Note: This information is no longer current.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.
Families from outside the EU and the Schengen area have not been able to visit each other for months due to the corona crisis and the entry ban. A group of Dutch people of foreign origin is the citizens' initiative 'Families from outside the EU, we miss you!' started and asks the government to relax the entry ban for this group.
Close family from outside the EU is not allowed to travel to the Netherlands or elsewhere Schengen countries come for family visit. The initiators of the group have asked the Ministry of Justice and Security to take a closer look at this problem.
Exceptions, but not for family
Due to the corona crisis, only essential travel is allowed. Persons from outside the EU who want to visit family in the Netherlands are not covered, unless there is serious illness, death or other special circumstances.
As a result, parents and grandparents abroad have not seen their children and grandchildren in the Netherlands for almost 9 months. That is distressing, especially since there are now exceptions for other specific groups such as top athletes, lovers, business people and journalists.
According to the Citizens' Initiative 'Families from outside the EU, we miss you!' is that unfair. In addition, the entry ban applies indefinitely, which would make it contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that every person has the right to family life.
Exceptions to the entry ban are possible
The EU entry ban has been introduced for public health reasons to prevent the spread of Covid-19. It is unclear exactly how the consideration for the exception categories is made and which criteria apply, much to the great sadness of the families involved. The group hopes that attention to this problem will provide a solution.
The Netherlands follows the rules set by European leaders. Any amendments to the conditions should be discussed and adopted at EU level. Until then, the entry ban for family members will continue to apply.
Source: NOS.nl
