It is finally allowed again:traveling to safe countries will be possible again from May 15, but is and remains a risk. That is why it is recommended to only travel to countries with a low contamination level. The safe countries are the countries with a green or yellow travel advice. Countries that are a high-risk area retain a negative travel advice and therefore color code orange. Holidays to these countries are not recommended. But whichever country you go to, you can have to deal with corona measures such as a quarantine or testing obligation. We have therefore listed here what you should keep in mind when you go on holiday again.
Negative corona PCR test
Even though we are allowed to go on holiday abroad again, in almost all countries there are rules and measures that you must adhere to, and conditions to enter the country. One of these conditions is that you are not infected with the corona virus. You can prove this with a PCR test with an internationally recognized travel certificate. You can do this test reliably and quickly at www.spoedtest.nl. The test is performed by certified employees, according to the standards of the RIVM. You will receive the results of a PCR test after a few hours, including a worldwide recognized travel certificate. You can have the test done at one of the 70+ branches, so there is always an Emergency Test location near you. In addition, with the discount code SPEEDTEST10IF 10% discount on the cost of the test.
Check the travel advice and entry requirements of your destination
Several countries have started opening up and easing their lockdown rules and travel restrictions. Stay informed about whether the destination country is safe, the country's policies, rules and whether there are any entry restrictions, such as quarantine or a test obligation. Consult the travel advice not only when booking a trip, but also shortly before departure, during the trip and on return. After all, the situation in a country or region can change quickly.
What do the color codes mean in the travel advice?
Green: You can travel to this country or area.
Yellow: You can travel, but there are risks. Prepare well. And stay informed about the current situation at your holiday destination.
Orange: Do not go on holiday here. Do you have to travel? Then check whether it is really necessary. Upon return to the Netherlands, you must show a negative test result and you will be quarantined.
Red: Do not travel to this country or area. Due to far-reaching corona measures, you cannot travel in or out of the country or area. The Dutch government cannot bring you back to the Netherlands either.
The following applies to all color codes:countries can impose measures on travelers from the Netherlands, such as a mandatory test or quarantine on arrival.
Travel insurance
Take into account any unforeseen costs and take out good travel insurance with COVID coverage. This insurance covers various costs, including for an on-site corona test, any additional travel and accommodation costs, and repatriation and hospitalization. Your basic health insurance does not always reimburse these costs 100 percent.
Home quarantine in the Netherlands and negative COVID-19 test result
Keep in mind that after a holiday in a country with an orange code, you have to quarantine for 10 days when you return to the Netherlands. On day 5 of your quarantine you can have yourself tested at the GGD. If this test is negative, the quarantine period ends. You must also be able to show a negative COVID-19 test result when you leave for the Netherlands from a high-risk country. Even if you have had a corona vaccination. This applies to anyone aged 13 or older.
Digital Green Certificate
Many countries see the Netherlands as a high-risk area for corona. Entry may be refused unless you have proof of immunity due to recovery from infection or vaccination. The arrival of the Digital Green Travel Certificate is a solution for this. This allows you to demonstrate that you have been vaccinated, have recently tested negative for Covid-19 or have built up immunity after a recent infection. June 21 is the target date of the European Commission on which the European legislation regulating the Digital Green Certificate must come into effect. In the Netherlands, the aim is to keep this transition period as short as possible. But when that will be is not yet clear.
