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(CNN) – If you are planning to travel to the Netherlands, here is what you need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic
The basics
The Netherlands introduced a strict lockdown in December 2020, following a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases. The country’s first nighttime curfew since World War II was introduced in January, sparking riots in major cities.
The Netherlands has since eased restrictions as it seeks to return to normal life – although the Dutch PM has apologized for easing restrictions too early and brought back some.
What’s on offer
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ biggest draw, with its perfect canals, spectacular architecture and cafe culture. But beyond the capital, there is a lot to love, from the elegant administrative capital The Hague to the increasingly trendy port of Rotterdam. Outdoor enthusiasts won’t feel left out either, with excellent cycle paths and water sports on offer.
Who can go
Residents of the European Union are allowed to enter the Netherlands for any reason, and travelers from other countries deemed to be very high risk (with a variant of concern) may enter the Netherlands.
The destinations considered to be “very high risk (with a variant of concern)” are currently: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela. From these countries, no pleasure travel is permitted.
The same goes for the countries considered to be “at very high risk”, which are currently the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Fiji, Kuwait, Maldives, Mongolia, Namibia, Oman, Seychelles and Tunisia.
All countries not listed are considered high risk and travelers are subject to restrictions based on their immunization status. See below.
What are the restrictions?
People coming from “high risk” countries (any country not listed above) must either present proof of vaccination (approved by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organization) or be placed in quarantine for 10 days at the address indicated by the traveler.
What is the situation of the Covid?
Covid cases increased in mid-July in the Netherlands, albeit from a low base, in part thanks to the emergence of the highly contagious Delta variant. The cases have had a downward trend. As of July 30, there had been just under 1.9 million cases in the country, with 32,749 in the past week – about half of its peak in November 2020.
What can visitors expect?
The Dutch government eased restrictions in June, before bringing back some on July 9, with Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologizing for easing them too soon.
Discos have been closed again and there will be no summer festivals.
Restaurant customers should be seated and socially distanced at a distance of 1.5 meters, including outdoors.
The current rules will be revised on August 13.
While masks are no longer mandatory in indoor public spaces, the Dutch government recommends that they be worn when a social distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained. However, anyone over the age of 13 must wear one on public transport, as well as on platforms and train stations. Those who do not face fines of € 95 ($ 112).
Useful links
Our last blanket
Joe Minihane and Julia Buckley contributed to this report
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