Latest Covid travel rules for Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria

With Easter on the horizon, many people will be itching to get away for a sunny holiday. As the worries around Covid seem to be plateauing, there are a number of countries you can now visit with ease – as long as you’re up-to-date with the latest travel rules.

Here is all the latest information if you’re planning an exciting spring trip to the Netherlands, Austria or Belgium flying from one of London’s airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow. Some countries have no restrictions, others still require proof of vaccination and others are simply asking for a negative lateral flow test from visitors. There are exemptions that apply in some cases.

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Netherlands

The Netherlands has eased entry requirements for UK visitors just in time for the Easter holidays. Those arriving in the country will not have to show a pre-departure Covid test, regardless of vaccination status.

The changes are expected to boost the travel and tourism industry. In an update from the Foreign Office, they explain: “Until 23 March, fully vaccinated travellers aged 12 and over arriving in the Netherlands from the UK via aeroplane, ferry, passenger car, train or bus must show one of the following: A negative PCR test result (taken no more than 48 hours before departure), or a negative antigen test result (taken no more than 24 hours before departure).”

All travellers are advised to take a self-test after arriving in the Netherlands and face masks will no longer need to be worn on public transport, taxis, coaches and ferries from March 23.

Belgium

If fully vaccinated, travellers can enter Belgium from the UK if they complete a Passenger Locator Form. No more than 270 days must have passed since your second dose unless you have received a booster dose.

Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 or over who fall under this category can only enter Belgium if they can produce either a recovery or negative test certificate. Without a recovery certificate, you can only enter Belgium for essential reasons.

Austria

All travellers to Austria must show either proof of full vaccination, recovery from Covid-19 in the past 180 days or a negative test to enter Austria. Two-dose vaccinations are only valid for 180 days whilst a booster is valid for 270 days. Without a negative test result or proof of vaccination or recovery, passengers will have to fill out a pre-travel clearance form and enter a 10-day quarantine.

However, exemptions include children under the age of 12 travelling with an adult who does not need to quarantine as well as HGV drivers and residents. FFP2 face masks are compulsory for all visitors in Austria when inside enclosed spaces including on public transport and inside taxis.

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