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Can I go to Amsterdam? Travel rules for the Netherlands

By Abigail Malbon

Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Here’s what you need to know.

What are the entry requirements for the Netherlands?

Since Wednesday 23 March 2022 , fully vaccinated travellers to the Netherlands coming from within and outside the EU or the Schengen area no longer require a test, proof of recovery or proof of vaccination. They are still advised to do a self-test immediately after arrival and again on day five. This is not enforced, as it is not a legal requirement. If you are not fully vaccinated, UK residents and citizens arriving from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not able to enter the Netherlands for non-essential purposes, unless you meet the requirements of one of the Dutch government's EU entry ban exemption categories. Find out more about the exemption categories . 

What are the UK entry requirements for those coming from the Netherlands? 

Since 18 March 2022, all Covid travel rules have been dropped in the UK. This means that, regardless of vaccination status, those entering the country no longer need to fill out a passenger locator form, take any tests or quarantine. In England, since Thursday 24 February 2022, all travellers have not been legally required to quarantine even if their day two test is positive, although the official government and NHS advice and guidance is still to quarantine at home for five days if you test positive, as long as your next two tests after those five days are negative – otherwise you should continue to isolate until they are. In Scotland, the legal requirement to isolate was removed on 21 March, while it ended on 28 March in Wales. In Northern Ireland, all legal restrictions were replaced by guidance on 15 February 2022.  

It’s more important than ever to purchase travel insurance with Covid cover that is appropriate for your destination. 

What are the current Covid restrictions within the Netherlands?

Since Wednesday 23 March 2022, wearing a face mask on public transport has no longer been required, although they must still be worn on aircrafts and at airports beyond the security checkpoint. Attendance at large-scale events no longer requires a negative Covid test result. This applies to indoor locations with more than 500 visitors per event and without assigned seating (such as a nightclub or live music venue). More information is available on the Dutch government’s website .

• Français

COVID desk: Information for visitors to The Netherlands

The Netherlands is open and welcomes you! All Covid-19 related measures have been abolished.

All travelers to the Netherlands will no longer require a test, proof of recovery or proof of vaccination.

• You can find up to date information and travel advice at Government.nl .
• Find the answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 at the bottom of this page.

Handy links to the official travel advice

If you are travelling to the Netherlands from Belgium , Germany , France , the United Kingdom , the United States or China , please check these respective links to the official travel advice issued by your national foreign office.

FAQ - Current COVID-19 situation in the Netherlands

The current status of COVID infections, vaccinations and hospital admissions in the Netherlands at a glance.

The travel rules and COVID measures apply to all persons aged 13 and over.

Please follow the link and enter your country in the search box to retrieve the contact details.

The rules for entering the Netherlands depend on whether you are travelling from inside or outside the European Union (EU). Please read the handy travel checklist to see which rules apply to you.

You can use the (European) Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) to enter the Netherlands. You need a QR-code to proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, have tested negative or have already been infected and are therefore protected. For more information about the DCC please visit this website.

If you are travelling to the Netherlands from another EU country you will no longer need to show proof of vaccination, a Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) based on proof of recovery or a negative test result. If you are travelling by air, complete a health declaration form. Do a self-test after arriving in The Netherlands and on day 5 of your stay. Use the travel advice tool on Reizentijdenscorona.nl to get specific advice for your trip. This tool also works if you are travelling through several countries.

An EU entry ban is in effect for people from countries outside the European Union/Schengen area. This includes the United Kingdom. There are exemptions to the entry ban, for example for some countries that are considered safe. Countries from outside the EU/Schengen are classified into two categories: 1. Safe countries and 2. Countries that are not on the ‘safe country list’. Please always check which category your country belongs to. Travellers from outside the EU/Schengen area do no longer have to carry a negative test result, if one of the following applies: Their country of origin is on the EU’s list of safe countries, they hold a valid vaccination certificate or recovery certificate.

If you are fully vaccinated, you can travel to the Netherlands. You will have to show the following documents to the Dutch border authorities: 1. a completed 'Vaccine Declaration COVID-19' form*; 2. proof of vaccination accepted by the Netherlands; 3. a negative Covid-19 test result; 4. proof of your return journey (return ticket issued by airline, bus company or railway company); 5. a visa (if you require a visa). *This declaration must be completed by all travellers aged 12 and over from outside the Schengen area. Children under the age of 18 travelling with their vaccinated parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are exempt from this requirement, but they must show a negative COVID-19 test result. There are some exemptions for the test result requirement.

