Unfortunately, travelling to the Netherlands is currently not as easy as was. With the additional challenge of some information only available in Dutch, travelling to the Netherlands can be very difficult.
Here is an attempt at a comprehensive overview on travelling to the Netherlands:
There are a few things to keep in mind:
– Country you’re travelling from
– Nationality and status in the Netherlands
(are you a European citizen or resident?)
– Means of transport
Thankfully, the Dutch government has provided a six-step checklist on travel to the Netherlands. This page takes that checklist as a starting point and builds on the information available there.
Colour recommendations
The Dutch government issues travel recommendations per country by using a colour code. The colours are set per country, but can also differ per region or province. Unfortunately, the detailed information per country is only available in Dutch. It can be found on this government page.
As this information is in Dutch, here is a (non-official) translation of the colour codes.
GREEN – “Kleurcode groen”
Travel to this country is regarded safe. Upon return to the Netherlands, there is no need for a negative test result, and you don’t have to quarantine. Green means there are little to no Covid-infections.
Nevertheless, be prepared that that country can have travel restrictions from people coming in from The Netherlands.
YELLOW – “Kleurcode geel”
Travel to this country does see some risks. Be prepared for this. Upon return to the Netherlands, there is no need for a negative test result, and you don’t have to quarantine.
Nevertheless, be prepared that that country can have travel restrictions from people coming in from The Netherlands.
ORANGE – “Kleurcode oranje”
Don’t travel to this country, unless it’s an absolute necessity. Holidays do not qualify as a necessity. This country has strict Covid measures. Upon return to the Netherlands, you will need to present a negative Covid test and have to quarantine for 10 days (or get tested on day 5 of quarantine).
This country could also be low on Covid-cases, but see strict measures or even a total ban for foreigners coming into the country.
RED – “Kleurcode rood”
Don’t travel to this country. Here, there’s not only Covid, but also significant additional safety risks.
Returning from this country to the Netherlands does require a negative Covid test and quarantine for 10 days (or get tested on day 5 of quarantine).
In addition to this checklist, there are a few countries that are exempt from the need to present a negative Covid test when travelling to the Netherlands, and also exempt from quarantining upon arrival. These countries can be found here.