Note: This information is no longer current.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.
The cabinet has decided that there will be an immediate flight ban for flights from South Africa. The flight ban took effect tonight, December 21, at 21.00 p.m. Dutch time and will apply until January 1 at the latest. Flights with cargo and medical personnel will continue to be allowed.
Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen of Infrastructure and Water Management has instituted the flight ban to prevent the spread of a new contagious variant of the Corona virus that is circulating in South Africa.
The cabinet's decision means that two scheduled flights that would arrive in the Netherlands from South Africa on Tuesday morning, each with about 120 passengers, will be cancelled. Contact has been made with the airlines involved about this. Dutch nationals who cannot return from South Africa are advised to seek safe accommodation.
The government wants to introduce the obligation as soon as possible that all passengers, including EU residents, must have a non-Covid-19 statement in order to fly. At present, the mandatory negative test certificate only applies to people from so-called third countries (non-Schengen).
Once the mandatory negative test clearance for all passengers from South Africa has been arranged, the flight ban can be lifted. The flight ban will also be revoked before 1 January if effective European measures have been taken against the import of the virus.
Source: Rijksoverheid.nl