If you develop coronavirus symptoms, you are advised to stay in your accommodation, avoid contact with others and get tested by the municipal health service (GGD) or do a self-test. If the result of your self-test is positive, you must isolate. Get tested by the GGD to confirm the result. Do not travel if you have symptoms (except to a test centre).

If you are visiting The Netherlands and you test positive for coronavirus, you must isolate: • If you booked your trip through a tour operator, contact them if you need to isolate due to a positive test. • If you are travelling independently, you must arrange a place to isolate yourself. If you continue to test positive, contact the country you are travelling to after your stay in the Netherlands to find out about the entry rules for that country.

Self-quarantine means that you stay at home and do not receive visitors. You should do this if there is a risk that you may have been infected by COVID. By staying at your holiday accommodation you prevent the virus from spreading further.

No, you can go to a PCR or rapid antigen test provider of your own choice for appointments. You must pay for these tests.

You can go to a PCR or rapid antigen test provider of your own choice for appointments. You must pay for these tests.

To contact the 24/7 BZ Contact Centre directly, dial +31 247 247 247.

DutchNews.nl - DutchNews.nl brings daily news from The Netherlands in English

What you need to know before you travel between the netherlands and the uk.

The discovery of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has prompted governments to tighten up their travel restrictions, including the Netherlands and the UK.

In August the coronavirus rules were relaxed to allow more travel between the two countries. However, strict rules on testing and quarantining are still in force on both sides of the border and there are heavy penalties for breaking them.

Many DutchNews.nl readers have been in touch to say they found the rules confusing and contradictory. We’ve done our best here to sum up the key points and answer your questions and will try to keep you updated on any changes.

For full details of the two countries’ rules check the relevant web pages for the Dutch government and the British government .

Travelling to the UK

Use the Dutch government’s interactive guide here .

Can I travel to the UK from the Netherlands?

The UK has scrapped its traffic light system in favour of a single ‘red list’ of the highest risk countries. The Netherlands is not on it, so travel is still permitted. However, from December 7 you will need to take a pre-travel test no more than 48 hours before you leave.

Travellers vaccinated in the EU no longer need to go into quarantine. However, from November 30 everyone arriving in the UK must take a PCR test within two days of arrival and self-isolate until they know the result. If you are staying for less than two days you still need to order a PCR test.

Children under 18 can follow the rules for fully vaccinated travellers, even if they have not been vaccinated. Children under 5 do not have to take PCR or antigen tests.

Children under 11 travelling to Scotland do not need to take a PCR test on day 2.

What documents do I need to travel?

A passenger locator form , which includes your proof of vaccination and a booking code for the PCR test that you booked before travelling. You can take the test either at home or in a clinic.

You can complete the passenger locator form online in the 48 hours before travelling. You will get a QR code that you can either print off or store on your phone.

What tests do I need to take?

From Tuesday, December 7, all visitors to the UK aged 12 and over must take a PCR or antigen test no more than 48 hours before travelling, even if they have been vaccinated. Dutch pre-travel tests are no longer free: an antigen test will cost about €40, a PCR test €80.

Is my vaccine passport accepted in the UK?

The EU Covid Certificate is recognised by health authorities in all UK nations. Digital or paper versions are acceptable. You must have had all your vaccinations at least 14 days before travelling.

Do I have to quarantine in the UK?

If you have proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated, you do not have to quarantine. You will still need to book and take a PCR test on day 2 . If you don’t have proof of vaccination, you will need to quarantine for 10 days after you arrive. Children under 18 are not required to quarantine.

If you’ve only had one vaccine in the Netherlands because you tested positive for coronavirus in the last six months, you do not count as fully vaccinated under UK rules. A government spokesman told DutchNews: ‘The UK does not recognise natural immunity for international travel at this time.’

The quarantine supervision team will call you on the number you give on the passenger locator form and may visit you to check you are quarantining. The maximum fine for breaking quarantine is £10,000.

Do I have to test after I arrive?

Even if you’re vaccinated, you’ll need to take a PCR test on day 2 and send it away for results. You need to book this test before you leave and state the booking reference on your passenger locator form.

If you haven’t been vaccinated you’ll need to book and take tests on day 2 and 8 – even if you’re leaving before day 8. There’s an optional ‘test to release’ which will allow you to end your quarantine after five days if it’s negative, but you’ll still need to take the day 8 test.

The UK government’s website has a list of approved test providers for travel to England. Also check independent rating sites such as Covid Testing Network .

