The Netherlands takes the safety of everyone seriously and took measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. If you are about to travel to the Netherlands, please get familiar with the local measures to get ready and have a safe trip.
Travellers from EU countries, Schengen area countries and the United Kingdom can travel to Amsterdam. Travellers arriving in Amsterdam from certain countries and regions with high coronavirus infection rates are strongly advised to self-quarantine for 10 days.
Check Schiphol.nl for the latest information about flights to Amsterdam and always visit your airline’s website to confirm any additional rules that may apply. To avoid crowds in public transport, an extra shuttle is available between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam. You can also use the taxi services at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Please contact us directly to book a taxi for you from the Airport or Central station.
Travellers who develop coronavirus symptoms are advised to stay in their accommodation, avoid contact with others and arrange a test with the municipal health service (GGD). If they test positive for coronavirus they must self-isolate. Your family members and/or travelling companions may also need to go into quarantine.
These basic rules that apply to everyone:
- Keep a distance of 1.5 metres from others (2 arms lengths). This is not necessary if you belong to the same household.
- Avoid busy places: leave an area if it becomes difficult to socially distance.
- Do not shake hands.
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
- Do you have symptoms or mild symptoms? Stay home and get tested.
- Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
- Use paper tissues to blow your nose and put them in the bin straight after use.
- Non-surgical face masks are mandatory on public transport.
- These rules are for your own safety and that of others around you.
Groups, alcohol and soft drugs
- At indoor seated venues a maximum of 30 people applies.
- There is no maximum number of people for a household.
- If you are aged 13 or over, wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
- No alcohol or soft drugs will be sold or delivered between 20.00 and 07.00.
- Between 20.00 and 07.00 you may not drink alcohol in public spaces.
Events
Events are banned, with the exception of:
- general markets (normal weekly markets)
- trade fairs and conferences
- cinema screenings, theatre shows, concerts, museum exhibitions, etc.
- matches or competitions for elite athletes at training facilities for top-level athletes; in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie football leagues; and for children under the age of 18 against teams within their own club.
- demonstrations, gatherings and meetings as referred to in the Public Assemblies Act
- Libraries, museums and other locations with a continuous flow of people
At zoos, museums, libraries and other locations where there is a constant flow of people, visitors must reserve a time slot. This does not apply to the retail sector and general, weekly markets.
Measures from the 1st of December
Non-medical face masks will be mandatory in shops, museums, restaurants, cinemas, airports and theatres, for everyone aged 13 and older from the 1st of December. Lastly, anyone working in a contact profession (i.e. hairdressers, driving instructors) will be required to wear one, as will their customers.
Masks are already mandatory on all forms of public transport, but the rule will now also apply in stations and at bus / tram stops. Anyone who fails to wear a mask will risk a 95-euro fine.
There are a handful of places that are exempt from the new law. A mask is not required if people have a fixed seat (i.e. in a restaurant or theatre), but as soon as they stand up and walk around, to go to the toilet for example, then a mask must be worn. The same goes for schools – masks can be removed during class when students are seated, but must be worn when moving through the building.
Masks are also not mandatory in places of worship (i.e. churches, mosques, and synagogues). Face masks will also not be required during sports, musical rehearsals or performances, for radio and TV interviews, or when acting.
Lastly, the law does not apply to anyone who is unable to wear a mask due to disability or a health condition, but police officers or community service officers (BOAs) can ask a member of the public to prove that they are exempt from the rule.