Ferry services between Britain and the Netherlands were closed to all but freight travel on Sunday evening, as the UK was virtually cut off from mainland Europe following an outbreak of a more infectious form of coronavirus.

Ferries to Vlaardingen, Hoek van Holland and IJmuiden were limited to lorries and their drivers only, and there were reports that some ordinary passengers had been removed from ferries in the UK before they were allowed to sail.

‘The cabinet is aware of the fact that this is a serious measure with major consequences for passenger traffic between the UK and the Netherlands,’ the Dutch government said in a statement late on Sunday evening.

‘However, in view of the situation and recent developments in the UK, the government considers the measure to be both necessary and justified.’

The Netherlands imposed a flight ban on travellers from the UK at 6am on Sunday in an effort to stop the spread of a more infectious form of coronavirus and this rapidly spread to include both more countries and more forms of transport throughout the day.

The travel advice for the UK has been updated:
🟠 Travel advice for NL to UKhttps://t.co/cBIGzSQbM3
🟠 Ban passenger flights from UKhttps://t.co/nLL6Rt51or
🟠 Ferry passengers from UK to NL temporarily barredhttps://t.co/6jn94veY6H
🟠 FAQs (🇳🇱)https://t.co/U2VH5tOhOZ

— Dutch Embassy London (@NLinUK) December 20, 2020

Eurostar cancelled direct train services after Belgium said it was closing its borders to UK passengers and the Channel Tunnel operators said later that the tunnel would be closed to Europe-bound traffic for at least 48 hours.

Brexit

The situation at British ports is now chaotic, according to Dutch transport union FNV Transport en Logistiek, and has been made worse by Brexit, as freight companies try to beat the imposition of new border checks from January 1.

Dutch transport sector lobby group TLN is recommending its members halt lorry transports to the UK for the time being, broadcaster NOS said.

The Dutch government said it is now looking to see what can be done to help nationals who are now stuck in the UK. In the meantime, they are being advised to ‘find safe accommodation for the coming days while waiting for opportunities to return to the Netherlands’.

Have you been stranded in the UK or the Netherlands? We’d like to hear about your experiences. Email editor@dutchnews.nl