Netherlands Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know Before Visiting

Update as of 17 Sep 2022: The Netherlands has lifted all travel restrictions related to COVID-19. 

Thanks to its unique culture (think Museumplein in Amsterdam) and lovely scenery, the Netherlands is one of the most popular European destinations currently open for tourism. Here’s all you need to know about travelling there, including the essential Netherlands travel restrictions and requirements.  

Also read: Germany Travel Restrictions: What to Know Before Visiting

Travel requirements for fully vaccinated travellers

Image credit: Thomas Bormans

Generally, the Netherlands is open for tourism to both fully and unvaccinated travellers from the EU/Schengen Area. For other countries, however, the Netherlands entry requirements differ based on nationality and point of departure. 

Travelling to the Netherlands from an EU/Schengen country:

You will need to:

1. Show proof of vaccination, a negative pre-departure test result or proof of recovery from a previous infection. 
2. Submit a Health Declaration Form if you’re arriving by air
3. Take a post-arrival COVID-19 test
4. Valid passport and visa (if applicable)

Travelling from a non-EU/Schengen country that is on the safe list:

If you’re travelling from a country that the Netherlands designates as a “safe area”, here’s what you should expect:

1. Show proof of vaccination
2. Furnish either a negative pre-departure test result or proof of recovery from a previous infection
3. Submit a Health Declaration Form if you’re arriving by air
4. Complete a Vaccine Declaration COVID-19 Form
5. Take a post-arrival COVID-19 test
6. Valid passport 
7. Visa (if applicable)

Travelling from a non-EU/Schengen country that’s not on the safe list:

While a general EU Travel Ban is in effect for countries not on the safe list, travelling to the Netherlands is possible for those who are fully vaccinated. You MUST: 

1. Show proof of vaccination 
2. Furnish either a negative pre-departure test result or proof of recovery from a previous infection
3. Submit a Health Declaration Form if you’re arriving by air
4. Complete a Vaccine Declaration COVID-19 Form
5. Have a return journey ticket (either by plane, bus or otherwise)
6. Take a post-arrival COVID-19 test
7. Valid passport 
8. Visa (if applicable)

Image credit: Red Morley Hewitt

For unvaccinated travellers, unless you meet the EU Entry Ban exemptions, you will not be able to travel to the Netherlands. 

Note: At the moment, The Netherlands recognises digital vaccine certificates issued by EU authorities. For those travelling from outside the EU, you must show either a valid paper vaccination cert. Digital vaccination certificates are only valid for countries taking part in the EU Digital COVID Certificate system. 

Singapore – Netherlands VTL

Singapore currently maintains a Vaccinated Travel Lane with the Netherlands (Changi to Amsterdam), which allows quarantine-free travel between the two countries. There are no special Netherlands travel requirements for VTL travellers from Singapore. 

However, you will have to take note of the requirements for VTL travellers going to Singapore. Click here to see which other countries have current or upcoming VTLs.

Arrival in the Netherlands

You will not need to undergo quarantine when you arrive in the Netherlands. However, regardless of your vaccination status or point of departure, you will be subject to an on-arrival COVID-19 test. 

Local COVID-19 restrictions

Image credit:sabina fratila

Masks are still mandatory in the Netherlands when taking public transport, including all areas inside airports and aircraft. While they are not mandatory in public spaces, premises owners/managers have the right to refuse entry to those not wearing a mask. 

In addition, if you’re heading to a large-scale event (indoor locations with more than 500 people), you MUST undergo testing before attending. Click here for more info. 

Apart from these, there are generally no further COVID-related restrictions. However, if you test positive, you must self-isolate for at least five days. 

Also read: Switzerland Entry Requirements: All You Need to Know Before Visiting

Planning to finally make that much-awaited trip to the Netherlands? Click here for more travel inspiration. Also, take the time to check out the travel requirements for other countries, too! 

Featured image credit: Ralf Gervink | Pixabay