If you’re travelling to Wales you must book an NHS test through the CTM booking portal . Travellers to Scotland can use the booking portal or the list of approved test providers in England .

Travelling to the Netherlands

Can I travel to the Netherlands from the UK?

The UK is currently classed as very high-risk, but people who are fully vaccinated are exempt from the ban on travelling to the EU.

There are also exemptions from the ban for people in long-term relationships, essential workers, people travelling for pressing family reasons, and students, researchers or skilled migrants on short visits. You will need documentation to prove this.

If you have had two vaccines, or one vaccine dose and a recent infection, or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, you will be allowed to enter the Netherlands as long as you had your second vaccine at least 14 days before travelling. For those who had the Janssen vaccine the waiting period is 28 days.

What documents do I need?

If you are fully vaccinated and travelling by plane you will have to fill in a Health Declaration Form stating you do not have Covid-19 symptoms before you leave.

Non-residents and anyone who is not fully vaccinated will need to complete a quarantine declaration , even if you are exempt.

Either a PCR test no more than 48 hours before departure, or a rapid antigen test (also known as a lateral flow test) taken no more than 24 hours beforehand. An antigen test must be supervised.

Unvaccinated children are allowed to travel with their parents, but they still have to take a coronavirus test before departure.

Is my vaccine passport accepted in the Netherlands?

The NHS Covid Pass issued in England and Wales, the Scottish Covid Status app and the CovidCert app in Northern Ireland, or their paper equivalents, are valid as proof of vaccination at the border.

You will need to show a QR code proving you have been vaccinated or tested negative in the last 24 hours when you go to restaurants, bars, sports stadiums, theatres, cinemas and other indoor venues. NHS apps are now compatible with the Dutch ‘test for entry’ system. Unvaccinated travellers who need to obtain a QR code can book a free test for entry at testenvoortoegang.org .

If you’ve been vaccinated in the UK and live in the Netherlands, the GGD health service in Utrecht can validate NHS certificates. Visit https://www.ggdru.nl/corona or call 0300 800 2899.

Do I need to quarantine in the Netherlands?

Fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to quarantine in the Netherlands . Others will have to quarantine for 10 days or claim exemption. You can leave quarantine after five days with a negative test result (see below).

There are numerous exemptions from quarantine for cross-border workers and commuters, informal carers and people travelling for funerals. There is also an exemption for ‘necessary family visits’ to first and second-degree family members, i.e. parents, children, brothers and sisters, including step-families and relatives by marriage. The government’s website states: ‘Examples of necessary family visits include reunification with family members after a long period of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic or a visit to a sick family member.’

If you’re not fully vaccinated you must fill in a quarantine declaration before travelling, either online or on paper . If you are claiming exemption you still need to complete the form and tick the relevant box. The form states that you need to take documents supporting your case, but the government website advises that ‘only a quarantine declaration is necessary’.

Your quarantine address and phone number are passed to the supervision team, who will call you to check you are complying . If you break quarantine you could be fined €339.

Testing on arrival is not mandatory, but if you’re required to quarantine you can end it early if you test negative on day five. This must be a PCR test. You can book a free test by calling the GGD hotline on 0800 1202 or +31 850 659 063 if you’re calling from abroad. If you have a Dutch DigiD you can book the test online at coronatest.nl. You are allowed to leave quarantine to take a coronavirus test.

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Netherlands Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to the Netherlands from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Netherlands.

Can I travel to the Netherlands if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter the Netherlands without restrictions.

Can I travel to the Netherlands without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter the Netherlands without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the Netherlands?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Netherlands.

Can I travel to the Netherlands without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the Netherlands?

Mask usage in the Netherlands is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the Netherlands?

Restaurants in the Netherlands are open. Bars in the Netherlands are .

Fri 19 Apr 2024

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Can I travel to Amsterdam? Netherlands travel restrictions and UK entry requirements amid rising Covid cases

The seven-day infection rate in the netherlands is now 904 per 100,000 people, and continuing to rise.

Covid-19 cases have been soaring in the Netherlands, prompting the Dutch Government to introduce legislation to ban unvaccinated people from venues like bars, restaurants and museums.

The seven-day infection rate in the Netherlands is now 904 per 100,000 people , and continuing to rise.

According to government data, hospital admissions have risen by 19 per cent in the last week, and the number of people in intensive care units by 26 per cent.

Ministers are recommending people return to 1.5-metre social distancing.

And next week legislation could pass that would essentially lock down unvaccinated people , as is happening in the Czech Republic , Slovakia and parts of Germany .

