Rapid test compulsory for people entering the Netherlands from the UK, Ireland and South Africa
Please note: the date of this news item is the 13th of January 2021. Read more about the current mandatory test results and declaration.
People arriving in the Netherlands by aircraft from Ireland and South Africa or by aircraft or ferry from the United Kingdom must provide proof that they have tested negative for coronavirus following a rapid test directly before departure. This is in addition to the negative PCR test that must have been conducted no more than 72 hours before arrival. The new requirement also applies to people working in the transport sector, such as lorry drivers, and to ferry and airline crews.
The government has announced this additional measure in order to further reduce the risk of the new coronavirus variants spreading. The rapid test requirement already applies to people travelling to the Netherlands from the UK via the Eurotunnel or Eurostar.
The Netherlands is working with France and Belgium to prevent the new variants of the virus coming in from the UK. The government once again wishes to stress that people should stay in the Netherlands and refrain from travelling. The new measure will come into force in the next few days.