Summer has come, and with it the desire to travel has returned. The situation with the virus is becoming more favorable every day, and people are starting to think about vacations and travel. Which countries will we be able to travel to in the near future? In a week and a half, about a dozen countries will be available for vacation, with probably more in the coming weeks. Prime Minister Rutte confirmed this at a press conference. However, all travel outside the EU is still not recommended.
What do the color codes mean?
The government has introduced 4 travel-friendly colors: green, yellow, orange and red.
- Green: the country is absolutely safe.
- Yellow: in connection with the coronavirus, restrictive measures are in force in the country
- Orange: in these countries, daily life is severely limited. There may also be an entry ban. The code will also be orange if the country does not yet have sufficient control over the coronavirus, while not accepting Dutch tourists or quarantining on arrival.
- Red: This country or area is completely closed. Entry and exit from the country is prohibited.
What is the current situation in Europe?
Starting June 15, the color code for visiting the following countries will change from orange to yellow: Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Caribbean. So we can go on vacation to these countries, but be aware of the risks.
The following countries now have an orange code: Denmark, United Kingdom and Sweden. Travel to these countries is not recommended. All countries outside the EU are also colored orange.
Several countries have yet to decide when they will reopen their borders to Dutch tourists. These countries are expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. These are France, Iceland, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia.
Still, can I leave the Schengen area if I really need to?
Some travelers are exempt from the above restrictions. You can read more details here:
https://www.nederlandenu.nl/reizen-en-wonen/visa-voor-nederland/qas-voor-inreizen-in-nederland
On this page you will find an overview of travelers from third countries who are allowed to travel within the EU, Schengen countries and the UK. This measure has been extended until July 15, 2020.
Travel restrictions do not apply to the following categories of persons:
- EU citizens (including UK citizens) and their family members;
- Citizens of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and their family members *;
- Third-country nationals who hold a residence permit in the EC
- Third-country nationals who have acquired the right of residence on the basis of other European directives or national legislation of a member state;
- Holders of a long-term visa, including those with a temporary residence permit (MVV);
Others with an important function or need, including:
- Medical staff;
- Border guards;
- Persons engaged in the transportation of goods;
- Diplomats;
- Military personnel;
- Personnel of international and humanitarian organizations;
- Individuals who have a compelling reason to visit their family;
- Transit passengers who wish to travel to another third country via the Netherlands;
- Persons in need of international protection;
- Persons admitted for humanitarian reasons.
The fact that the Netherlands is lifting restrictions does not mean that other countries will immediately do the same. Denmark, for example, is not going to open its borders yet. Such countries will remain orange until the Dutch can again officially visit them without forced quarantine.
To sum it up, this is a quote from Prime Minister Rutte: “Travel wisely. Make sure you know the laws of the country you are visiting. "
And we, in turn, are already starting to make summer plans and continue to monitor news resources. We will keep you updated!
