Netherlands is not yet tightening travel rules to and from China

The Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs do not yet see any reason to take measures in the Netherlands against the sharp increase in the number of coronavirus infections in China. So far, the Netherlands will not impose entry restrictions on people with Chinese passports, or people arriving from China, by requiring them to take a coronavirus test on arrival. Italy has already decided to implement such a policy.

"We are keeping a close eye on it. If we receive a signal from the RIVM that measures are needed, then we are ready," said a Ministry of Health spokesperson. The RIVM, the country's public health institute, is keeping close contact with the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

The European Union agency collects all information on infectious diseases from the EU member states. There are currently no indications to enact new restrictive border controls, the ministry spokesperson said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also not issued any modified travel advice for residents of the Netherlands traveling to or from China. That will definitely happen as soon as there is reason to do so, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

That could happen if a dangerous new coronavirus variant is identified. "But that must be determined at the European level," said the spokesperson.