Note: This information is no longer current. Since September 17, 2022, there are no longer any corona rules for travelers to the Netherlands. You can travel to the Netherlands without a long-distance relationship statement, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or negative test result. If you are subject to a visa requirement, you must of course first apply for a Schengen visa.
Read frequently asked questions and answers about the corona crisis and a Schengen visa here
Due to the corona crisis, the EU has imposed an entry ban for the Schengen countries. Since Thursday, March 19, 2020, the European borders have been closed to people from countries outside Europe. The ban is provisionally valid for thirty days and affects all 'non-essential travel' of persons to the Schengen zone. That is 22 EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The Netherlands closes its borders to people from outside Europe
This measure concerns a restriction on all unnecessary travel by persons from third countries to Europe (all EU Member States, all Schengen members and the UK) with the aim of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This means that persons who do not fall under the following exceptional position cannot enter the Netherlands.
The travel restriction does not apply to the following categories of persons:
- EU citizens (including UK nationals) and their family members;
- Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and their family members;
- third-country nationals holding a residence card or residence permit in accordance with Directive 2003/109/EC (the Long-Term Residents Directive);
- Third-country nationals who derive their right of residence from other European directives or from the national law of a Member State;
- Holders of a long-stay visa, including those with a provisional residence permit (MVV).
Other individuals with a vital function or need, including:
- healthcare personnel;
- frontier workers;
- Persons working in the transport of goods, insofar as necessary;
- Diplomats;
- Military;
- Personnel of international and humanitarian organizations;
- Persons who have compelling reasons to visit their family;
- Transit passengers who want to travel via the Netherlands to another third country;
- Persons in need of international protection; the border procedure applies in full;
- Persons admitted for humanitarian reasons.
Most frequently asked questions and answers about the entry ban for the EU and a Schengen visa
Due to the corona crisis, it is currently not possible to apply for a regular Schengen visa.
No date has been announced yet, depending on developments around COVID-19. The appointment systems are closed at least until April 6, 2020 and this period can be extended.
No, unfortunately this is not possible. The appointment systems are closed.
Visa fees for already issued visas that have not been used due to COVID-19 will not be refunded by the Embassies or VFS Global. You must submit a new application.
The duration of issued visas of travelers who have not yet been able to travel to NL due to canceled flights cannot be extended. You must submit a new visa application.
Persons who are staying in the Netherlands with a short-stay visa and who cannot leave the country can apply for an extension at the IND by telephone. It is therefore not possible to extend a visa at an IND desk. A sticker in the passport is not necessary. The extension is only valid in the Netherlands and is registered in the VIS system. Does this apply to you? Then call the IND
The following situation must apply to you:
– Your visa is no longer valid or expires within 1 month; and
– The airline has canceled your flight. You cannot book another flight; and
– You still meet the conditions for short stay visa.
Persons who can stay in the Netherlands without a visa for a certain period, and who exceed the term, can request an extension from the IND by telephone. Have your passport details to hand. Call the IND information line: 088 04 30430.
Visa applications currently pending at CSO or BO where the flight has been canceled will be denied with a note that this is due to COVID-19. Requests for events/meetings that have been canceled due to COVID 19 related measures will be rejected with the reason 'travel purpose expired'.
Visa applications that are currently being processed and can be issued can be given a longer validity, so as not to cause problems for the traveler if measures unexpectedly prevent them from returning to the country of origin (e.g. validity period 90 days, 1 entry visa) .
As for the category of persons traveling for necessary family circumstances, this concerns travel in exceptional cases. An exceptional case is visiting a terminally ill relative or attending a funeral. It is intended for 1st and 2nd degree relatives. This includes the partner and the children in the 1st degree and the grandchildren in the 2nd degree.
Source: Netherlands and U
Request Allianz Foreigners Foreign partner Corona crisis Covid-19 EES ETIAS EU Europe Europese Commissie European Union Guarantor IND Entry ban Entry conditions Croatia Long Distance Relationships Medical travel insurance Medical insurance MVV The Netherlands Dutch embassy Visa not required Non-Covid statement Passport Travel authorization National government Schengen Schengen area Schengen countries Schengen insurance Schengen visas Schengen visa Schengen zone SIS Travel Risk Insurance Safe countries Insurance Vfs global Visa Information System Visa Short Stay Visa requirement Visa-free no-fly zone
