Can I travel from the UK to the Netherlands?
All UK travellers will no longer be required to quarantine themselves from 25 February. However, pre-departure testing will still be required regardless of their vaccination status. Passengers need to either have a negative PCR test within 48 hours or an antigen-positive test result (not the NHS) within 24 hours prior to departure. All travellers will still need to present a completed quarantine form.
Check out the most current Netherlands travel advice to find out the latest requirements.
This page contains the latest information regarding entry to the Netherlands. You should always ensure that you review the government advice page of the country you’re travelling to for the most recent entry requirements. This includes any transit countries, and these are constantly changing.
Can I travel to the Netherlands?
The UK is currently a “very high-risk country”, according to the Dutch authorities. Only fully vaccinated UK residents will be permitted to enter the Netherlands if they have acceptable proof of vaccination. This includes a NHS COVID Pass. No proof of vaccination is required for children younger than 18 who are travelling with vaccinated parents.
The EU-wide COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential entry to the Netherlands will prevent unvaccinated UK residents from entering the country for non-essential reasons.
Only a negative PCR result in less than 48h prior to departure or a rapid antibody test greater than 24 hours prior to departure will allow you to travel to The Netherlands. Note that lateral flow tests by the NHS are not valid for entry.
Children under 12 years of age are exempted from the mandatory quarantine. However, they will still need to submit a declaration for proof of exemption.
Children younger than 18 years old travelling with vaccinated adults will not need to present proof of vaccination.
What are the current Covid restrictions?
The Dutch government announced that people aged 13 or over must wear face masks when travelling on public transport and stations. A face mask is not required for public transportation, stations and platforms. You may be fined. You will need to have a negative Covid result if you attend a large-scale event. This applies to indoor venues with more than 500 attendees per event. It also applies to events that do not have assigned seating (such as nightclubs or live music venues). Further information can be found on the Dutch Government’s website.
What are the entry requirements for the Netherlands?
If you cannot prove your vaccination, UK citizens and residents arriving from the UK, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England will not be allowed to enter the Netherlands.
A fully vaccinated UK traveller can enter the Netherlands provided they provide proof of having been double-jabbed within the last 14 days. This proof can be done using the NHS Covid Pass. The UK must provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated. This includes a negative PCR result or a negative antigen test. Quarantine in the Netherlands is not required for fully vaccinated travellers who meet this requirement.
When you fly to the Netherlands, you will need to complete a medical screening form. These forms will be checked at arrival.
If you are 13 years or older, not double-jabbed and able to enter the country to fulfil essential purposes, then quarantine must be completed upon arrival. This quarantine period lasts for 10 days. There is an option to pay extra for a test on day five. Children aged 12 and below are exempted from mandatory quarantine.
Top Places to Visit in The Netherlands
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most visited tourist destinations, and it is known for its party atmosphere, cannabis practices, and red-light district. The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, offers many more attractions, such as the beautiful canal ring and historical buildings, world-class museums, and well-known attractions like Vondelpark, Anne Frank House, Bloemenmarkt and Bloemenmarkt.
Amsterdam is located in North Holland. It is a sprawling, multi-district city. But public buses, trams, metro lines, trams, and bicycles make it easy to move around. The heart of Amsterdam is the Old City Center.
It is surrounded by a complex canal system with hundreds of bridges and islands. This is the place where tourists go to enjoy canal cruises, sightseeing, visiting outstanding art museums like Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and enjoying performances at concert halls like Concertgebouw.
The Hague
The Hague has been best known for its extraordinary contemporary art exhibits at Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis. Because of its Dutch Royalty citizens, it is known as the Royal City by the Sea. Visitors often enjoy spending time at the North Sea during the warmer months in Scheveningen.
The Hague is home to many historical monuments, as well as several historic districts. Tourists can easily browse luxury department stores, small shops, and international art galleries with ease. The Hague also houses the Binnenhof, which is the Netherlands government seat, even though Amsterdam is its capital. The Hague also boasts the miniature city of Madurodam as well as Panorama Mesdag, which offers 360° panoramic views of the Scheveningen Sea during the 19th century.
Leiden
Leiden, the picturesque city, is well worth a visit due to its tree-lined canals lined with old windmills, wooden bridges, and lush parks. You will have an unforgettable time taking a boat ride along with one of these canals. The many museums in Leiden offer a variety of attractions, from museums devoted to science and natural history to museums specialising in windmills and Egyptian antiquities.
The Hortus Botanicus is home to sprawling botanical gardens, as well the world’s oldest academic observatory. You can also see the stunning architecture of the Church of St. Peter from the 16th century and learn about its association with many historical persons, such as the American pilgrims.
Delft
Delft’s Renaissance-style City Hall is located on Markt Square. It also features traditional Holland canals, architecture and a vibrant vibe. This progressive town has worked hard to restore its historic appearance. If the bustling streets of Amsterdam make it difficult to stay for long periods, this town is a good choice as a day trip or vacation spot.
The Prinsenhof is one of the most popular sites. Here, the bullet holes left from William of Orange’s suicide are still visible. This museum tells a story about the Eighty Years’ Wars and displays many fascinating artworks. Vermeer Centrum Delft has a great selection of Johannes Vermeer prints and souvenirs.
Utrecht
Utrecht’s Middle Age history is clearly evident in the city’s architecture. The city’s unique feature is its inner canal wharf, which was designed to keep the Rhine River from entering the city centre. Utrecht may have the distinction of having the University of Utrecht as the largest college in the Netherlands.
A notable attraction in Utrecht is the impressive Gothic Cathedral, Saint Martin. It’s a 200-year-old architectural feat that was completed in 1254. Museum enthusiasts and architecture buffs should not miss out on the Dom Tower, Rietveld Schroder House and Museum Speelklok. These museums boast a huge collection of striking clocks and music boxes as well as self-playing musical instrument collections.
Return to the UK
Before anyone travels to the UK, everyone aged 12 or older must complete an online passenger search. The form is available for adults and children under 18 years old.
You don’t need to pass any tests if you meet the criteria for fully vaccinated. There is also no need to quarantine. Travellers under 18 years old are subject to the same rules.
If you are over 18 and have not been fully vaccinated,
- Two days before your departure to the UK, you will need proof of a negative Covid-19 Test.
- You must book and pay for PCR testing. This test must be completed within two days after your arrival in the UK. You must book this test with a private provider prior to your travel.
- If your PCR results are positive, you don’t need to quarantine