The Government of the Netherlands has made a major change relating to COVID-19 travel restrictions as of September 17, 2022. In fact, all travel restrictions have now been dropped for visitors entering the country. The removal of restrictions also applies to travelers visiting from countries located outside the European Union (EU) or Schengen area.

Travel restrictions dropped in the Netherlands

The Netherlands government made a statement as follows:

The Dutch government has decided to lift the EU entry ban for the Netherlands as of September 17.

The statement continued by saying that, given the current epidemiological situation in the country, the government feels that for entry to the Netherlands the EU entry ban is no longer proportional. Moreover, the European Commission is also planning to publish a proposal to revise the rules for entering the EU during the autumn of 2022.

Previously, it was mandatory for travelers visiting the Schengen area and the EU, including the Netherlands, to provide proof of vaccination or a recovery certificate. Meanwhile, prior to this, unvaccinated travelers from Canada or the US were not allowed into the country. However, those vaccinated travelers were asked to produce proof of vaccination.

Moreover, vaccination certificates were required to meet certain criteria. One was that the latest dose had been received during the previous nine months. Also, the vaccine was required to be one approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or World Health Organization (WHO).

Mask mandates dropped in the Netherlands

In another change to the regulations, the Netherlands government has reportedly dropped its mask mandate. However, they do advise people to be more cautious and always take measures to safeguard their health.

This is especially so with high-risk patients, who are advised to consult with their doctors prior to traveling. Meanwhile, they should delay their vacation if this makes them more comfortable.

Attractions in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for historic windmills, colorful tulip fields and iconic artistic masterpieces. The latter is especially so, as Dutch Masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, Piet Mondrian and Van Gogh were born here. Their work can be visited in the art museums, of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Haarlem and Leiden, along with more contemporary works.

Meanwhile, the architecture of the country spans from Romanesque and Gothic medieval, through to the Dutch Renaissance palaces and Golden Age gabled houses.

The perfect example is seen while strolling next to the canal in Amsterdam, which is lined with these impressive buildings. Moreover, when it comes to contemporary architecture, the country uses green and innovative measures to match its environment and protect it.

Getting around the cities

With its flat, scenic landscapes, the Netherlands is perfect for exploring on a bicycle. Rain and wind notwithstanding, this is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air while exploring the cities. Moreover, travelers will find plenty of bike rental outlets in the cities, plus the country features around 32,000 km (around 20,000 mi) of cycling paths.

While in the cities, enjoy the many cafés and restaurants, enjoy unique shopping, or visit fascinating museums, like the art galleries mentioned above, or Madame Tussauds.

While the landscapes are flat, they certainly aren’t short of attraction, including the beautiful, 13th-century windmills. On top of this, around two-thirds of the Dutch countryside has been dedicated to agriculture. This naturally includes the famous, rainbow-colored fields of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths that bloom each year between March and May.