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(CNN) — If you’re planning to travel to the Netherlands, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic
The basics
The Netherlands introduced a strict lockdown in December 2020, following a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases. The country’s first night time curfew since World War II was brought in in January, leading to rioting in major cities.
The Netherlands has since eased restrictions as it looks to return to normal life — although the Dutch prime minister has apologized for easing restrictions too soon, and brought some of them back in.
What’s on offer
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ biggest draw, with its picture-perfect canals, spectacular architecture and cafe culture. But beyond the capital there is much to love, from elegant administrative capital The Hague to the increasingly hip port of Rotterdam. Outdoor lovers won’t feel shortchanged either, with excellent cycling routes and water sports options on offer.
Who can go
European Union residents are allowed to enter the Netherlands for any reason, and travelers from other countries not deemed very high risk (with a variant of concern) can enter the Netherlands.
Destinations deemed “very high risk (with a variant of concern)” are currently: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela. From those countries, no leisure travel is allowed.
The same applies to countries considered as “very high risk,” which are currently the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Fiji, Kuwait, Maldives, Mongolia, Namibia, Oman, Seychelles and Tunisia.
Any countries not listed are deemed high risk and travelers are subject to restrictions depending on their vaccine status. See below.
What are the restrictions?
Those coming from “high risk” countries (any country not listed above) must either show proof of vaccination (approved by the European Medicines Agency or World Health Organisation) or quarantine for 10 days at the traveler’s specified address.
What’s the Covid situation?
Covid cases spiked in mid-July in the Netherlands, albeit from a low base, driven in part by the emergence of the highly contagious Delta variant. Cases have been trending downwards. As of July 30 there have been just under 1.9 million cases in the country, with 32,749 in the past week — about half of its November 2020 peak.
What can visitors expect?
The Dutch government relaxed restrictions in June, before bringing some of them back on July 9, with Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologizing for having eased them too soon.
Nightclubs have been closed again, and there will be no summer festivals.
Restaurant guests must be seated and socially distanced to a 1.5 meter distance, including outside.
The current rules are up for review on August 13.
While masks are no longer required in indoor public spaces, the Dutch government recommends they be worn when a social distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained. However, everyone over 13 must wear one on public transit, as well as on platforms and in stations. Those who do not do so could face fines of €95 ($112).
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Joe Minihane and Julia Buckley contributed to this report