Negative COVID-19 tests now mandatory for travellers from China

As was announced on Friday, as of today all travellers arriving in the Netherlands from China are now required to present proof of a recent negative coronavirus test prior to departure. 

The Netherlands enforces new entry requirements

The Netherlands is not the only country to enforce tougher entry requirements for travellers from China: Italy, the US and the UK were among the first to re-introduce mandatory COVID-19 tests, and Germany announced the same rule last Thursday. While the Netherlands was slower to act, the Dutch government has agreed to follow the recommendation set out by the EU. 

“I think it is important that we take travel measures in the context of combating COVID-19 at a European level,” explained Dutch Health Minister, Ernst Kuipers. “For example, now the measures are effective, there will be no diversity of measures in Europe.” 

Kuipers has announced the entry requirements following the advice issued by the Outbreak Management Team (OMT), Social Impact Team (SIT) and the EU’s integrated political crisis response (IPCR) council.

Dutch government demands negative test for travellers from China

From Tuesday, January 10, 2023 travellers flying from China to airports in the Netherlands must take a coronavirus test no more than 48 hours ahead of departure, and are required to provide proof of either a negative NAAT or antigen test.

The government has also advised passengers to wear face masks on flights to and from China, and the cabinet is looking into options for testing the wastewater from toilets on planes from China for mutations of the virus. 

There are a handful of exceptions to the new entry requirements. For example, children under the age of 11 are exempt, as are humanitarian workers, diplomats, defence personnel, and heads of state. For full details, visit the Dutch government's website.

Thumb: Panorama Images via Shutterstock.com.