If you’re traveling to Netherlands, it can be a tough situation if you aren’t aware of the rules and regulations that the Dutch government requires you to follow. From boarding flights, primary vaccination, and having your identity card to travel plans and vaccination centers, everything is included in this article to make your trip less of a headache and a hundred times more enjoyable!
You should remain vigilant and meet requirements that can save you a lot of hassles.
If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, view the Coronavirus section on the website to learn all you need to understand about coronavirus.
During the COVID-19 disease outbreak, it is more essential than ever to obtain travel insurance and ensure that it provides adequate coverage. Consult the FCDO’s advice on international travel insurance on their website for further information.
There are restrictions on bringing meals and drinks into the EU. For more information, see Bringing Food and Drink into the Netherlands on the EU website.
EU Entry Ban
You can only visit the Netherlands if you are not barred from entering the EU. Read the entry rules on Government.nl. Tourists and foreign visitors from the European Union area are welcome to visit the Netherlands. People from countries other than the European Union area are barred from entering the EU.
This is not without exceptions. Travelers from both within and outside the European Union/Schengen area must check what documents they require before visiting the Netherlands.
Rules for entering the Netherlands
There have been no coronavirus-related entry restrictions for visitors from the EU/Schengen region or countries partaking in the EU travel regulations plan. Other travelers outside the EU/Schengen region are subject to the EU entry ban, with some exceptions.
Rules for foreign travelers
The EU’s entry ruling applies to travelers,
- who live in a country that is not a member of the EU/Schengen area
- That country’s not participating in the EU travel regulation scheme.
This is not without exceptions. For example, if you are from a safe country or have vaccination or recovery documentation that satisfies the criteria.
If you qualify for one of the following exclusions to the entry ban:
- You are not required to fill out a health proclamation to gain entry to the Netherlands.
- You are not required to be tested prior to departure.
- There is no need to self-quarantine after you enter the Netherlands.
Get yourself vaccinated
When traveling to Netherlands, make sure you get your vaccinations on time. This can range from four to six weeks before a brief journey to six months for long trips or emigration. You can be vaccinated at the GGD, a vaccination clinic, or, in certain cases, by your family doctor.
If your child requires vaccinations, the baby clinic or, in certain cases, your family physician can assist. To find out where you can obtain travel vaccinations in your municipality, go to the LCR’s website. This information is only available in Dutch. However, you can use the translate option to view the information in English.
Traveling to the Netherlands with proof of vaccination status
Residents of countries other than the EU/Schengen area are barred from entering the EU. There are some exceptions, such as those with proof of vaccination. This vaccination proof must meet certain criteria.
Fully Vaccinated UK Nationals
“Fully Vaccinated” means—A vaccination schedule consists of 1 dose, and so this single dose has been conducted (Janssen), OR the vaccination schedule comprises of 2 doses, and either both doses have been prescribed, or one dose has been administered, and it has been affirmed that the person vaccinated was previously afflicted with the virus SARS-CoV-2.
For all the Non-EU Residents
If you do not live in the EU, you are susceptible to the ban and cannot enter the Netherlands unless you meet the following conditions:
You can either present a valid paper vaccination certificate or a digital one along with a valid identity document issued by a country participating in the EU Digital COVID Certificate system (ec.europa.eu).
Travel advice
Because of COVID-19, most governments have enacted special entry/exit constraints and prerequisites for their territories. These measures, which may be imposed abruptly, may include:
Bans on entry or exit
International transportation options may be suspended or reduced if quarantine requires evidence of vaccination or COVID-19 testing.
Certain European Union countries and the Dutch government may fail to acknowledge or accept evidence of vaccination approved by Canadian provinces and territories as proof of entry or exemption from quarantine requirements. A translation, notarization, authentication, or legal recognition of the document may be required.
Valid Documents
People traveling to the Netherlands should demonstrate proof that they have valid travel documents. This can be a form of identification or a passport (for travel within Europe).
