COVID-19 tests
Depending on your destination, you might need to show a negative COVID-19 test result and test declarations. Note that some destinations also make a distinction between a rapid test and all the different NAAT tests like a PCR test and a LAMP test.
When to test
Check KLM TravelDoc shortly before departure to find out which test requirements apply to your trip and how to make sure you're allowed to board. Make sure to enter your entire route if your trip includes transfers.
Travelling to the Netherlands from abroad
If you really need to travel, make sure to check what COVID-19 tests and other travel requirements are needed before boarding your flight.
Questions about COVID-19 tests when travelling to the Netherlands
Are you travelling to or via the Netherlands?
- a negative COVID-19 NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification) test result that was taken within 72 hours before your arrival in the Netherlands.
- a negative COVID-19 rapid test result that was taken within 4 hours before boarding your flight to the Netherlands.
Option 2 You have to show 1 test result:
- a negative COVID-19 NAAT test result that was taken within 12 hours before boarding your flight to the Netherlands.
You may be requested to show the needed documents to airport staff or the designated (medical) authorities, such as the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. If you cannot show these documents, you may be denied entry into the Netherlands.
Additionally, you are strongly advised to self-quarantine for a period of 10 days. Keep in mind that the advice remains to only travel when it is essential.
This also applies to passengers with a Dutch nationality, and passengers arriving at an airport in The Netherlands and continuing their trip without leaving the airport.
The negative NAAT test result
Your NAAT test result should be in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Dutch. Make sure your COVID-19 NAAT test document includes the following:
1. Type of test: this must be a NAAT test and must be for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. 2. Your test result: the test result must be negative. 3. Your first and last name, as stated in your passport. 4. Date and time the test was conducted: this must have been no more than 72 hours before arrival in The Netherlands. 5. Name and contact information of the institute or laboratory that conducted the test.
When is it not necessary to show a COVID-19 test result?
- If the passenger is younger than 13 years.
- If you come from one of the countries listed as safe.
- See a full list of all exceptions on the website of the Dutch authorities.
Make sure to check KLM TravelDoc shortly before departure for all measures that apply to your trip. Enter your entire route if your trip includes transfers. Need to show a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding? The Dutch authorities and SkyTeam have created an overview of rapid and NAAT test locations near the airport.
Before travelling to the Netherlands, you will need a negative COVID-19 test result. You can choose from 2 options for this test result. Option 1 means that you can show a negative test result of 1 rapid test taken 4 hours before boarding and of 1 NAAT test taken 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands. Option 2 means that you can show 1 negative test result from 1 NAAT test taken 12 hours before boarding. Okay, so you have done this, you have the negative test result in your pocket, but then your flight is suddenly delayed. What does this mean for the validity of your tests? For both options the negative NAAT test result can be accepted up to 96 hours before arrival if it can be made clear that the journey was delayed and the reason was beyond the passenger's control. The pre-departure rapid test remains valid in such cases.
Sometimes it can happen that you still test positive even though you are no longer sick and/or contagious. We can then make an exception to our negative test policy provided you can show the following documents:
- A positive NAAT test result that is a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 8 weeks old;
- A positive NAAT test result that is up to 72 hours old;
- A negative rapid test result before departure.
If you test positive permanently with the rapid test, you are also allowed to travel, provided you can show the following documents:
- A positive NAAT test result that is a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 8 weeks old;
- A positive NAAT test result that is up to 72 hours old;
- A doctor's statement stating that you are no longer contagious.
Worldwide test locations
Do you need a negative (rapid) test result for travel? Visit the page below for test locations in your country of departure. Need to find a test location in another country? Select the country from the list below.