But what does this mean for travel? Here is everything you need to know.

Can I still travel to the Netherlands?

People cannot enter the Netherlands from the UK unless they are fully vaccinated, or they have an essential reason.

Exemptions include holding a long-stay visa or residence permit, work, study, or having a compelling reason to visit family, such as if someone is terminally ill.

The Netherlands classifies the UK as a “very high risk country”.

This means even fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the Netherlands from the UK via aeroplane, ferry, passenger car, train or bus must show proof of vaccination, as well as evidence of one of the following:

• A negative PCR test result (taken no more than 48 hours before departure)
• A negative lateral flow test result (taken no more than 24 hours before departure)

The NHS Covid Pass is valid proof of vaccination.

Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from quarantine on arrival.

Those who are not double jabbed must self-isolate for 10 days, with test-to-release available on day five.

If you are travelling by air everyone aged 12 and over must  fill in a health declaration and carry it with them.

What are the Covid rules in the Netherlands?

All indoor and outdoor public spaces are open in the Netherlands.

However, opening hours for restaurants, bars and nightclubs are still restricted. They must close at 8pm under current rules.

Face masks are mandatory on trains, buses, trams and metros, in taxis and on commercial passenger transport, as well as in shops.

You will need to show proof of vaccination to enter certain venues, including restaurants, or a proof of a negative test if you are not double jabbed.

However, the option to display a negative test could be removed depending on the outcome of next week’s vote.

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Netherlands relaxes Covid travel rules and reopens to fully vaccinated UK and US travellers

Doubled jabbed uk and us arrivals no longer need to quarantine on arrival, article bookmarked.

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As of this week, the Netherlands is significantly reducing its travel restrictions for fully vaccinated US and UK travellers.

Starting 22 September, double jabbed arrivals from the UK and US - previously categorised as “very high risk areas” - no longer have to quarantine on arrival, provided that their second vaccine shot has been administered two weeks beforehand.

Previously, travellers from both countries had to quarantine for 10 days after landing, with a “test to release” option on day five.

From tomorrow, 25 September, guidelines on the ground ease up, too, with authorities scrapping the requirement to stay 1.5 metres from others, allowing restaurants and bars to operate at full capacity once more.

It means Amsterdam city breaks will become a reality once more; the Dutch capital welcomed more than 2.4 million British tourists in 2019.

“This is a big step forwards,” read a Government of the Netherlands statement.

“Nearly 13 million people in the Netherlands have received at least one dose of Covid -19 vaccine and more than 11 million are fully vaccinated. Hospital and ICU admissions are stable.

“The majority of people who are admitted to hospital or who test positive for coronavirus are still unvaccinated. Vaccination coverage is high enough that we can lift the rule to stay 1.5 metres from others. But it’s not yet high enough to do this without putting other conditions in place.”

One such condition is the introduction of a vaccine passport, the Coronavirus entry pass, to enter bars and restaurants, festivals, concerts and sports matches, as well as cinemas and theatres. Only those aged 13 and over have to show the pass.

The pass is easily generated by residents on a smartphone, using an app called CoronaCheck.

Nightlife is still under review, with authorities announcing that they are “developing support measures for nightclubs and discos”.

Not everyone was thrilled by the new rules.

The country’s largest organisation representing hospitality businesses, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN), said it was “inexplicable” that restrictions were being lifted for the public while new rules were being imposed for bars and restaurants, particularly opposing the curfew of midnight to 6am currently imposed on venues.

“Support for the current measures was already low among catering entrepreneurs, but with this extension and reinforcement, I expect that a limit will be crossed and that many catering entrepreneurs will no longer enforce the rules,” said KHN chair Robèr Willemsen.

The new guidelines are set to be reviewed by the Dutch government in November.

For more information on the current travel rules, check out the full info in English here .

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What you need to know before you travel between the Netherlands and the UK

Aug 11, 2021 | Covid 19 , News , Travel (Get Aways) |

Since the start of August, the coronavirus rules have changed to allow more travel between the UK and the Netherlands. Thousands of people have booked trips to visit friends and family members for the first time in 18 months, or to take a holiday.

However, strict rules on testing and quarantining are still in force on both sides of the border and there are heavy penalties for breaking them.

Many DutchNews.nl readers got in touch to say they found the rules confusing and contradictory. We’ve done our best here to sum up the key points and answer your questions and will try to keep you updated on any changes.

For full details of the two countries’ rules check the relevant web pages for the Dutch government and the British government.

