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.
Check test requirements for your destination
Check KLM's TravelDoc shortly before departure to find out which test requirements apply to your trip and how to make sure you're allowed to board. You have 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.
Do I need to get tested on COVID-19 before my flight?
Are you travelling to or via the Netherlands?
You are strongly advised by the Dutch government not to travel to the Netherlands, unless absolutely necessary. However, the borders remain open. Also, there are entry and flight bans that may affect your trip. First, check the website of the Dutch government to see if you are allowed to travel into the Netherlands.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands, you need to show a negative COVID-19 test result if you’re departing from a high-risk country. This is any country that’s not on the EU list of safe countries.
If you are travelling from a high-risk country, you have 2 options.
Option 1
You have to show 1 test result:
- a negative COVID-19 NAAT (PCR) test result that was taken within 24 hours before boarding your flight to the Netherlands.
Option 2
You have to show 2 test results:
- a negative COVID-19 NAAT (PCR) 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 24 hours before boarding your flight to the Netherlands.
If you have a transfer in Amsterdam, you only need 1 NAAT (PCR) test result that's taken within 72 hours before arrival in Amsterdam.
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 (PCR) 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.
I was already vaccinated for COVID-19, do I still need to get tested?
The Dutch government still requires you to get tested before entering the Netherlands. Even though you have already been vaccinated.
Because of a delayed flight, my COVID-19 tests are no longer valid. What should I do now?
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 is 1 NAAT (PCR) test result that’s issued within 24 hours before boarding. Option 2 is 1 NAAT (PCR) test result that's issued within 72 hours before arrival in Amsterdam AND 1 rapid antigen test that’s taken within 24 hours before boarding. If you have a transfer in Amsterdam, you only need 1 NAAT (PCR) test result that's issued within 72 hours before arrival in Amsterdam. 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 (PCR) 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.
I had corona some time ago, but I still test positive. What should I do now?
Sometimes it can happen that you still test positive even though you are no longer sick and/or contagious. The Dutch government can then make an exception to the negative test policy provided you can show the following documents:
- A positive NAAT (PCR) test result that is a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 8 weeks old;
- A positive NAAT (PCR) 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 (PCR) test result that is a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 8 weeks old;
- A positive NAAT (PCR) 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.