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.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
- Current Basic Coronavirus (COVID-19) Rules in Amsterdam
- Netherlands COVID-19/Coronavirus Statistics
- Amsterdam COVID-19/Coronavirus Current Situation
- Amsterdam Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel FAQ
- Social Distancing: One and a Half Meter Society
- Amsterdam Coronavirus Testing (Free)
- Where can I get a NAAT(PCR) or rapid test outside the Netherlands?
- About this Article
- Welcome back to Amsterdam!
Current Basic Coronavirus (COVID-19) Rules in Amsterdam
Last updated May 12, 2022
Amsterdam coronavirus rules are the same as those that apply throughout the Netherlands.
The Coronavirus rules in the Netherlands have been discontinued. (The last remaining rule — facemasks at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol — is discontinued as of Monday, May 16, 2022).
Netherlands COVID-19/Coronavirus Statistics
The majority of people in the country are vaccinated at least once.
- Coronavirus infections in the Netherlands – Source: World Health Organization (WHO) statistics.
- Current information about COVID-19 – Source: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) (Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu)
- Coronavirus Dashboard – Source: Netherlands Central Government (Rijksoverheid)
Amsterdam COVID-19/Coronavirus Current Situation
- Current Coronavirus Situation in the Municipality of Amsterdam – Source: Netherlands Central Government (Rijksoverheid)
Amsterdam Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel FAQ
This section last updated March 2, 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
No (as of April 19, 2022)
Here’s where to obtain a test outside the Netherlands.
Already in Amsterdam? Schedule a Coronavirus test or a vaccination.
Social Distancing: One and a Half Meter Society
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!
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Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.
Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.
Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 42 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.
Last updated Thursday, November 16, 2023 CET (Central European Time)
Do not republish or repost.
