Current Covid-19 rules in the Netherlands

Confused about what the current COVID-19 rules are in the Netherlands? This handy article explains what this means for your business. Almost all corona restrictions were lifted on March 23, 2022. On April 19, 2022, the government's advice was updated again. Check to see which rules and recommendations are still in effect for your company. And what financial assistance and tax measures are still in place, as well as the rules for repaying corona support money you have received.

Most corona restrictions have been lifted.

Apart from the face mask requirement for airports (beyond security checks) and airplanes, the last remaining corona restrictions have been lifted.
Only the most basic health and safety recommendations, such as isolating yourself if you test positive for coronavirus, remain in effect.

Restrictions and advice has been lifted since March 23rd.

In public transportation and its environs, such as stations and platforms, face masks are no longer necessary. This includes cabs and coaches, which are professional types of transportation. Face masks are currently only required in airports and on airlines after security checks.
All events, even those with 500 or more guests and nightclubs, are no longer required to undergo pre-admission testing (testen voor toegang, 1G). Employees have complete autonomy over where they work. The suggestion to work from home has been withdrawn. The government encourages employers to allow all employees to work from home. For EU individuals entering the Netherlands or returning from a visit to another EU country, the corona entrance pass (3G) is no longer required. Non-EU citizens are still barred from entering the country.

Changes to Covid-19 Restrictions made on April 19th.

Self-quarantine is no longer recommended if you have been in touch with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. You should continue to watch for signs of infection. A health declaration form is no longer required for passengers flying to the Netherlands. The advice to do a self-test as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands and again on day 5 has also been removed.

What advice is still in effect?

Corona infections are becoming more common, but many people only have minimal symptoms. The core controls to keep the infection rate under control are still in place. As an illustration:

• Hands should be washed often.
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
• Have you any complaints? Stay at home and do a self-evaluation. You must isolate yourself for at least 5 days if you test positive.
• Indoor areas should have enough ventilation.

For more information on the exact COVID-19 rules for the Netherlands, visit the official government website.

Face masks are required.

In flights and airports, face masks are still needed after the security checks).
Employers and property managers can continue to require face masks for their employees and visitors. For example, hospitals and nursing homes are places where vulnerable people congregate. You must wear a face mask if you take a driving test at the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing, CBR.

Travel regulations established by Corona

Do you have to travel internationally for work, or do you often travel outside the EU? The international QR-code is still required in many countries, so keep this in mind. You can find the international QR-code in the CoronaCheck app if your destination country requires the Digital COVID-19 Certificate. In your destination country, additional requirements, such as testing or isolation upon arrival, may apply.
The latest recent corona rules for each nation can be found on Netherlandsworldwide.nl.

Going back to the Netherlands

When you return to the Netherlands, you are no longer compelled to isolate. If you are an EU citizen, you do not require a corona entry pass. Visit the Government.nl website on Visiting the Netherlands from Abroad for additional information.

Need more help regarding entry requirements for the Netherlands for business?

Use the “travel well-prepared” tool if you require more help with entry to the Netherlands.
The official Netherlands Government site also has checklists for travellers from outside the EU/Schengen area. These documents describe the current restrictions for entering the Netherlands from high-risk areas, as well as any exceptions.

What does this mean for businesses?

Despite the relaxation of the Covid-19 rules, it's clear both employers and workers continue to seek new ways of improving their working environment. Flexible hybrid working is commonplace from the financial sector to law. So consider when types of coworking and office space services best fit your requirements.