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The Netherlands to welcome back Americans today, with little restriction

June 24, 2021
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3 min read
Red light district in Amsterdam the Netherlands at night
The Netherlands to welcome back Americans today, with little restriction
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As of Thursday, June 24, Americans can travel freely to the Netherlands: no vaccine, negative COVID-19 test or quarantine required upon arrival.

The Dutch government’s decision to expand entry options follows the June 18 announcement by the Council of the European Union to open EU borders to visitors from additional “safe” countries, including the United States, given the low risk of contracting COVID-19.

“Most restrictions are therefore no longer necessary,” the Dutch government said on June 18, citing sharp dives in both the “number of new infections and the number of people being admitted to hospital with COVID-19.”

The absence of a proof-of-vaccination or negative test requirement makes the Netherlands an attractive option for those looking for an easier travel experience in Europe this summer. An outlier in the EU, unvaccinated minors from safe countries should be able to enter the country without issue.

Today’s deadline also adds persons from six other non-EU nations, including Albania, Lebanon and Taiwan. If you are visiting from a high-risk country, the Dutch government will still require a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours and a negative rapid test within 24 hours prior to departure or a negative PCR test within 24 hours prior to departure.

The only travel requirement for Americans to fulfill ahead of time is the submission of a health declaration, which some airlines allow you to complete digitally upon checking in for your flight, as noted by Dutch officials.

Related: Country-by-country guide to reopenings

Today’s news comes just ahead of the country’s planned stage four reopening phase on June 26, when all establishments, including public hospitality venues, cinemas, concert halls and sporting venues, will reopen, along with the lift of the previous curfew regarding public drinking and purchasing alcohol.

The only notable on-the-ground restriction appears to be the continuation of the 1.5-meter social-distancing requirement that will remain in place through at least mid-August.

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Although face masks will no longer be required in most situations, you will still be expected to wear one on public transport, including at train stations and airports.

For Americans returning home, the U.S. government expects a negative COVID-19 test for all passengers, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated individuals, within three days before touching U.S. soil. The Netherlands will offer free coronavirus tests in July and August for visitors, intended for those who are unvaccinated and/or required by their home countries.

Featured image by NISANGHA/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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