Corona (Covid-19): Information for visitors to The Netherlands
Holiday travel to the Netherlands is currently not recommended. There is a negative travel advisory for all provinces and a travel ban is in place for specific countries. 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 principal COVID-19 measures
Comply with current hygiene and behavior measures during your stay in the Netherlands:
- Stay at home if you have symptoms that may be caused by a COVID-19 infection and take a test.
- Maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people and avoid crowds.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- A face mask is mandatory for everyone aged 13 years and over in public spaces (such as supermarkets, underground car parkings, train stations, etc.) and in public transportation facilities.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Use paper handkerchiefs and throw these away.
- You are allowed to receive a maximum of four persons per day in your home. This does not include children under 13.
- Gatherings of more than four persons are not allowed outdoors.
Entering the Netherlands and holidays
If you travel to the Netherlands from a high risk country, you must be able to present a recent negative PCR test certificate. 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.
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
Before you travel to an accommodation such as a hotel, campground or holiday park, always ask the owner about the applicable COVID-19 rules. The Netherlands has currently reopened cafés, restaurants and stores to a limited extent.
Cafés and restaurants:
- Cafés and restaurants are allowed to be open between 06:00 and 22:00.
- A fixed seat is required and a no more than four people are allowed at one table.
- A reservation and health check are mandatory.
Shopping:
- Supermarkets, pharmacies, drugstores and other essential stores are open.
- Non-essential stores are also allowed to open during regular opening hours. There is a limit to the number of customers allowed in a store at any time.
Accommodations:
- Campgrounds and holiday parks are open. However, COVID-19 measures apply here, too. Always ask your accommodation about the applicable rules.
- People from a single household and a maximum of four persons from different households are allowed to book a holiday accommodation (apartment, cottage). Always ask about the current rules applying before traveling to your accommodation.
- Hotels are open, including hotels and bars, spa facilities, and room service.
- Cancellation: 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, as are outdoor facilities such as theme parks and zoos. You must book ticktets in advance.
- Events such as concerts and festivals are not currently allowed.
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.