COVID-19 travel restrictions for non-EU citizens in the Netherlands

1. Requirements for entry from EU and non-EU countries

Government.nl answers the major questions regarding travelling to the Netherlands. The list of countries from which it is possible to enter the Netherlands and the restrictions that may apply changes frequently. Hence, this site should be consulted regularly.

2. Digital vaccination certificate

European Commission and perhaps more specifically the recommendation made on 20 May gives more clarity: EUR-Lex - 32021H0816 - EN - EUR-Lex. It makes sense for EU countries to accept proof vaccination (i.e. the EUDCC) as a valid vaccination passport, which will allow the same level of freedom when travelling as with the German or French version of the EUDCC.

The Netherlands Ministry of Health has developed the CoronaCheck-app that is being transformed to fit the technical requirements of the EUDCC. It is not possible for companies to introduce an alternative app for this use. In addition, all citizens (i.e. Dutch residents, but also others who visit the Netherlands and wish to travel to another country in Europe) can get a free COVID-19 test in July and August 2021 and receive the results digitally in the CoronaCheck-app, which as of tomorrow should also show whether or not you have been vaccinated. As in all countries, the local EUDCC goes live on 1 July 2021.

3. Special and additional requirements

The Dutch government adopted a law stating that if you wish to attend a sports event, bar, festival or performance falling under the definition of a social activity, etc. without exercising social distancing, you can access these events if the CoronaCheck-app turns ‘green’, which indicates a negative test, having antibodies or having a double vaccination unless you had the Janssen vaccination requiring a waiting time. As of 1 July, travellers are also required to use the app. Employers are the only group that are not allowed to use this type of information (i.e. regarding tests, vaccinations or antibodies) to organise work at the office.