Getting into the Netherlands from the UK

[stuartmoss]

Hi folks, I’ve booked flights next month to Amsterdam without realising that I need to do a PCR test 48 hours before departure. I’m absolutely clueless about how to go about this, I don’t know if there is a particular company I should use, is the test done live on camera or do I post it off? The Dutch web site states that the test needs to be done within 48 hours of departure, but If it’s posted then I can’t see me getting the results back in time. Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

 

[Lewlew]

It doesn’t have to be a PCR test, it can be an antigen test instead which takes 30 minutes to get the results.

When I went away, I had to do a test before coming back (rules have since changed). I used Chrononomics, I did the test, took a photo of the result and uploaded it and got the certificate instantly.

Fit To Fly (Rapid Antigen)

Pre-departure rapid antigen COVID-19 test for international travel Use this test as proof of COVID-19 status before leaving the UK Quick results within minutes UK Government approved Easy online registration and downloadable certificates With this option: Order at least 5 days before your...

www.chronomics.com

Another company that I used for the day 2 test was Randox.

 

[jamesontheroad]

The Dutch government actually publish a list of test providers outside NL in a large number of foreign countries. So, although not complete, these test providers are at least "known" and therefore probably "trusted" by the Dutch authorities:

United Kingdom - Locations rapid and PCR tests

Read the information on locations in the United Kingdom (UK) where you can get a rapid antigen or PCR test.

www.netherlandsworldwide.nl

 

[biko]

It doesn’t have to be a PCR test, it can be an antigen test instead which takes 30 minutes to get the results

Please note an antigen test need to be done maximum 24 hours before departure.

Another point to note is that it is cumpulsory to fill out a quarantine form even when you’re fully vaccinated and don’t need to quarantine.

Edit: you can use this handy link to check what you need to do when travelling to the Netherlands: https://reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl/en

 

[stuartmoss]

Thanks everyone, I could have saved myself the hassle and flown into Belgium…never mind, lesson learned.

 

[HamworthyGoods]

Thanks everyone, I could have saved myself the hassle and flown into Belgium…never mind, lesson learned.

Belgium has even more strict entry requirements/testing for Brits.

Best advice is to check the Foreign Office website before booking.

 

[jamesontheroad]

Best advice is to check the Foreign Office website before booking.

And https://reopen.europa.eu/en

 

[StephenHunter]

There is a testing centre on the first floor of St Pancras.

 

[stuartmoss]

Belgium has even more strict entry requirements/testing for Brits.

Best advice is to check the Foreign Office website before booking.

I’ll be getting the train to Antwerp from Schiphol, do you know if I’ll have any checks or problems crossing the border?

 

[biko]

In theory you can be checked and be fined heavily if you don't have everything prepared correctly, but in practice there are very few checks.

 

[StephenHunter]

I’ll be getting the train to Antwerp from Schiphol, do you know if I’ll have any checks or problems crossing the border?

I encountered zero checks when travelling from through Belgium on Eurostar or in NL at all.

 

[DanielB]

Be aware however: there are checks on Airports. The checks on trains are rare as biko already mentioned and also only apply to the "fast" services. (As in, not in the regional stoppers while the Amsterdam - Brussels service is everything but fast )

 

[jonty14]

I will be returning to Germany on 7th January using the Harwich ferry. I won't be stopping in the Netherlands. What do I need for this? Do I still need to do the quarantine form. I am fully vaccinated.

 

[FOH]

There is a testing centre on the first floor of St Pancras.

I was there on Saturday. Biggest queue in the whole station. Looked rammed inside.

 

[StephenHunter]

I will be returning to Germany on 7th January using the Harwich ferry. I won't be stopping in the Netherlands. What do I need for this? Do I still need to do the quarantine form. I am fully vaccinated.

You will need the quarantine form and the vaccine form, yes, but you can note you're fully vaccinated.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Oct 2021 ==

I was there on Saturday. Biggest queue in the whole station. Looked rammed inside.

Was a smaller queue when I went on a Wednesday, but not rammed.