The Netherlands, home to major tourist attractions such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, has remained a stubborn holdout in terms of COVID-19 entry restrictions for months. While most of the EU has dropped all entry requirements over the summer, the Netherlands steadfastly kept a complete ban in place on unvaccinated travelers from many countries, including the United States.

As of September 17, 2022, that ban has ended, and the Netherlands now has no COVID-related entry restrictions in place. This leaves Spain as the only major tourist destination in the EU with any remaining COVID-19 entry mandates.

Can Unvaccinated Travelers Visit the Netherlands?

From September 17 onwards, the Netherlands is open to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. No visitors to the Netherlands will be asked to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or evidence of a negative COVID-19 test. Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you’ll find that mask requirements have been dropped as well. Businesses and tourist attractions are operating normally and at full capacity. 

Essentially, if you’ve been dreaming about a vacation to the Netherlands, you can now take that trip just as easily as before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for the Netherlands?

Netherlands Schengen Visa Insurance

As the Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, visitors from certain countries are required to get a Schengen visa in order to be allowed entry. If you need a Schengen visa to travel to the Netherlands, then you will also be required to purchase Schengen visa insurance.

Netherlands Travel Medical Insurance

If you’re allowed visa-free travel to the Netherlands, travel medical insurance is optional for you. However, keep a few things in mind if you’re considering going without coverage.

Remember that while the Netherlands does have excellent public healthcare, you are not entitled to receive free medical treatment as a tourist, and your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted. This means that if you get sick or injure yourself during your Netherlands trip, you would be solely responsible for paying all medical bills out of your own pocket. As most people do not have the budget for these kinds of unexpected expenses, travel medical insurance provides essential protection.

Remember, people were purchasing international insurance long before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s just as essential now. Take the time to compare the right plans for you, and enjoy everything the Netherlands has to offer without restrictions.