After the discovery of the Omicron variant, the Netherlands implemented strict travel restrictions on Southern African countries. However, as of yesterday, all travel restrictions have been dropped.
The announcement follows the UK’s decision to drop 11 African countries from their “red list”.
On Wednesday, the Dutch government updated its entry rules for travellers from outside the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area.
Countries in Southern Africa, however, remain classified as “very high risk with a virus variant of concern”. These countries are South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The Netherlands’ new travel restrictions
All travellers over the age of 12 will have to produce a negative PCR test based on a sample no more than 24 hours before departure. This is regardless of the traveller’s vaccination or recovery status.
And with that, travellers would still be required to self-quarantine for 10 days. However, in the event of a negative test, only five days of quarantine is required in the Netherlands.
“A reduced number of exceptions from the full list apply. Please confirm that you qualify for exemption before travelling,” the Dutch government said.
“You must be able to prove that the exception applies to you. Travellers must always have a completed quarantine declaration, even if you do not have to quarantine.”