Netherlands Travel Information

Corona (Covid-19): Information for visitors to The Netherlands

Due to the rising number of COVID-19 infections, the Netherlands has been in lockdown since 15 December 2020. This measure will be in force until at least 20 April; during this period traveling to and from the Netherlands is strongly discouraged. A temporary ban on passenger flights has even been imposed for some countries.

• More information on traveling to the Netherlands from abroad can be found on the official Dutch government website regarding COVID-19.
• Tip: do you want to travel to the Netherlands and check in advance what exactly is and is not allowed? Then contact the embassy (more info via this link). Please note that when you call, the person will probably speak Dutch or English!

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.
• Essential retail stores, such as supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations and pharmacies are opened. They must comply with the measures, however, and wearing a face mask is mandatory to be allowed into the store.
• Nonessential stores are closed, although you are allowed to pick up goods ordered by telephone or online. From 3 March onwards, you will also be able to shop on appointment.
• 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.
• From 20 January 2021 onwards, you are not allowed to receive more than one person aged 13 or over in your home.
• Furthermore, a night-time curfew has been imposed throughout the Netherlands as per 23 January. As a result, no one is allowed in the street without a valid reason between 9:00 pm and 4:30 am. From 31 March onwards, the curfew will start at 22:00.

Travelling in and to The Netherlands

• Anyone flying to the Netherlands is required to produce a recent negative PCR test certificate on arrival. In addition, a rapid COVID-19 test must be done immediately before departure of your flight.
• From 23 January 2021 onwards, there is a ban on passenger flights into the Netherlands from the UK, South Africa and all South American countries. The ban will remain in place until the Dutch authorities are able to pass a law requiring all incoming travelers to self-isolate for ten days following arrival.
• 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.

• Air travel: Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport
• International trains: NS International
• Train within The Netherlands: NS
• Other public transport in The Netherlands: 9292.nl

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.