Travelling to the UK

Use the Dutch government’s interactive guide here .

Can I travel to the UK from the Netherlands?

At present, the Netherlands is on the UK’s amber list, meaning travel is allowed with a negative coronavirus test. Travellers vaccinated in the EU no longer need to go into quarantine.

What documents do I need to travel?

A negative coronavirus test, a passenger locator form , proof of vaccination (if you have it) and confirmation you have ordered tests to take after you arrive (see below).

You can complete the passenger locator form online in the 48 hours before travelling. You will get a QR code that you can either print off or store on your phone.

What tests do I need to take?

You must take a PCR or antigen test no more than 3 days before travelling and produce a negative test certificate. Otherwise, you risk a £500 fine.

Anyone travelling from the Netherlands before the end of August can book a free test to travel . These tests are also available to visitors from the UK returning home. You don’t need a Dutch DigiD or proof of residency. Free tests booked through the regional health service (GGD) are not valid for travel.

Is my vaccine passport accepted in the UK?

The EU Covid Certificate is recognised by health authorities in all UK nations. Digital or paper versions are acceptable. You must have had all your vaccinations at least 14 days before travelling.

What if I travel through France or Belgium?

France and Belgium are both on the UK’s amber list, so the same rules regarding testing and quarantine apply. The ‘amber plus’ rules for France were dropped on August 8 so fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to quarantine in the UK.

Belgium classes the Netherlands as a ‘red zone’ country. Anyone staying longer than 48 hours will have to either quarantine or show proof they’ve either been vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 in the last 180 days (but more than 11 days ago).

If you are entering France you need to show you have been fully vaccinated for at least 7 days (28 days for the Janssen vaccine), recovered in the last 180 days or had a negative PCR or antigen test result in the last 24 hours.

Do I have to quarantine in the UK?

If you have proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated, you do not have to quarantine. You will still need to book and take a test on day 2 (see below). If you don’t have proof of vaccination, you will need to quarantine for 10 days after you arrive.

The quarantine supervision team will call you on the number you give on the passenger locator form and may visit you to check you are quarantining. The maximum fine for breaking quarantine is £10,000.

Do I have to test after I arrive?

Even if you’re vaccinated, you’ll need to take a test on day 2 and send it away for results. You need to book this test before you leave and state the booking reference on your passenger locator form.

If you haven’t been vaccinated you’ll need to book and take tests on day 2 and 8 – even if you’re leaving before day 8. There’s an optional ‘test to release’ which will allow you to end your quarantine after five days if it’s negative, but you’ll still need to take the day 8 test.

Children aged 11 and over have to take a test before departure and a day 2 test. Children aged 5 to 10 only need to take a day 2 test.

The UK government’s website has a list of approved test providers . Also check independent rating sites such as Covid Testing Network .

If you’re travelling to Scotland you must book your tests through the CTM booking portal .

Are the travel rules for the UK likely to change?

The UK reviews its colour-coded list every three weeks. The next review is in the last week of August. The decision is based on a combination of infection rates, vaccination rates, variants of concern and how much genomic sequencing a country is doing.

Travelling to the Netherlands

Can I travel to the Netherlands from the UK?

The UK has been classed as a very high-risk country, but since August 8 it is no longer seen as having a ‘virus variant of concern’. That means the EU travel ban does not apply to people who are fully vaccinated.

There are exemptions from the ban for people in long-term relationships, essential workers, people travelling for pressing family reasons, and students, researchers or skilled migrants on short visits. You will need documentation to prove this.

If you have had two vaccines, or one vaccine dose and a recent infection, or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, you will be allowed to enter the Netherlands as long as you had your second vaccine at least 14 days before travelling. For the Janssen vaccine, this waiting period will be 28 days from August 14.

What documents do I need?

You will need to fill in a Vaccine Declaration Form from the Dutch government website before you travel. This applies to everyone over the age of 12. Unvaccinated children are allowed to travel with their parents, but they still have to take a coronavirus test before departure.

You will also need to complete a quarantine declaration (see below) even if you are exempt from quarantine.

Either a PCR test no more than 48 hours before departure, or a rapid antigen test (also known as a lateral flow test) taken no more than 24 hours beforehand. An antigen test must be supervised.

Is my vaccine passport accepted in the Netherlands?

The NHS Covid Pass issued in England and Wales and vaccination status letters in Scotland and Northern Ireland, are valid as proof of vaccination. The NHS Covid app is not compatible with Dutch systems, so you will need the paper version.

