To prevent people who travel back to the Netherlands from abroad from bringing the virus with them, the government is sticking to the obligation of a negative PCR test result for travelers from high-risk areas.
Negative corona test mandatory for travel to the Netherlands
Anyone traveling to the Netherlands by train, bus, boat or plane from abroad must be able to show a negative corona test statement (non-Covid-19 statement). The cabinet had already announced the measure last week to limit the risk of contamination and spread of the corona virus as much as possible.
Negative COVID-19 test result and declaration required for travelers from outside the EU/Schengen
All travelers from a high-risk area from outside the EU/Schengen must be able to show a negative COVID-29 test result and a statement signed by the traveler from December 19 if they travel to the Netherlands by air or ship. This therefore also applies to Dutch citizens and other EU/Schengen citizens.
Traveling from South Africa to the Netherlands is allowed again with a negative COVID-19 test result
Travelers from South Africa must be able to show a negative COVID-19 test result and a statement signed by the traveler when traveling to the Netherlands by air or ship.
Entry ban on flights from South Africa
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.
The Netherlands makes negative COVID-19 test results mandatory for foreign travelers
Certain groups of travelers must show a negative test result from December 15, 2020, 18.00 p.m. when they enter the Netherlands. This concerns travelers from a country outside the EU/Schengen that is not on the list of safe countries of the European Union and who are also exempt from the EU entry ban.