Immigration update: Netherlands | ‘Intelligent’ lockdown and travel ban

‘Intelligent lockdown’ and extension of travel ban

‘Intelligent lockdown’

Compared to other countries, the precautionary measures in the Netherlands are relatively mild. The Netherlands is currently in a so called ‘intelligent lockdown’, meaning that only the most important sources that may spread the corona-virus are closed or forbidden.

This means that events, festivals and other large gatherings are forbidden, schools, restaurants and hotels are closed and that hairdressers, massage salons and other places where direct physical contact is involved are closed as well. The last group will most likely start opening next week.

Recreational areas, parks and beaches are closed or closing in weekends when crowds of people could be expected.

Shops are allowed to stay open, but people are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. In the public space there is naturally a social distancing of 1,5 meters enforced and there is a prohibition of gathering implemented, in public spaces and at home, to more than 3 people together that do not belong to the same family.

The restrictions apply in principle up to and including 28 April 2020. The precautionary measures are necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In the week before 28 April 2020 the government will determine how we should continue forward.

Restrictions on entering the European Union or Schengen area extended

Europe closed her borders on 19 March 2020 for travellers from outside the Schengen area and this travel ban has been extended until 15 May 2020. The restriction is valid for all non-essential travel of persons from third countries to Europe (EU member states, Schengen members and the UK). The travel restriction does not apply to the following categories of persons:

• EU citizens (including UK nationals) and members of their families;
• Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and their family members;
• Third-country nationals holding a residence card or a residence permit in accordance with Directive 2003/109/EC (LTR Directive);
• Third-country nationals who derive their right of residence from other European Directives or from the national law of a Member State;
• Holders of a long-stay visa, including persons with a temporary residence permit (MVV);
• Other persons with an essential function or need, including:
  • Personnel working in Health Care;
  • Border workers;
  • Persons employed in the transportation of goods, where necessary;
  • Diplomats;
  • Military personnel;
  • Personnel of international and humanitarian organisations;
  • Persons who have compelling reasons to visit their families;
  • Transit passengers who wish to travel via the Netherlands to another third country;
  • Persons in need of international protection; the border procedure applies in full;
  • Persons who are admitted for humanitarian reasons.

Should you have any questions, please contact:

Brenda Jongman
Senior Immigration Specialist
Brenda.Jongman@santaferelo.com

Claudia de Jager
Senior Immigration Specialist
Claudia.deJager@santaferelo.com 

Anique Borchert
Immigration Specialist
Anique.Borchert@santaferelo.com

To read more immigration updates, click here.

About our Immigration Services

Our Immigration services manage thousands of visa applications every year for a multitude of international companies. Our experienced immigration experts and migration agents handle the immigration process for you and provide simple reporting and guidance on immigration matters.