Exception from the entry ban in the Netherlands for business travelers

Exception from entry ban in the interest of the Dutch economy and society

Note: This information is no longer current.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 21 September, a person from a country with an entry ban, who makes a trip that demonstrably contributes to the Dutch economy and society, may travel to the Netherlands under certain conditions.

The relaxation of the entry restriction is only possible if you have submitted a (substantiated) application to a Dutch embassy for a trip that shows that the following conditions are met:

• You must be in possession of an invitation with a confirmed appointment with or visit to a registered company in the Netherlands or with the NFIA: The appointment is urgent and it is necessary that the appointment takes place in physical form.
• The appointment must meet at least one of the following conditions:

1. The visit involves a potential direct foreign investment in the Netherlands of significant size:
   a. at least 5 new jobs are created, or
   b. at least € 500.000 is invested.
2. The visit involves a potential foreign direct investment that contributes to:
   a. strengthening the Dutch innovative capacity, or
   b. the sustainability of the Dutch economy, or
   c. the further digitization of the Dutch economy
3. The visit is of great economic importance for a specific organization based in the Netherlands:
   a. The organization to be visited in the Netherlands has at least 10 FTEs and/or 2 million annual turnover.
   b. The importance of the visit becomes apparent, for example, when the visit is essential for the continuation of the daily functionality and/or maintenance and/or creation of jobs or the maintenance and/or growth of the company's turnover.

• After verification by the embassy, ​​the embassy issues a 'Note Verbale' to the traveler in which permission is granted for the intended trip. In case of doubt, NFIA in The Hague (in the case of a foreign investment) or the Department of International Business (DIO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in the case of foreign trade) is consulted. You and the company you are visiting must sign a statement in which both declare that you are making an essential trip that demonstrably contributes to the Dutch economy and society and meets the conditions set out above.
• You must show the Note Verbale to the Dutch border authorities (the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee)
• You must also be in possession of a return ticket and confirmed hotel reservation.
• Incase you visa required are the regular terms for it applying for a short-stay Schengen visa apply without prejudice.
• The regular border control procedure based on the Schengen Borders Code applies.
• This means that the KMar assesses whether you meet all access conditions. You must also be able to show a valid travel document and, if necessary, a short stay visa. This depends on your nationality. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee always has the right to refuse you entry, if there is a reason to do so.
• To mitigate the health risk as much as possible, you are strongly advised to keep your visits short and to limit contact with others. The Dutch rules regarding home quarantine apply in full, with the exception of business agreements.
• In order to limit risks even further, a quota will be set for the implementation of this framework for the number of travelers that will be allowed to enter the Netherlands per month.
• You are bound by the applicable corona measures in the Netherlands.

Source: Central government