seat and comply with social distancing rules (1.5 m distance from others).
Shopping:
- All shops are open during regular opening hours.
- Shops must observe a maximum capacity of one visitor per 5 m2. However, if a shop uses the CoronaCheck app or an individual COVID access pass, the maximum capacity does not apply.
Accommodations:
- Campgrounds and holiday parks are open. However, COVID-19 measures apply here, too. Always ask your accommodation about the applicable rules.
- Hotels are open during regular opening hours, including any restaurant, catering, spa and en room service- facilities. Make sure to inquire about any rules applying for the accommodation in question.
- Always ask about the terms and conditions relating to cancellation before booking. These may vary significantly between providers.
Events and recreational facilities:
- Cinemas and other recreational and cultural facilities are open during regular opening hours, as are outdoor facilities like theme parks and zoos. Here, too, social distancing is in force and a 1.5 m distance must be maintained between visitors.
- Outdoor recreational spaces, such as beaches and city parks, are also open subject to the 1.5 m social distancing rules.
- Some events, such as concerts, dance parties and festivals, are accessible with a COVID-19 access pass. In this case, the 1.5 m social distancing rule does not apply.
CoronaCheck app as a ticket
To gain access to some events, locations and activities, the organiser may ask for a COVID access pass, such as a negative test result, proof of vaccination or recovery. You can also load these documents in the CoronaCheck- app and use it as a COVID access pass. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.
Symptoms - What to do?
If you are in the Netherlands and have symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19, confine yourself to your accommodation and get tested. Call 0800-1202 (daily from 08:00 to 20:00) or 0850 659 063 to schedule a test. If you are very ill, call the emergency number 112. If you are infected, follow the instructions of the health service. If you have any trouble with your travel documents during your stay in the Netherlands, your country’s embassy can assist you. You can find the contact details of embassies and consulates in the Netherlands here.
Leaving the Netherlands
Many countries consider the Netherlands a high risk country. As a result, you may have to present a negative COVID-19 test result and completed health form on arrival. Before you travel home, always check the current requirements and exceptions at your home country. Find all of the relevant information about traveling to and from the UK here.