Entry ban for non-essential trips to the Netherlands has been extended until May 15, 2020
From 19 March 2020, the entry conditions for people who want to travel to the Netherlands have been tightened. The EU proposal regarding an entry ban for non-essential travel has been extended until 15 May 2020. The Dutch cabinet has decided to adopt this proposal.
It concerns a curtailment of all unnecessary travel by persons from third countries to Europe (all EU member states, all Schengen members and the UK) with the aim of preventing the spread of the COVID19 virus.
What do the travel restrictions within the EU mean for foreign travelers?
The Dutch government has adopted the EU's decision to tighten the entry conditions for persons who want to travel to the Netherlands from third countries, until 15 May 2020.
It is a restriction for all non-essential travel of persons from third countries to Europe (all EU Member States, all Schengen members and the UK) with the aim of preventing the spread of the COVID19 virus. This means that persons who do not fall under the following exceptional position will not enter the Netherlands and will be refused entry.
Can I still enter the Netherlands?
The Dutch government has taken the decision to tighten the entry conditions for persons who want to travel to the Netherlands from third countries May 15, 2020.
I am a foreigner and have a tourist visa for the Netherlands, can I enter?
No. It is a restriction for all non-essential travel of persons from third countries to Europe (all EU Member States, all Schengen members and the UK) with the aim of preventing the spread of the COVID19 virus.
In view of the above, you will be refused entry on the basis of Article 6 of the Schengen Code, paragraph 1 under e.
I am a foreigner, but am visa exempt for entering the Netherlands, can I come to the Netherlands?
No. It is a restriction for all non-essential travel of persons from third countries to Europe (all EU Member States, all Schengen members and the UK) with the aim of preventing the spread of the COVID19 virus.
In view of the above, you will be refused entry on the basis of Article 6 of the Schengen Code, paragraph 1 under e.
Are there exceptions, those who are allowed to enter?
The travel restriction does not apply to the following categories of persons:
- EU citizens (including UK nationals) and their family members;
- Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and their family members;
- third-country nationals holding a residence card or residence permit in accordance with Directive 2003/109/EC (the Long-Term Residents Directive);
- Third-country nationals who derive their right of residence from other European directives or from the national law of a Member State;
- Holders of a long-stay visa, including persons with a provisional residence permit (MVV);
- Other persons with an essential function or need, including:
- healthcare personnel;
- frontier workers;
- Persons working in the transport of goods, insofar as necessary;
- Diplomats;
- Military;
- Personnel of international and humanitarian organizations;
- Persons who have compelling reasons to visit their family;
- Transit passengers who want to travel via the Netherlands to another third country;
- Persons in need of international protection; the border procedure applies in full;
- Persons admitted for humanitarian reasons.
Until when does this restriction apply?
This temporary restriction applies until May 15, 2020.
I still have a valid Schengen visa, can I enter the Netherlands?
No, if it concerns a non-essential trip and you do not fall under the exceptions, you will also be refused entry on the basis of Article 6 of the Schengen Code, paragraph 1 under e.
I am in possession of an MVV. Can I travel to the Netherlands?
Yes, you fall into the exception category. If possible, you can travel to the Netherlands and you will be given access.
I have a transit visa. Can I travel via Schiphol?
Yes, you fall into the exception category and, if you are in possession of a travel ticket to a third country, you may continue your journey via Schiphol to a third country.
I have compelling reasons to visit my relatives in the Netherlands, when do I fall under the exceptions?
As for the category of persons traveling for necessary family circumstances, this concerns travel in exceptional cases. An exceptional case is visiting a terminally ill relative or attending a funeral.
It is intended for 1st and 2nd degree relatives. This includes the partner and the children in the 1st degree and the grandchildren in the 2nd degree.
Can I have it determined in advance whether I fall into an exception category?
No, this is not possible. Border control will determine whether the exception applies to you. That is why we recommend that you travel well documented. Do you have questions? Then contact the IND.
Source: NederlandenU