Can I travel to the Netherlands? Latest Covid rules and holiday advice
Holidays to the Netherlands are currently impacted by tightened Covid-19 restrictions in the country.
From November 13, for at least three weeks, bars, restaurants and non-essential stores are shut after 8pm. People have been urged to work from home, and audiences are not permitted at sporting events.
Austria, Slovakia and Germany are among the other European countries to tighten Covid-19 restrictions amid a fourth wave of the virus on the continent.
So how does the Netherlands’ latest micro-lockdown affect your holiday? Here’s everything you need to know.
Can I visit the Netherlands without quarantine?
Yes. Fully vaccinated UK travellers can enter the Netherlands without needing to quarantine on arrival or return.
Unvaccinated Britons will need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival in the Netherlands, with an option to test and release after Day 5.
For full information, visit the Netherlands FCDO page.
Do I need to take a test to enter the Netherlands?
Yes. The Dutch authorities classify the UK as a ‘very high risk country’, which means you will need to provide evidence of a PCR test (48 hours before travel) or a non-NHS antigen test (24 hours before travel). This applies to fully vaccinated arrivals. You will need a certificate to prove your test result.
Can children enter the Netherlands?
Children aged 12 and over must have evidence of a negative Covid-19 test result; PCR can be taken up to 48 hours before departure, and antigen no more than 24 hours before departure. If fully vaccinated, children over 12 can enter quarantine free.
Children aged 12 and over who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, even if travelling with vaccinated adults, and take the above tests.
Will I be insured if I go?
The FCDO has also lifted its blanket advice against all but essential travel to the Netherlands, making travel insurance easier to come by. Always check your policy before purchase.
Returning home
Anyone arriving in the UK must take a lateral flow test and fill out a Passenger Locator Form. Due to concerns over the omicron variant, from 4am on November 30, all travellers (regardless of vaccination status) must take a day 2 PCR test on arrival in the UK – to be taken by the end of the second full day after arrival – and isolate until a negative result is received. Anyone who tests positive must isolate for 10 days. Unvaccinated travellers must also take a PCR test on or after day 8 and isolate until day 10 unless opting into Test to Release. You can find the Government's rules on testing before departure here.
Will I need a vaccine passport?
Yes. The NHS app is used as a digital vaccine passport for Britons travelling abroad. The app holds the NHS Covid Pass, which is accepted by all EU countries, as well as most nations further afield. It is also possible to request a NHS Covid Pass letter, if you need or prefer this version.
Do I need to wear a mask in the Netherlands?
Yes. Face masks must be worn in many indoor public spaces where you are not required to show a Covid certificate. This includes in shops and on public transport.
Are restaurants and bars still open?
Yes. Hospitality businesses remain open, with social distancing rules in place and vaccine passports required to enter. From November 13 2021, establishments must shut between 8pm and 6am.
Do I need to fill any forms to go to the Netherlands?
Yes. All travellers aged 12 and over must carry a health declaration, stating whether you have any Covid-19 symptoms. You can download the form here.
Do I need to fill in any forms to return to the UK?
Yes. You must complete a passenger locator form. To do so, you will need a booking confirmation code for your Day 2 test.
Reader Service: Planning on travelling to the continent? Make sure you book European travel insurance before you go.
