Editor’s Note: Coronavirus cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you’re fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on September 15.
If you’re planning to travel to Amsterdam, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Amsterdam emerged from its third lockdown since the start of the pandemic earlier this year, with almost all restrictions lifting across the Netherlands in late February.
The Dutch capital, along with the rest of the country, is slowly returning to normal life once again.
However, the government has opted to keep travel restrictions in place for visitors from outside the EU/Schengen area.
What’s on offer
Amsterdam is a top draw thanks to its historic canals, stunning architecture, renowned museums and vast cultural attractions. The Dutch city’s cycling culture has also contributed to its popularity, and the city remains one of the most favored destinations in Europe.
Who can go
European Union residents are allowed to enter Amsterdam, along with the rest of the Netherlands, for any reason.
As of March 23, travelers from within the EU/Schengen area, EU citizens arriving from outside of the EU, or those who live in a country participating in the EU travel rules scheme are not required to present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative test before entry.
While arrivals from outside these areas fall under the EU travel ban, there are exemptions in place for those arriving from “safe” countries, as well as those who are fully vaccinated, or can provide evidence of recent recovery from Covid-19.
From April 22, travelers from EU and Schengen area countries traveling to the Netherlands by plane do not need a health declaration form.
Visitors from countries outside the EU/Schengen no longer need to produce a negative Covid-19 test on arrival, provided they are fully vaccinated.
Currently, the following destinations outside the EU are listed as “safe”: Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
Those from outside the EU/Schengen who do not meet any of the exemptions and are not arriving from one of the destinations listed above are not permitted to enter the Netherlands at present.
All visitors are advised to do “self-tests” after arriving in the Netherlands and on day five, according to a statement on the official government website.
What are the restrictions?
Travelers from within the EU/Schengen area, or those from destinations participating in the EU travel rules scheme are no longer required to present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative test before entering the Netherlands.
Arrivals from outside these areas fall under the EU travel ban, but there are exemptions for visitors coming from “safe” countries and those who are fully vaccinated, or can provide evidence of recent recovery from Covid-19.
Those from countries outside the EU/Schengen who are fully vaccinated do not need to produce a negative Covid-19 test on arrival.
Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay, are currently deemed as “safe”.
The Netherlands government advises all arrivals to complete a “self-test” after entering the country, as well as on day five of their visit.
What’s the Covid situation?
Covid cases spiked in the Netherlands last summer, albeit from a low base, driven in part by the emergence of the highly contagious Delta variant.
While cases were on the rise again in early 2022, numbers have been trending downwards in recent months.
As of September 15, there have been close to 8.5 million cases in the country, with over 8,356 in the past week. There have been 23,260 deaths from Covid. So far, around 69.8% of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can visitors expect?
Nearly all Covid-19 restrictions across Amsterdam, along with the rest of the Netherlands, were lifted in late February.
The majority of public venues, including restaurants, museums, cinemas, gyms and large nightclubs, no longer require customers to produce a coronavirus entry pass before entering.
Masks are not legally required on public transport, in indoor public places, or airports at present.
Useful links
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