Note: This information is no longer current.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.
From July 27 foreign partners or loved ones (not married or no cohabitation contract) travel back to the Netherlands under certain conditions. The entry ban did not apply to married Dutch citizens with a foreign partner.
Minister Grapperhaus of Justice and Security has decided to relax the entry ban for the Netherlands due to the corona crisis for unmarried couples as of 27 July 2020. A foreign partner from third countries may then, under certain conditions, come to the Netherlands for a partner visit. For both visa requirement as a visa-exempt foreign partners from countries that are not on the 'green list' additional conditions apply. For example, a home quarantine of 14 days is mandatory upon arrival in the Netherlands.
No entry ban for partners from 'green' countries
For unmarried partners safe countries (green list) the entry ban had already been lifted. This applies to residents of Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and China (provided China also allows European travelers again).
So an unmarried Dutchman with a Thai girlfriend could have his partner come over to the Netherlands for a visit. However, the Thai partner must have a valid Schengen visa to own.
No more entry ban for partners from other countries
In order to accommodate unmarried Dutch people with a long-distance relationship from non-green countries, an entry ban no longer applies to this group. However, additional conditions apply.
Adjusted conditions for a long-distance relationship with a foreign partner
The adjusted arrangement only applies if it concerns a visit for a stay
a short period. This is the case with a maximum duration of 90 days
stay in the Netherlands within a total period of 180 days. Because
there must be, in line with the European agreements on entry measures
of a lasting relationship, the following conditions will be attached to the scheme
stated:
- The couple in question must demonstrate that they have been in a relationship of at least three months in which the couple has seen each other 'regularly' in person, in a manner that is currently the case. In addition, the persons in question must sign a handwritten statement in which they declare, under penalty of perjury, that they do indeed have such a relationship.
- The statement must indicate the personal details, the residence address and the contact details in the Netherlands. This statement must also include the contact details of the foreign partner.
- The foreign partner must be demonstrably in possession of a return ticket prior to his trip to the Netherlands.
- For foreign partners who require a (Schengen visa) visa, they must be able to meet all applicable conditions, including having sufficient financial resources for the trip and stay, a medical travel insurance and ensuring a timely return. This can also take the form of a statement of guarantee from the partner in the Netherlands. The possibility of return is taken into account in the decision on the visa application.
- In accordance with current regulations, the stay in the Netherlands may not exceed the maximum duration of 90 days. If a longer stay is deemed necessary, an application for long stay will have to be submitted. If the foreign partner is still staying in the Netherlands after the maximum period of 90 days and no request for an extension or application for a long stay has been submitted, the aliens law procedures with regard to 'overstay' will apply within the current legal framework.
- If the foreign partner travels from a country for which an orange travel advice applies for health reasons and therefore urgent advice for home quarantine, the person concerned must go into home quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the Netherlands.
- The above-mentioned supporting documents, such as the statements, return ticket, medical travel insurance and any guarantee statement, must be handed over to the border authorities upon arrival in the Netherlands.
Travelers who are not subject to any travel restrictions
Furthermore, there are still groups of travelers for which there is no travel restriction:
- EU citizens (including UK nationals) and their family members;
- Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, Vatican City and Andorra 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;
- Long-stay visa holders, including those with a provisional residence permit (MVV).
Source: Central government
