Amsterdam Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel FAQ

This section last updated March 2, 2022

What are the current rules for traveling to Amsterdam, Netherlands?

As of 23 March, testing is no longer required if you are travelling (back) to Schiphol.

If you are flying to the Netherlands from within the EU/Schengen Zone, you are also no longer required to show a negative test result or proof of vaccination or recovery using your Digital COVID Certificate (QR code).

As of April 20, 2022, you do not need to complete a health declaration form.

Non-vaccinated citizens from outside the EU and the Schengen area are still not allowed to enter the EU. An exception to this rule applies to travelers from safe countries and sometimes also to travelers with a recovery certificate. Such a proof of recovery no longer has to be issued on the basis of a positive PCR test. The Netherlands also accepts recovery certificates issued on the basis of a positive antigen test.

Use this Travel Check. Answer just four questions, and you are shown what you need in order to enter the Netherlands.

May I transit or transfer in the Netherlands?

Consult this checklist for transit or short stay in the Netherlands. Short stay in this context refers to travelling by car or motorcycle and staying in the Netherlands for a short period of time (less than 12 hours). It does not allow for tourist-type activities.

Can U.S. citizens travel to Amsterdam right now?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States will not be allowed to enter the Netherlands.

Vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the Netherlands.

Be sure to complete this travel check to determine what you need (e.g. test results, health declaration) before your travel to the Netherlands.

What about travellers from the UK?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom will not be allowed to enter the Netherlands. [Remember, since Brexit, you are no longer a European resident]

Vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter the Netherlands.

Be sure to complete this travel check to determine what you need (e.g. test results, health declaration) before your travel to the Netherlands.

Must I carry a health declaration?

No (as of April 19, 2022)

Where can I get the Coronavirus test?

Here’s where to obtain a test outside the Netherlands.

Already in Amsterdam? Schedule a Coronavirus test or a vaccination.

Social distancing in Amsterdam: the one and a half metre society — Practicing the ‘anderhalvemetersamenleving‘ (**one and a half meter society**) social distancing rule in Amsterdam.
A view across the river IJ toward Amsterdam Central Station. © Photo Copyright: DutchAmsterdam

Get used to the one-and-a-half-meter society as soon as possible. That was the warning Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte gave in April 2020.

He was referring to the rule that people keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) away from non-family members.

The Dutch term is anderhalvemetersamenleving. (And yes, the Dutch considered this rule very ongezellig).

Note: As of February 25, 2022 the 1.5 meters (5 feet) distance rule was abandoned.

Here are the current basic Coronavirus rules.

Amsterdam Coronavirus Testing (Free)

Are you experiencing mild symptoms consistent with those associated with the coronavirus? Get tested free of charge by GGD Amsterdam (Public Health Service of Amsterdam)

Mild symptoms can include a head cold, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, or fever. In addition, sudden loss of smell or taste can also be a symptom of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

If you have any of these symptoms, remain inside. In addition to observing the basic Amsterdam coronavirus measures, do not leave your home or hotel room.

Make sure you a coronavirus test.

For details, visit coronatest.nl. (Website operated by the Dutch government.)

You need a DigiD [What is DigiD?] to log in and make an appointment. If you do not have a DigiD call 0800-1202 to make a test appointment. You can do this every day from 08:00 to 20:00.

If you have any questions about the coronavirus test, call the Dutch public information number: 0800-1351

Where can I get a NAAT(PCR) or rapid test outside the Netherlands?

If you are travelling to the Netherlands, in many cases you need a negative NAAT (PCR) test result. Sometimes you also need a negative rapid test result. You pay the costs for these tests yourself.

These tests must be take before you travel to the Netherlands. Netherlandsworldwide.nl, a website operated by the Dutch Government, maintains a list of testing locations in countries around the world.

There are some exceptions to the mandatory negative COVID-19 test result if you are travelling to or returning to the Netherlands.

For instance, these travellers do not need to show a negative NAAT (PCR) or antigen test result:

People travelling within the EU who have proof of vaccination or proof of recovery (a Digital COVID Certificate, for example)
Non-EU travellers who have proof of vaccination. proof of recovery is not accepted for this category.

The exemption does not apply to travellers coming from a very high-risk area. These people must follow the rules on testing and self-quarantining.

About this Article

Archived Article

Please note: this article was first published on August 24, 2020. It was last updated on May 12, 2022.

We no longer update this article, but we keep it online for its historical value.

Welcome back to Amsterdam!

Category: News | Related to: coronavirus

Last updated Thursday, November 16, 2023 CET (Central European Time)

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Archived Article

Table of contents

Current Basic Coronavirus (COVID-19) Rules in Amsterdam

Netherlands COVID-19/Coronavirus Statistics

Amsterdam COVID-19/Coronavirus Current Situation