For more than a year, the usually buzzing streets of Amsterdam have been weirdly empty. But the calm might be over because, from tomorrow, eight non-EU regions are added to the Dutch government’s list of “safe countries/regions.” Meaning — more tourism!
Have you always dreamt of visiting the Netherlands? Or maybe you’ve been sitting on your travel plans for a year, patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for the world to open up again. Well, perhaps now is your chance!
From where can I travel to the Netherlands?
Currently, there are 10 countries on the government’s list of safe non-EU or Schengen areas. From tomorrow, the following will be added:
- Albania
- China’s Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong
- China’s Special Administrative Regions of Macau
- Lebanon
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Taiwan
- United States
So-called safe countries/regions are places where the chance of contracting the coronavirus is deemed to be sufficiently low. So, if you’re currently in one of those that means you can visit the Netherlands! The EU travel ban doesn’t apply and you can travel no matter your nationality — also for leisure.
Return of tourism
Previously, travel to the Netherlands was only accepted for so-called essential purposes. However, the tourism industry and tourists alike can finally (yet cautiously) rejoice!
READ MORE | Where can I holiday? Current travel advice from the Netherlands
Now, travellers coming from safe countries or regions can enter the Netherlands no matter the purpose of the trip. When coming from one of these areas you also no longer need to show a negative test result. And there’s no required self-quarantine upon entry in the Netherlands. After a year of tests, isolation, and the weekly supermarket run being the only trip we’ve gone on, these are big steps!
Follows European Commission recommendation
The Dutch government’s decision to lift travel restrictions for these countries follows the recommendation from the European Commission to gradually open borders to non-EU countries. Every other week, the Commission releases an updated list of countries that EU member countries should welcome travel from. The latest update, which included the U.S. and more, was released on June 16.
What do you shift of the lifted travel restrictions? Will you be visiting the Netherlands soon? Tell us in the comments below!
Feature Image: Skitterphoto/Pexels
I live in Las Vegas and already bought a ticket before they changed the travel restrictions. Good I don’t need a negative test. I’m fully vaccinated and have the Dutch nationality. Good to go back to normal.
A very good action of Dutch Government.
We have not any clear news just like this from.Belgium
Yes I will like to come to netherland with my family for holiday
Does Dutch include Sint Maarten?
That a Great News from most of the countries are now reopen it will helps Dutch to bost travel and tourism. I’m so happy and excited to hear good news from Dutch and Italy are reopened also was waiting for so long. I hope they open travellers from United Arab Emirates who are fully vaccinated.