The Dutch government has announced that, from December 29, anyone travelling to the Netherlands will be required to provide proof of a recent negative coronavirus test before arriving in the country.
From Tuesday, all travellers - including Dutch citizens and residents of the Netherlands - will be required to provide evidence of a negative PCR test before arriving in the Netherlands. This requirement will apply to those travelling by plane, but also by bus, train or boat.
Those travelling by plane will have to provide proof of a negative test result before being able to board at the airport, while anyone travelling internationally by bus or train will be checked either before departure or during the journey (but always before the first stop in the Netherlands). Anyone who fails to provide proof will either be denied boarding or be asked to exit the vehicle.
The test must have been carried out within 72 hours prior to arrival in the Netherlands. All travellers will still be expected to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the Netherlands. The government also highlights their ongoing advice to only travel internationally if it is absolutely necessary.
The government’s announcement doesn’t come as a surprise. In a statement on December 23, it was revealed that the flight ban the government had placed on travellers from the UK and South Africa had been lifted, provided those flying to the Netherlands had tested negative for coronavirus within 72 hours prior to arrival in the country.
In the statement, the government also announced intentions to set this requirement for all travellers to the Netherlands. It didn’t take long for this plan to become reality. For more information about travelling during coronavirus, click here, or visit the government website.