While most residents of the Netherlands have already planned or even taken a vacation abroad, a number of popular countries are re-introducing measures after new outbreaks of coronavirus.
In particular, a lockdown was introduced in two regions of Spain. In Portugal, the orange code was introduced in the districts of Lisbon and Porto, and Croatia was completely orange.
Even prosperous countries – Luxembourg and Switzerland – were included in this company, where the number of registered diseases increased, which also led to some tightening of measures. These countries are still under code yellow, where entry is not prohibited. However, if there is a new coronavirus outbreak there, the yellow code may turn orange.
What are color codes?
The Dutch government has introduced 4 travel-friendly colors:
- Green: The country is completely safe.
- Yellow: travel allowed with safety precautions
- Orange: Only essential travel is allowed to these countries
- Red: These countries are closed to travel
What if the code changes?
- If the color code of that country changes from yellow to orange while on vacation, the government recommends that you return to the Netherlands as soon as possible. We advise you to monitor the latest information as often as possible.
- If the country code changes from yellow to orange prior to departure, travel is highly discouraged. In this case, the insurance company may refuse to cover the risks.
These tips are optional. The government writes that the choice - to travel or not - is the personal responsibility of the vacationer or travel agency.
The government also announced that it will no longer operate export flights. If someone decides to take the risk of going to a region with a yellow code, this is done under his personal responsibility.
Also, now the traveler himself is responsible for returning to his homeland. Travel cancellation insurance will not help here. Insurers no longer label the coronavirus outbreak as "contingencies."
What if you are hospitalized abroad?
- inform your family in the Netherlands
- call the emergency center of your travel insurance
- contact your travel company
- If you cannot do this yourself, the embassy can help you.
Hospitalization without insurance
If you are admitted to hospital without overseas insurance, the embassy may ask your family in the Netherlands to transfer money to you.
Travel Foreign Foreign App
To help travelers, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also released the Travel Foreign Foreign app, where you can find all the up-to-date information on your journey with color-coded zone maps, warnings and recommendations. You can also contact the support center via this app around the clock.
Although some countries have closed to travel, many destinations are still open and awaiting new tourists. Also, do not forget about the possibility of recreation within the country. But if you decide on a vacation abroad, be prepared for the fact that you will have to urgently return. So it's better to keep documents and money ready.
I wish you health and good rest!
Publication Date: 22.07.2020
