The Netherlands Tightens Entry Restrictions For US Travelers
From September 4, a number of EU nations are currently tightening restrictions on US travelers, requiring them to quarantine on arrival, whatever their vaccination status. The Netherlands is the latest to take this stance, as the US has recently officially been removed from the EU’s “white list” of countries from which non-essential travel is allowed. This is due to the spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the US, particularly from the Delta variant.
Americans will need to quarantine in the Netherlands
If you are planning on traveling from the US to the Netherlands, things just got complicated. From Saturday, September 4, anyone traveling there from the US will have to go through a mandatory self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival.
You will also need to present a negative PCR test taken within two days of departure. Reportedly, it may be possible to reduce the quarantine period by getting tested on day five of the quarantine and presenting a negative result.
The EU’s white list
The European Union’s white list consists of countries outside the EU that have low COVID-19 infection rates and are thus considered safe. People traveling from white list countries are able to enjoy quarantine-free travel to, and within, the EU, with no additional restrictions such as quarantine or testing.
The US made it to the white list on June 18 after having reported a decreasing trend in coronavirus case numbers. Since then, Americans have been able to travel most European countries with relative ease during the summer, in much the same way as EU residents have.
That all changed this week, after the US and five other countries were taken off the white list, namely Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
The decision was taken as the US has surpassed the white list limit of 75 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over a 14-day period, along with increased hospitalizations across the country. For this reason, the EU can recommend its 27 member states to reimpose a travel ban on American visitors, meaning US tourists are no longer eligible to travel restriction-free.
How does this affect your visit to Europe?
While the EU can make the recommendations, this is not binding and it is up to each individual EU nation to decide whether or not to impose the restrictions. So far, the Netherlands and Italy are the only countries changing their rules since the announcement was made.
Among the other EU countries, the Wall Street Journal reports that Spain will maintain its current relaxed policies for American visitors. Croatia, Ireland and Portugal have also confirmed they will not follow the latest EU recommendations, according to the Schengen Visa website.
Even with the latest EU recommendations, if you have booked a trip to Europe and are worried about potential restrictions, check with the US Embassy of your destination country for the latest information about vaccination, testing and quarantine rules, along with the latest entry and exit requirements. In any event, it is always better to be safe than sorry and to avoid any disappointment along the way.
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