Just a week after imposing a nationwide lockdown, Dutch authorities have announced that starting today, December 30, travelers from the United States will be required to follow new mandatory quarantine rules.
According to the latest update made by the government of the Netherlands, the United States will now be classified as a very high risk area as the country has identified an increase in infection rates, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
The new rules establish that all travelers from the United States, including those who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from the COVID-19 disease, will have to quarantine for ten days upon arrival in the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, it was explained that the quarantine period can be shortened if a negative test is presented on the fifth day of self-isolation.
The quarantine mandate imposed by the Dutch authorities also applies to several other third countries, including the United Kingdom.
In addition to the mandatory quarantine requirement, all US nationals must undergo testing before reaching the Netherlands and present a negative test result upon entry. The testing requirement applies to anyone over the age of 12.
“You must always show a negative test result, even if you have proof of vaccination or a digital COVID certificate (DCC) based on proof of recovery,” reads the statement of the Dutch government.
Travelers can either present a PCR or a rapid antigen test. The PCR test must be carried out within 48 hours before entry, while the antigen test must be carried out 24 hours before arrival.
Those who do not show a negative test result will be denied boarding. As for those planning to reach the Netherlands using a private vehicle, authorities explained that they could be fined €95 if they do not hold a valid negative test result.
In addition to the test and quarantine rules, travelers over the age of 12 are also required to complete a health declaration form if traveling by air.
As for infection rates, the United States has seen an increase in COVID-19 infections since early November. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 431,567 new cases on December 28.
Except for tougher entry rules for travelers from the United States, Dutch authorities have previously announced that stricter rules will apply to travelers from outside Europe. Since December 22, the Netherlands has required travelers from third countries to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. The requirement applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
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