Note: This information is no longer current.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.
Due to the corona pandemic, there is a European entry ban, which means that you can only travel to the Netherlands under certain conditions. However, if you live in a country with a low COVID-19 risk, a safe country, you can travel to the Netherlands without restrictions. Do you require a visa and do you come from a safe country? Then you can only travel to the Netherlands if you are in possession of one Schengen visa for short stay.
If you live in a country with a low COVID-19 risk, for example Thailand, you can travel to the Netherlands. There is no EU entry ban for this. It does not matter what nationality you have or what the purpose of your trip is. Countries that are not on the list of safe countries are regarded as high-risk areas.
No negative test result necessary
If you come from a country with a low COVID-19 risk, you do not have to have a negative test result when you travel to the Netherlands.
Safe countries with low COVID-19 risk
If you live on one of the islands within the Kingdom, you are exempt from the EU entry ban. You do not need a negative test result if you are traveling from one of the islands below:
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Curaçao
- Sint Maarten
- Saba
- St. Eustatius
Safe countries outside the European Union/Schengen
- Australië
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau)
The EU entry ban applies to China until China also allows European travelers again. Travelers from China do not need to be able to show a negative test statement.
Safe countries within the European Union/Schengen
- Iceland
Changes in safe countries list
These are the only countries with a low COVID-19 risk. These safe countries can change.
Japan is no longer on the list
The EU member states have decided to remove Japan from the list of safe countries from 2 February 2021. This is because Japan no longer has a low COVID-19 risk. From 2 February 2021, the EU entry ban will therefore apply to travelers from Japan. Travelers from Japan who are exempt from the EU entry ban must show two negative test results from 4 February 2021 when traveling to the Netherlands. There are a few days between the entry ban and the two negative test results so that travelers have the opportunity to prepare and make a test appointment.
Visa required and from a safe country?
Do you require a visa and do you come from a safe country? Then you must meet all other entry conditions for the Schengen area, such as a valid short-stay Schengen visa, the correct travel documents and a medical travel insurance.
Date of article: 17-02-2021 (Source: Rijksoverheid.nl)
