Note: This information is no longer current.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.
As of 1 July, a new European border policy will apply, whereby residents of 15 countries outside Europe who are on a so-called green list will once again have access to the Netherlands and other countries in Europe.
It replaces the previous general entry ban that was in effect from mid-March and was imposed due to the corona pandemic. The entry ban will continue to apply to all other countries that are not on this list.
Dutch border policy
The Netherlands has decided to open its borders to residents of all countries on the green list as of 1 July 2020. Please note: This expressly concerns residents of the countries mentioned, not nationals (passport holders). For example, a Canadian (Canada is on the green list) living in the United States (not on the green list) may NOT travel to the Netherlands or the Schengen area.
The following countries are currently on the green list:
- Algeria
- Australië
- Canada
- Georgia
- Japan
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
- China
Upon entry into the Netherlands, all countries are subject to the condition that a health declaration must be presented. See here: www.government.nl/documents/publications/2020/05/13/information-package-regarding-covid-19-measures-for-passengers-flying-to-the-netherlands-from-a-high-risk-location
What does the new Schengen visa issuing policy mean?
The Netherlands will soon issue visas again for countries on the list for which the entry ban has been lifted. However, this will not be as of July 1, 2020, as it will take time to restart visa issuance.
A previously issued visa, with an entry date in the period of the entry ban, is no longer valid. Then you need one again Apply for a Schengen visa.
Keep in mind that:
- A visa does not give automatic access to the Schengen zone, but is only a condition for entry. It is checked at the border whether all admission conditions have been met.
- In addition, each Member State may apply the list of countries for which the entry ban has been lifted differently. It is therefore particularly important that visa applicants first inquire about the possibilities of free travel within the Schengen area.
When traveling to the Netherlands, a health certificate and face mask are mandatory
Passengers on all incoming and outgoing flights must complete a statement with questions about health complaints that are consistent with COVID-19. In addition, at check-in and before entering the aircraft, a health check must be carried out by the airline staff.
The Netherlands makes wearing a non-medical face mask mandatory for passengers on the plane and at Dutch airports during check-in, security and border processes and boarding.
It is of course important that persons traveling to the Netherlands are aware of and comply with the Dutch rules for combating the virus. Information about this will be available in five languages and will be actively brought to the attention through reports at airports, stations and the information channels of the hospitality industry and sister organizations abroad.
What does the new policy mean for travelers from non-greenlisted countries?
For the other countries, a restriction applies to all non-essential travel for residents of those 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 exceptional position will not enter the Netherlands and that they will be refused entry. In that case, entry will be refused on the basis of Article 6 of the Schengen Code, paragraph 1 under e.
Travelers with an MVV
Travelers with a MVV are asked to go into self-isolation for 14 days after entering the Netherlands.
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