Everyone over the age of 12 arriving in the Netherlands from a high risk area by plane, boat, train or coach will have to be able to show a negative PCR coronavirus test from today.

The requirement also applies to Dutch nationals and people legally resident in the Netherlands.

The test can be no older than 72 hours and must be shown to transport companies before the start of the journey.  Dutch officials will also carry out random checks at arrival points.

‘The negative test is an additional requirement and not a substitute for the guideline applying to all passengers to self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival,’ the government says in its new guidelines.

Read the new rules

People found without a negative test will be sent back to where they came from, but Dutch nationals will be allowed to stay in the Netherlands.

Most parts of the world are currently red or orange zones, meaning they are considered high risk areas by the Dutch foreign affairs ministry. However, people from Iceland, Australia and China, for example, do not have to have negative test.

The test requirement does not apply to cross border workers or students, diplomats, members of foreign government delegations and Nato representatives. Nor does it apply to people working in the transport sector, such as lorry drivers.