Since 29 December, travellers from the European Union to the Netherlands must be able to show a negative result to the COVID-19 test if they are coming from a high-risk area of the EU/Schengen area.
The provision applies to passengers arriving by air, ferry or international intercity train or by coach. However, it excludes cross-border commuters for a distance of 30 km within the Netherlands.
If a passenger cannot show a negative result, they cannot travel to the Netherlands. They are then forbidden to board the plane or train. On both types of transport, the local authorities must check the certificate of a recent negative PCR test before boarding or during the journey.
The audit must be completed before the first stopover in the Netherlands. If these travellers are unable to produce a certificate, they will be asked to leave the vehicle at the first stop after the border and return to their country of origin.
- The negative test result must be in English. However, it is accepted in German, French, Spanish or Dutch. The document must include the following information:
Type of test
- The test must be molecular PCR type and must be for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. No other type of test, including a rapid test, is valid.
Test results
- the test result must be negative (or not detected);
- The passenger's first and last names as they appear on their passport;
- Date and time of test: the test must have been carried out no later than 72 hours before the passenger's arrival in the Netherlands.
- Name and contact details of the institute or laboratory that carried out the test.
However, there is one particularity for transfer passengers at an airport in the Netherlands. They must also present a negative test result. Even if they continue their journey without leaving the airport. The only exemption applies to passengers in transit for reasons beyond their control (bad weather, damage, etc.).
