News Travel VTL

Netherlands drops pre-departure test requirement from Singapore, but lockdown looms

You no longer need a pre-departure COVID-19 test to travel from Singapore to the Netherlands, but you may want to reconsider a leisure trip for now.

Update: That didn’t last long! A new policy comes into force on 22nd December 2022, reinstating the pre-departure test requirement for those travelling from Singapore to the Netherlands.

Last month the Netherlands added the requirement for fully vaccinated travellers from Singapore to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test in order to travel, in response to the European Union reclassifying the Lion City under its “very high risk” category, following a surge in cases here.

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From 13th November 2021 it was therefore necessary for those departing from Singapore to Amsterdam to arrange a pre-departure test as follows:

  • PCR test conducted no more than 48 hours prior to departure; or
  • An ART test conducted no more than 24 hours prior to departure.

Test requirement removed

Thankfully case numbers in Singapore have dropped significantly, and from 16th December 2021 the Netherlands has moved Singapore back into its “high risk” category.

That still sounds serious, but in fact it removes the pre-departure test requirement listed above for fully vaccinated travellers, or children under 12, making your trip planning a little less complicated.

Note: Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals aged 12 or over travelling from Singapore to the Netherlands under an exemption category (e.g. right of residence) are still subject to the pre-departure testing requirements.