If you’ve been vaccinated in the UK and live in the Netherlands, the GGD health service in Utrecht can validate NHS certificates. Visit https://www.ggdru.nl/corona or call 0800 1421.

If you transit straight through (because you travelled via Eurotunnel, for example) the tests taken before you leave the UK will cover you. You are allowed to stop briefly for rest or to fill up your car.

France and Belgium are both code yellow on the Dutch government’s risk scale, so if you’re staying longer in those countries you’ll need proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test result – either a PCR test taken in the last 48 hours or an antigen test from the last 24 hours.

Do I need to quarantine in the Netherlands?

There is a 10-day mandatory quarantine period for travellers from very high-risk countries, including the UK. However, there are numerous exemptions. You can leave quarantine after five days with a negative test result (see below).

The list of exemptions covers cross-border workers and commuters, informal carers and people travelling for funerals. There is also an exemption for ‘necessary family visits’ to first and second-degree family members, i.e. parents, children, brothers and sisters, including step-families and relatives by marriage. The government’s website states: ‘Examples of necessary family visits include reunification with family members after a long period of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic or a visit to a sick family member.’

Before travelling you must fill in a quarantine declaration, either online or on paper . If you are claiming exemption you still need to complete the form and tick the relevant box. The form states that you need to take documents supporting your case, but the government website advises that ‘only a quarantine declaration is necessary’.

Your quarantine address and phone number are passed to the supervision team, who will call you to check you are complying . If you break quarantine you could be fined €339.

Testing on arrival is not mandatory, but you can only leave quarantine early if you test negative on day five. This must be a PCR test. You can book a free test by calling the GGD hotline on 0800 1202 or +31 850 659 063 if you’re calling from abroad. If you have a Dutch DigiD you can book the test online at coronatest.nl.

You are allowed to leave quarantine to take a coronavirus test. This also applies if you are staying for less than five days and need to take a test to travel back.

Are the travel rules for the Netherlands likely to change?

The Dutch public health ministry told DutchNews.nl that the UK would be eligible for reclassification as a ‘high-risk’ country if the infection rate falls to 500 per 100,000 over a two-week period. On August 9 the level was 555, though it has risen slightly in recent days. The final decision is at the discretion of the health ministry based on the advice of the public health institute RIVM.

Travellers from high-risk countries must test before travelling but are not compelled to go into quarantine. They are advised to take a test five days after arriving.

Source: DutchNews.nl

Photo: Tomek Baginsk via Unsplash

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Amsterdam bans new hotels with over 42K rooms already available in fight against mass tourism

A msterdam has banned the construction of new hotels as part of their latest attempt to rein in the number of rowdy tourists visiting the Dutch capital each year.

“We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” the City Council said in a statement.

This means no over-tourism, no new hotels, and no more than 20 million hotel overnight stays by tourists per year, the local government added.

Under the new rules, building a new hotel in Amsterdam will only be allowed when another hotel closes, and only if the total number of guestrooms in the city does not increase as a result of the new construction. 

The new accommodation will also be required to be more sustainable.

Mayor Femke Halsema said there would be some exceptions to the policy, noting that the rule won’t apply to new hotels — 26 in total — that have already secured a permit.

The new ban is largely symbolic, with only three proposals for new hotels meeting the city’s already strict requirements since 2017, the New York Times reported.

In 2019, there were 25.2 million hotel stays in Amsterdam. That number was far exceeded by visitors last year, not taking into account Airbnbs and daytrippers disembarking from cruise ships, city data revealed.

In total, Amsterdam has nearly 42,000 hotel rooms that can accommodate more than 92,000 guests, according to Statistics Netherlands, representing about 28% of the 150,000 hotel rooms across the country.

But some experts have said the ban won’t have a very big effect.

Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism at Inholland University Rotterdam, told the Times it won’t be easy to keep visitors away from the popular tourist hub known for its canals, museums, and decadent nightlife. 

“There are no simple solutions. It’s super complex,” Koens said.

In March, the city launched an ad campaign targeting British men aged 18 to 35 urging them to “stay away” from the city. In July Amsterdam announced it would bar cruise ships from docking in the city center.

Stricter rules about smoking marijuana have also been implemented, in addition to a ban on new tourist shops and even a push to discourage sex and drug-related tourism in its world-renowned red light district.

Amsterdam isn’t the only European destination scrambling to reclaim its city from the clutches of mass tourism. 

