Everything You Need To Know Before Booking A Flight To The Netherlands

Johannesburg, 7 October 2021 Late last month, the Dutch government eased travel restrictions and it is now possible for fully vaccinated travellers from South Africa to enter The Netherlands with no testing or quarantine restrictions. This means that while travellers need to produce proof of vaccination and a health form upon departure and arrival, they will not need to quarantine once arriving in The Netherlands. Visa requirements still apply if travelling on a South African passport.

According to the Dutch government, travellers are deemed fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving your second dose of a two-dose vaccine approved by the EMA or that falls under the WHO Emergency Listing; or 28 days after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine; or 14 days after receiving one dose of any of these vaccines after a coronavirus infection less than six months before vaccination.

As the world continues to battle the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, there are ways to make sure that your visit to The Netherlands is as simple and stress-free as possible. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines shares some important tips to keep in mind when planning your Dutch getaway.

Keep your vaccination card close by

As travel restrictions change for fully vaccinated travellers, showing your vaccination card will be something that travellers will need to start getting used to. So, ensuring that this is on hand throughout your trip is vital. Not only will you have to show proof of vaccination before you board the flight, but also you will have to show it throughout your trip. While you will need your original vaccination card during your trip, carrying some extra copies of the card in your luggage and having a photo of it on your phone is a great idea as well. Digital vaccine certificates have just been launched and can be obtained at https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za/

Unvaccinated travellers will unfortunately not be granted entry into the country unless they have a compelling reason to do so. These exceptions are stipulated by the Dutch Government and can be found on their website. The following vaccines are accepted for entry into The Netherlands: Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield, Janssen.

Other restrictions are still in play

While vaccinated tourists are now welcome in The Netherlands, there are other Covid-19 restrictions still in place. While wearing a mask outdoors is no longer mandated and the curfew has been lifted, masks are still needed in public indoor spaces, on public transportation, in taxis and in ride-hailing vehicles. Tourists are encouraged to keep an eye out on signs around the country about masks and limits to the number of patrons allowed inside a particular area.

The return process

Returning back to South Africa requires all passengers to show a negative coronavirus test result less than 72 hours before departure – no matter your vaccination status. Finding a testing site in The Netherlands is relatively easy and results have a quick turnaround time.

KLM flight schedule to/from South Africa:

Johannesburg, schedule as per 31 October 2021

Cape Town, schedule as per 31 October 2021