Coronavirus COVID19  – A message from the British Ambassador.

British Embassy The Hague and British Consulate-General Amsterdam · Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

To UK nationals in the Netherlands.

I wanted to write you today with an update on the latest developments regarding Coronavirus COVID-19.

I know that many of you are concerned for yourselves and your loved ones during these incredibly unusual times. I spoke with a representative of British in the Netherlands earlier today, as I know many of you have questions about what impacts there are for you; not only in terms of measures taken by the government to deal with COVID-19, but also what this means for your applications for residency permits during the transition period. We are in touch with the IND and will be messaging more on this in due course.

Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary urged all UK national travellers to return to the UK as soon as possible. I want to make it clear that the UK government is not urging UK nationals living in the Netherlands to return to the UK. Both the Foreign Office and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs are advising against all non-essential international travel. However, should you wish to return to the UK; you should be aware that:

  • Services (air, rail, and ferry) are continuing to be reduced. If you are planning to travel to the UK, be sure to check with your operator before your journey. Eurostar services are not running from Amsterdam or Rotterdam; you will first need to take a train to Brussels and then change. Download the Schiphol app for an overview of which flights are currently operating between the UK and the Netherlands.
  • If you are travelling via ferry or the Eurotunnel, be sure to check the latest travel advice for Belgium and France. Both countries have implemented strict entry requirements. Be sure to follow the advice of local authorities when travelling through other countries.
  • The Dutch government has taken the decision to tighten the entry conditions for people who want to travel to the Netherlands from third countries. The restrictions do not apply to EU or UK nationals, or their families.
  • Stay up to date. There are a number of useful websites where you can check before travelling. If you are staying in the Netherlands, please also make sure you are aware of the latest measures taken by the Dutch government. You can check the following websites:
  • We will continue to message on this regularly. In the meantime, please continue to follow the latest advice from the Dutch authorities whilst you are in the Netherlands. These measures include;
    • Keep a distance of 1.5 metres from others who are not in your family unit at all times, and limit the number of visitors to your home to 3.
    • Stay home as much as possible; only leave the house if you are travelling to work and cannot work from home, to buy groceries or take care of others, and to get some fresh air, but do not do so in groups.
    • If you are unwell (a cough or a cold); stay home. If someone in your household has a fever, all members of the household should also stay home (unless you are a key worker in a crucial sector, unless you are sick yourself)
    • All gatherings are prohibited until 1 June.

My team and I remain in regular contact with the Dutch government, and we will continue to update you regularly on any further developments. In the meantime, please continue to look after yourselves and each other.

Kind regards,

Peter Wilson

British Ambassador to the Netherlands

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