Flight ban replaced by self-quarantine and two negative test result requirements

From 1 June all travellers from countries with a very high COVID-19 risk will be required to self-quarantine on arrival and show a negative NAAT (PCR) test result (information available at Rijksoverheid.nl, in Dutch only). They must also be in possession of a quarantine declaration. Travellers from countries affected by virus variants of concern must also show a negative rapid test result upon departure. Now that this combination of measures is in place the government has decided, on the basis of the Outbreak Management Team’s advice, not to extend the current flight ban, which expires on 1 June 2021.

The flight ban that expires on 1 June applies to India, South Africa and all countries in Central and South America. Travellers from these countries will still be subject to the EU entry ban after 1 June. This means they may enter the European Union (including the Netherlands) only if they qualify for an exemption.

Quarantine requirement

Travellers from very high risk countries are required to self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival in the Netherlands. This period can be shortened if they test negative after the fifth day. This requirement applies to all modes of transport. Travellers from high-risk ‘orange’ countries must undergo a NAAT (PCR) test, even if they are travelling by car, and are strongly advised to self-quarantine on arrival.

  • View the list of very high risk countries.

Travelling from an area where there is a virus variant of concern

Addition to this news report: If you are travelling to the Netherlands from a country where there is a virus variant of concern, you have 2 options:

  • You have a negative NAAT (PCR) test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding abroad.
  • Or you have the following 2 test results:
    • a negative NAAT (PCR) test result based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before your arrival in the Netherlands; and
    • a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding abroad.