Visitors to the southern Spanish city Seville may soon have to cough up a fee to see the Plaza de España square , which has been falling apart from swarms of tourists and illegal vendors.

Meanwhile, Venice banned large tourist groups in 2024 to “protect” the historic sinking city by curbing congestion in its narrow streets and waterways.

Further south in the Canary Islands, residents have protests and strikes planned this weekend to fight against overtourism.

Closer to home, lawmakers in Hawaii proposed a $25 climate tax on tourists who visit the state to combat what they claim is an assault on the area’s natural resources .

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Amsterdam’s Latest Effort to Fight Excessive Tourism: No New Hotels

The city wants no more than 20 million hotel stays annually. The measure is one of multiple efforts to control the flow of visitors.

By Claire Moses

Amsterdam has been searching for any way to rein in the number of tourists that visit the city every year.

In March of last year, the city launched an ad campaign specifically targeted at British men between 18 and 35, urging them to “stay away.”

In July, the Dutch capital announced it would bar cruise ships from docking in the city center .

The city has also long tried to control the crowds in its red-light district, where rowdy groups of tourists often cause disruptions to local residents. It has added stricter rules about smoking marijuana . It has banned new tourist shops. And still, the people keep coming.

Now, the city — which is as well known for its canals and 17th century art as for its legal sex industry and easy access to marijuana — has taken one more step to further restrict the explosive growth of tourists: It is banning hotels from being built.

“Amsterdam is saying ‘no’ to new hotels,” the City Council said in a statement. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” it added.

Amsterdam, which added that it was seeking to keep hotel stays by tourists to under 20 million per year, saw its highest number of visitors before the pandemic in 2019, when there were 25.2 million hotel stays, according to the city’s data.

Last year, that number was exceeded by tourists staying over in Amsterdam, not including stays in short-term rentals like Airbnbs and cruise ships. And the measure also does not take into account daily visitors who do not stay the night.

The ban on new hotels, while sending a clear message about the city’s aim to reduce the number of visitors, is also largely symbolic. The city’s policy on hotel construction was already strict, and there had been only three proposals since 2017 that met Amsterdam’s requirements, according to the city. New hotels that had been approved or were in development — 26 in total — would be allowed to proceed for now.

Under the new rules, a new hotel can only open if another one closes. It also isn’t allowed to add more rooms than were available, according to the city.

“The effect won’t be very big,” said Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism at Inholland University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He also said that in the long run, the capping of hotels could make them more expensive to stay at.

While this ban alone would not make a huge dent in the number of visitors to the city, Mr. Koens said, taken together with other initiatives it could make Amsterdam a less appealing place to visit. But, he said, “For now, visitors don’t seem to mind.”

In total, Amsterdam has nearly 42,000 hotel rooms that can accommodate more than 92,000 people, according to Statistics Netherlands, a governmental institution that compiles data about the country. (In total, the Netherlands has more than 150,000 hotel rooms.)

Amsterdam’s initiatives to rein in tourism have been largely focused on its crowded city center. But as long as Amsterdam’s airport, Schiphol, continues to be a major European hub, it won’t be easy to keep visitors away from the city.

“There are no simple solutions,” Mr. Koens said. “It’s super complex.”

Amsterdam also announced this week it would start cutting the number of river cruises allowed to dock in its waters. In 2023, that number was 2,125. In 2028, the city wants it to be halved, with no more than 1,150. The city predicts that effort could reduce the number of visitors that come into town by 271,000. This proposal, the city said, is to improve the quality of life for residents and to reduce emissions and crowds.

“The balance in the city needs to improve,” Hester van Buren, a deputy mayor who focuses on the city’s port, said in a statement.

Amsterdam isn’t the only major European destination that has been struggling to get a grip on the growing number of tourists. Venice announced it would charge day-tripping visitors 5 euros ($5.33) to enter the iconic streets of its city center on weekends and some holidays from April 25 through mid-July, its busiest season.

Amsterdam, currently in a busy touristic time because of its famous blooming tulips, has not announced a similar measure, but it is likely there will be more efforts and experiments designed to limit visitors — like the hotel ban.

“Without such a stop, Amsterdam’s center would become one big hotel,” Mr. Koens said. “You don’t want that either.”

Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news. More about Claire Moses

Amsterdam blocks construction of new hotels to combat overtourism

Dutch officials are trying to limit the number of tourists flooding amsterdam.

In another attempt to crack down on overtourism, officials in Amsterdam are banning the construction of new hotels in the Dutch capital.

