Netherlands: Entry Requirements in 2021 Travelers Need To Know

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Netherlands is one of the most visited countries in the world, receiving over 17 million annual visitors prior to the pandemic. 

The country is now looking to revitalize its tourism sector after being decimated by the coronavirus.  

Below are all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for the Netherlands in 2021 and everything you need to know before booking your trip. 

Countries Permitted To Visit The Netherlands

Residents of following countries are permitted to enter the Netherlands:

Accurate as of November 2021

• All EU Countries
• Third-party ‘safe' nations of: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau SAR), Colombia, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Jordan, Kuwait, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Svalbard, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vatican City

• Caribbean nations of: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius, St.Maarten

However, different entry rules will be applied depending on risk level of the above nations. Some EU nations are considered ‘high-risk' and will require testing and/or quarantines, while lower risk nations can enter test/quarantine free. Details below.

Netherlands Health Declaration Form

All travelers arriving by air in the Netherlands must carry a completed Health Declaration Form and have it ready to show on request during your journey.

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements 

Low risk (safe) nations and high-risk nations have different testing rules.

No negative test result or self-quarantine required for low risk ‘safe' nations

The Netherlands Government Site reads: “If you are coming from a country/region in the EU/Schengen area where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low (a safe country) you do not need to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result (this includes the Digital COVID Certificate). You need to show a negative test result if you are travelling from a safe country/region outside the EU/Schengen onwards. In some cases, a proof of vaccination is sufficient.”

As of November 21, 2021, here are the ‘safe' low risk EU nations:

• Canary Islands
• Sardinia
• Malta

The EU ‘high-risk' nations:

• Austria 
• Belgium 
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic 
• Denmark
• Estonia  
• Finland 
• France 
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland 
• Ireland 
• Italy (from November 21, including Sicily)
• Latvia 
• Liechtenstein 
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg 
• Norway
• Poland 
• Portugal 
• Romania 
• Slovakia 
• Slovenia
• Spain (except Canary Islands)
• Sweden
• Switzerland 

• Third-Party ‘Safe' Nations: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau SAR), Colombia, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Jordan, Kuwait, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Svalbard, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vatican City

• Safe countries/regions within the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Saba, St Eustatius

Negative test result and self-quarantine required for high-risk EU nations

Any EU nations not listed above are considered high risk at this time. Passengers from these nations will need to provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result. Tests accepted are: PCR, NAAT, LAMP, TMA. Some exceptions for this test, like proof of recent recovery or a combination of other test types are accepted.

No self-quarantine is required.

Very High Risk Third-Party Nations

The United States and many other third-party countries that are considered very high-risk can only enter if they are fully vaccinated. Non-vaccinated passengers cannot enter for tourism and non-essential reasons.

In conjunction with being fully vaccinated, they will also have to comply with the testing requirements, as well as a 10-day mandatory quarantine.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements 

All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to the Netherlands. 

COVID-19 Health Requirements While in the Netherlands 

All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in the Netherlands:

• Masks are mandatory for transit, stations, shops, libraries, playgrounds, amusement parks, and secondary schools.
• Maintain a distance of 1.5 metres (approx. 2 arm’s lengths) from other people.
• A valid coronavirus entry pass is required to enter cinemas, museums, and indoor gatherings, as well as outdoor parties, festivals, and events. You can get a coronavirus entry pass if you are fully vaccinated, have a valid proof of recovery or a negative result from a coronavirus test taken less than 24 hours before entry. Children under 13 years old are exempt.
• Update: the Netherlands is imposing a partial lockdown from November 13, 2021 to December 3, 2021. This means that bars, restaurants and essential shops will close at 8 PM, and non-essential shops will close at 6 PM. Gatherings at home are also limited to 4 people.

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements 

The Netherlands has not announced if proof of vaccine record for entry will be mandatory in the future. 

They are currently not making exceptions for vaccinated passengers.

Visa Entry Requirements For Netherlands During COVID-19

All travelers arriving in the Netherlands will need to follow regular visa requirements.

Use this government tool to find out if you need a visa before traveling to the Netherlands.

Travelers that require a visa must apply at the Netherlands embassy/consulate in their home country.  

Netherlands Covid-19 Entry Requirements:

1. Complete and carry the Netherlands Health Declaration form
2. Ensure your country is permitted to visit the Netherlands for tourism
3. Check if you need a visa to visit the Netherlands
4. Check recommended quarantines for traveling from certain regions 
5. Follow all health protocols while in the Netherlands

Read More: 

COVID-19 Entry Requirements By Country: Travelers Guide

Countries Reopening the Complete List

Travel Insurance That Covers COVID-19

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Sources: Netherlands Government /  Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Originally Published: August 29, 2020 with updates