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The Netherlands’ coronavirus travel ban comes into effect today

The Netherlands’ coronavirus travel ban comes into effect today

As was announced in the press conference on January 20, further travel restrictions for travel into the Netherlands come into effect on Saturday, January 23. 

Flight ban for 19 countries

Due to newly discovered highly-contagious mutations of COVID-19, a ban has been introduced for all incoming flights from the following countries: 

  • The United Kingdom
  • Cape Verde
  • The Dominican Republic
  • South Africa
  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Suriname
  • Venezuela
  • Colombia
  • Panama
  • Guyana
  • Chile
  • Uruguay
  • Ecuador
  • French Guyana
  • Guyana
  • Paraguay
  • Peru

The travel ban also applies to all passenger ships from the UK. All freight transport from the aforementioned countries is excluded from the ban. Other exceptions to the ban include:

  • Medical staff and patients
  • Aviation staff (travelling for work)
  • Flights for the repatriation of Dutch nationals

The travel ban will remain in place until February 22. 

Negative travel advice 

Again, the Dutch government has reiterated the advice not to book any international travel until (at least) mid-March. They ask that members of the public only travel if it is absolutely necessary (i.e. for a family emergency). 

Furthermore, the government has extended the entry ban that was already in place for travellers from outside of the EU. The list of exemptions to the ban has been reduced. The following groups will no longer be allowed to enter the Netherlands:

  • Students
  • Business travellers
  • Highly skilled migrants
  • Professionals from the cultural and creative sectors
  • Long-distance partners

If you are an EU national or live in an EU member state, you can still travel to the Netherlands, but you will have to be tested for coronavirus before departure.

Negative coronavirus test for travellers from high-risk areas

In December, the government announced a new policy that required all travellers coming to the Netherlands to have proof of a recent negative PCR test. Now, in addition to this, all travellers coming from high-risk areas will be required to take a rapid test before departing for the Netherlands. 

The rapid test can be taken a maximum of four hours before boarding. The PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arriving in the Netherlands. The new testing rules also apply to travellers to the Dutch Caribbean. Not sure if the country you’re travelling from counts as high-risk? Check if it appears on the government’s list of safe countries

Furthermore, all travellers are expected to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the Netherlands, After five days of quarantine, you can choose to get tested for coronavirus. If you test negative, the quarantine is lifted.

Victoria Séveno

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Victoria Séveno

Victoria grew up in Amsterdam, before moving to the UK to study English and Related Literature at the University of York and completing her NCTJ course at the Press Association...

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BrianJohnson2 15:51 | 1 March 2021

It's hysterical that the Government page says that the Borders remain "Open". How can you have open borders yet restrictions and a "BAN". Those words don't work in unison. That's called a fabrication or LIE. If I'm not permitted into the country that doesn't make an open border. One thing I don't stand for is being openly lied to and then having itbe denied with it being in plain view. Don't think people can't find a dictionary to find the definition of words and your misinformation and improper explanations aren't going to be discovered. A lie is a lie.....borders are not open, people's loved ones are not free to come and go....even with a negative test result. That has proved not to be enough, no you have to have a valid reason that's identified as valid by the government. To see a family member isn't valid, you are not free to go and see your mother, father, significant other, you are detained and prohibited from seeing them in some cases......EVEN WITH A NEGATIVE TEST RESULT. That is horrendous that a government is that excessive in their oppression they instill.