The policy, announced Wednesday, only permits new hotels in a one-in, one out system; a new hotel can be built only if another closes. New hotels may not exceed the bed count of the previous hotels and must be “better,” per the city’s release, with more modern and sustainable features.

“Amsterdam says ‘no’ to new hotels,” reads a translated statement from city officials. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors.”

The effort follows a series of initiatives in Amsterdam to limit the influx of tourists into the city, a destination known for its tolerant drug policies, sex industry and liberated party scene.

In Amsterdam, people are not prosecuted for buying up to 5 grams of cannabis, which can be purchased in coffee shops. For years, city officials have been trying to rein hoards of “nuisance” tourists, or those who are attracted to the city by the promise of a night of debauchery.

In June 2023, the city council passed the ‘Tourism balance in Amsterdam’ policy, which set a maximum number of overnight stays and day visits in the city, capping the annual visitor count at 20 million people per year. Wednesday’s guidance re-ups that regulation; the number of hotel nights in 2023 was 20,665,000, according to the city.

“We are now taking more measures to ensure that the number of hotel nights does not increase even further,” the city’s statement read.

That same year, seeking to curb the rowdy crowds of the Red Light District and offer residents a better night’s sleep, the city cracked down on public weed smoking in the streets and limited the hours of operation for certain restaurants and sex establishments.

Amsterdam also launched a “Stay Away” campaign, directly targeting British men between the ages of 18-35. The demographic group frequents the city for “stag,” or bachelor, parties and is notorious for disrupting local life.

Also in 2023, city officials adopted a proposal to relocate a cruise ship terminal . In addition to addressing pollution concerns, the move sought to prevent crowds of tourists from flooding the city’s center upon docking.

It’s unclear how the city plans to enforce the new hotel construction policy; according to the release, new hotels already under construction may continue. That includes 26 hotels with existing permits.

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How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

For operators and airlines: information about flying to and from the Netherlands

If you are a passenger, please read more information about travelling to the Netherlands from abroad .

On this page, operators and airlines can find downloads for: 

• Instruction for operators (English)
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Information for travellers: 

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Apparently, this is the sweetest smelling city in the world

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Your boyfriend’s aftershave, freshly cut grass, a surprise bunch of flowers.

Some smells are just a treat for the nose – others, not so much. And there’s nothing quite so whiffy as a busy, dirty, polluted city.

In London , scents of petrichor (AKA the earthy smell that rises up from the pavement after rain) and pollution dominate, whilst in New York the smell of bins reigns supreme, particularly during the humid summers. Lovely.

But it turns out, there are some places that smell much sweeter – and now, the world’s best-smelling city has now been named, as Athens has taken the number one spot.

Lined with authentic eateries and coffee shops that turn into bars at night, transitioning from a daytime whipped coffee into a classic shot of ouzo, Athens, the Greek capital, is apparently filled with distinct aromas.

In fact, the city has so much sensory charm that it was rated highest in the world when given a ‘smell score’ in a recent study by HAYPP, scoring 8.3 out of 10.

This is a unique fact aided by the city’s dedication to maintaining clean streets, as it similarly scored 56.2 in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) – a notable juxtaposition to the avenues of New York City which, although mighty, are littered with black rubbish bags attracting all kinds of pests. They do say you haven’t visited NYC until you’ve seen a rat.

Elsewhere, Paris in France took second place. Though it has a reputation for being slightly dirty (again, the rat theory applies), France on the whole scored 62.5 on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) – so perhaps it’s cleaner than you might think.

Wandering the streets of the City of Love, life’s very best aromas waft through the air: the sweet smells of coffee and soft, buttery pastries in the morning. At least, that paired with the occasional waft of cigarette smoke, which makes a change from London’s clouds of vape.

Likewise, Paris is famous for its perfumeries, from Frederic Malle to Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Atelier Cologne, adding to its sweet aroma. There’s a reason France is famous for its perfume.

Unsurprisingly, Zurich in Switzerland came in third place, notable for its lake and opera house.

Inundated with high-end restaurants (sadly, they don’t come cheap), Zurich serves up traditional Swiss foods including cheese fondue and raclette. Now who doesn’t want that to be the scent of the holiday?

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: April 19, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

So, the next time you think about jetting off for a long weekend, you might want to consider the city’s sweet smells. Do you want a grubby vibe or a sweet, fresh perfume?

The top 10 sweetest smelling cities

• Athens, Greece
• Paris, France
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Dublin, Ireland
• Nicosia, Cyprus
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Bucharest, Romania
• Valletta, Malta
• Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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