It may be mandatory for you to carry a visa depending on your nationality. Are you a citizen of a country that is not a member of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland?
Then you must have a passport or travel document from the last ten years. In addition, your travel document must be valid for three months after you end up leaving the Schengen area. Any family member accompanying you must have a valid travel document.
Illegal drugs
Do not bring any illegal drugs when traveling to the Netherlands, and do not take any with you when you end up leaving. These are criminal charges.
Theft of ID documents
There is a risk of theft in the Netherlands, just like in any other country.
- In the event that an identification document is lost or stolen,
- Report it to the police department right away.
- Make a copy of the report and keep it on hand at all times.
- As soon as possible, apply for a substitute document.
The authorities and government in some states may require your passport or a copy of it in order to report it. Bring a photocopy or electronic copy of your passport with you before you leave.
Medicines
When traveling to Netherlands, make absolutely sure you get enough of any medication you use to last the duration of your trip, plus some extra in case you want or need to stay somewhat longer.
Most medicines are permitted to be brought with you as long as you can demonstrate that they are for your personal use. Check the laws and regulations on attempting to bring in medicines.
The Opium Act applies to strong analgesics and sedatives. These medications can only be brought into the Netherlands if you already have an official medicine certificate. This certificate may also have to be legalized beforehand.
Money
When traveling to Netherlands, make sure to take enough money with you. This entails having the money to cope with unforeseen circumstances, such as a delayed flight.
You should have a minimum of €55 per day for the period of stay in order to enter the Netherlands. Residents of Schengen or EU countries are not required to show proof of funds, even if they enter the Netherlands from a non-EU country.
Take out adequate travel insurance to cover unexpected costs if you are forced to return back early following an accident, illness, or death of a friend, relative, or family member.
Places to visit in the Netherlands
When traveling to Netherlands, make sure you don’t forget to miss out on visiting these places!
Daytrip to the historic Haarlem
During the Dutch Golden Age, Haarlem, which is only 30 kilometers from Amsterdam, was indeed a cultural and economic center (1588–1672). Explore the city and see the old buildings of the ruling elite who helped bring the city to popularity.
There isn’t much to do here, but the downtown area has a good market and a towering Gothic, and it’s a low-key option to Amsterdam’s hustle and bustle.
Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag)
Each year on the 27th of April, the Dutch commemorate King Willem Alexander’s birthday for Koningsdag. For 33 years, they commemorated Queen Beatrix as part of Queen’s Day on April 30th.
However, when she carried the crown to her son in 2013, the celebration changed dates, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday celebrated with outdoor events, loads and loads of orange (the national color), lots of drinking, and insane canal celebrations. It’s one of the most bizarre national holidays I’ve ever observed.
Visit Edam
Edam cheese is a popular Dutch cheese. It is also a town 21 kilometers north of Amsterdam. Edam is a picturesque Dutch town filled with iconic wind turbines, rolling farmland, and charming houses.
It’s one of the more traditional Dutch towns. You can start by exploring the 18th-century cheese warehouse space, taking a boat tour, or simply coming here to eat cheese and pretend to be Dutch!
Head to the Keukenhof
The Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden, with 79 acres of stunning floral displays. The tulip garden, located in both Amsterdam and The Hague, is open from March to May each year when the tulips are in bloom.
Every year, over 7 million bulbs are planted, and the garden contains approximately 800 different types of tulips. Flowers are synonymous with Holland, so there is no happier place to see them than here! The admission fee is 18.50 EUR.
Conclusion
It is important for people traveling to Netherlands, to keep a close check on the rules and regulations that the Dutch government currently poses.
It is advised to take an RTPCR test, and only if there is a negative pre-departure test, will you be allowed to continue with your travel. Ensure that you take your final dose of vaccination before starting your journey since it is mandatory to have a double vaccination status.
Don’t forget to Check out this article also—the 10 best things to do in the Orkney Islands.
