The Netherlands has announced its decision to lift the ban on British travellers not regarded as fully vaccinated against Covid.
Since the ban, visitors from outside the EU were only allowed to travel to Amsterdam and the rest of the country if they had completed a course of vaccinations in the past 270 days, or had subsequently received a booster at any time.
Effective September 17, 2022, the government has removed the requirement, citing ‘the current epidemiological situation in the Netherlands’. The decision applies to all travellers, including those traveling into the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area.
According to statement from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport: ‘The Dutch government has decided to lift the EU entry ban for the Netherlands as of 17 September 2022.
‘No Covid-19 related restrictions or requirements apply to travellers entering the Netherlands, including those from countries outside the EU/Schengen area.’
However, the government has warned travellers to self-isolate if tested positive for coronavirus while visiting the Netherlands. ‘If you booked your trip through a tour operator, contact them if you need to isolate due to a positive test,’ it said, adding: ‘If you are travelling independently, you must arrange a place to isolate yourself.’
During the pandemic the Netherlands imposed strict rules, including an obligation for overseas visitors to be tested daily in order to access cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions. The country does not have any mask requirements in place, and all venues are now open and operating normally.
On social distancing, the health ministry noted: ‘It is no longer mandatory to stay 1.5 metres from others. But this remains a safe distance. So give others enough space.’
