March 16, 2020 –
Location: Netherlands, Countrywide
Event: Due to reduced staffing, only emergency American Citizen Services and emergency visa services are available at the U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam.
The CDC advises travelers to avoid nonessential travel to the Netherlands and the Department of State currently recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel. See CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents will be permitted to return from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the European Schengen area, including the Netherlands. The Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring U.S. passengers who have been in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Schengen area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. See the DHS website for further details.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19. See the Global Level 3 Advisoryfor more information.
On March 15, the Dutch government announced that all schools and preschools are closed through April 6, but will remain open for children whose parents work in vital sectors (i.e. healthcare, emergency services).
All restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs will also remain closed through April 6. The Dutch government asked all citizens to maintain 5 feet distance from others when doing necessary tasks such as grocery shopping.
The Dutch Ministry of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) maintains a page with detailed information about COVID-19 planning in the Netherlands, as well as links to frequently asked questions. RIVM advises anyone who exhibits any flu-like symptoms, to stay home and call their doctor or the RIVM COVID-19 information line at 0800-1351.
The government of the Netherlands has not yet implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 but could do so in the future. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of the Dutch Governmentfor additional information on these new measures.
Public transportation including airlines, trains, and buses continue to operate, but transport links to international destinations are increasingly limited. Travelers should check carrier schedules for the latest updates and work directly with the carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel restrictions to be implemented with little or no advance notice.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Have a plan to depart from the Netherlands that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the Netherlands.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
- Call 1-1-2 for Dutch emergency services in case of life or death emergency.
Assistance:
- U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam
+(31) (0) 70 310 2209
AmsterdamUSC@state.gov
https://nl.usembassy.gov/ - Department of State– Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Netherlands Country Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
