Dutch Government proposed changes regarding travel to the Netherlands as of Tuesday 16^th March.  Most of the current measures in place will remain.

• The exemptions to the entry ban for people from outside the European Union will once again apply, starting on 16^th March. 

• Passengers who need to transfer in the Netherlands to a different flight for their onward journey will only need to show the results of an NAAT (PCR) test based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before. The requirement to provide the results of an additional rapid test will be lifted.

• As of 16^th March, travellers aged 13 and over from high-risk countries must be able to show the results of a negative NAAT (PCR) test based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding. The permissible window had previously been 12 hours.  Or: upon their arrival in the Netherlands, they must be in possession of a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours prior to boarding and a negative NAAT (PCR) test result based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours earlier. This time frame had been 4 hours.

• As of 16^th March truck drivers who have been in the UK for less than 48 hours will no longer need to comply with the rapid test requirement.

• As of 16^th March, instead of providing the results of a rapid test based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours prior to boarding, air crew can opt to present the results of a NAAT (PCR) test based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before, upon arrival in the Netherlands.

• As of 16^th March there will be additional exceptions to the 1.5 metre rule in places whether large groups of people gather, such as around baggage carousels and at the test locations for departing travellers. These exceptions already apply at security checkpoints and at the posts manned by the Royal Military and Border Police.

Please visit https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/mandatory-negative-test-results-and-declaration/requirements-pcr-test-result for further information.