April 16, 2020 –
Location: The Netherlands
Event: Update for U.S. citizens regarding COVID-19 in the Netherlands.
EU Travel Restrictions: The Dutch government is strictly enforcing the EU travel restrictions banning all non-essential travel from outside the EU. The ban has been extended through May 15, 2020. U.S. citizens (and other non-EU citizens and non-residents) are prohibited from entering the Netherlands except for those in certain categories of travelers including passengers transiting Amsterdam Schiphol airport. U.S. citizens are permitted to transit Schiphol airport, remain airside, and continue onward to the United States. However, passengers will not be permitted to exit the transit area, therefore, they should have a confirmed onward flight to the U.S. prior to commencing travel. A fact sheet outlining the Netherlands’ enforcement of EU travel restrictions and applicable exemptions to the ban is available at: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/qas-travel-restrictions-for-the-netherlands
Note: Passenger flights from Austria, Italy, Iran and Spain are banned by the Dutch government through April 17, 2020, after which it will expire. Therefore, U.S. citizens in those countries will not be able to travel to Schiphol airport prior to April 18 unless they have proof of legal residency in the EU.
(New) Health Screenings For Passengers Traveling to Schiphol Airport: Effective April 17, the Dutch government is requiring all passengers whose flights originate in areas with a high risk of transmission of COVID-19 to complete a health declaration prior to boarding a flight to the Netherlands. Several airports in the EU and the United States are included on this list. Airlines will request that passengers complete the health declaration prior to boarding and conduct a visual screening of each passenger. The list of high risk countries and airports subject to this requirement is available on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) website: https://www.easa.europa.eu/SD-2020-01/Airports
The KLM website also provides more information regarding the screenings: https://news.klm.com/covid-19-flying-with-klm—social-distancing-and-other-measures-on-board/
Self-Isolation Requirements: The Dutch government has implemented a 14-day self-isolation requirement for passengers arriving in the Netherlands on flights from the U.S., China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy, Spain, and Austria. For more information please review the Dutch government’s self-isolation policy and visit https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/documents/publications/2020/04/05/letter-self-quarantine-and-other-coronavirus-measures .
Commercial Flights Available: International commercial flight options currently exist in the Netherlands. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights in the Netherlands at this time. The schedule of available flights out of Schiphol airport remains fluid. Flights may not be daily, please check directly with the airlines for details. As of today, KLM maintains direct service to New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Delta maintains direct service to Detroit and Atlanta.
Dutch Residency Permit Extensions: If your stay in the Netherlands will exceed the period authorized, contact the Dutch immigration service (IND) immediately for assistance. The Dutch government is aware that it may be more difficult to return to your home during this period and will work with you to extend your visa or residency permit if necessary. If your residency permit is expiring and you cannot leave the country, you should request an extension and IND will let you know if it is possible to extend your stay. If you are staying in the Netherlands on a short-stay visa and cannot leave the country, you can also apply for an extension. Please call the IND information line at 088 04 30430 and have your visa or residency number available during the call.
If you are in the Netherlands visa free, but your 90 days has expired, you cannot apply for an extension of that period. While the Dutch government will be less strict in enforcing penalties and removals at this time, they do expect you to try to return home as soon as possible. Please visit the IND Coronavirus FAQ page for more information: https://ind.nl/en/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx.
U.S. citizens seeking to depart the Netherlands and in need of assistance should contact us via email at AmsterdamUSC@state.gov.
U.S. Consulate Operations: Effective March 17, 2020 the U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam has suspended routine consular services. Check out our COVID-19 FAQs for U.S. citizens for answers to the most common COVID-19 related questions. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information or contact us via email at AmsterdamUSC@state.gov or call +(31) (0) 70 310 2209.
Actions to Take:
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the Netherlands.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Call a general practitioner or the Dutch Ministry of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) at 0800-1351 for guidance if you have flu-like symptoms.
- 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 Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam
Museumplein 19
1071 DJ 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 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
