Will the Netherlands accept by CDC Vaccine card.

Will you get the French Pass Sanitaire before you leave for France? It should be recognized in the other EU countries.

My husband received his French Pass Sanitaire but mine has not been approved yet. We both applied at the same time on 9/10. I am hoping to get it anytime. I have tried the hacks suggested on the French site for getting it. In the event I don't get it, I am hoping my CDC card will be acceptable.

THIS WEEK... and the rules seem to be continually changing in the NL... confusion reigns!
From the DutchNews.nl publication: https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2021/09/non-eu-visitors-will-need-daily-tests-under-dutch-corona-pass-rules/

Visitors from outside the EU face having to take daily coronavirus
tests even if they have been fully vaccinated when the corona pass
system goes live on September 25. The Dutch CoronaCheck app only
recognises vaccines that are compatible with the European Digital
Coronavirus Certificate, including a handful of non-EU countries such
as Norway and Turkey. Tourists from other countries, including the UK
and the US, will not be able to use their domestic Covid apps at
restaurants, cafes, sporting venues and theatres in the Netherlands.

That said, many restaurant owners have already come out and said, "We are not going to be the COVID-rule-enforcers for the government." Already battered by the recent government flip-flopping and low tourism numbers, the service industry unions are pushing back. This COVID requirement is slated to start 09/25. Since the announcement last week, no restaurants I've been to in Amsterdam, Leiden, and my hometown, The Hague, have asked to see my Dutch CoronaCheck app. Of course, the risk is that your competition will report you if you're not following the new COVID standard... so we will see how long this rule is in place --- or whether the CDC vaccination card will act as a substitute.

Not surprisingly, the NL.GOVT website currently has NO details on how non-EU persons can enter a restaurant under these restrictions (other than having a recent, negative test).

I've not seen any indication that a French Pass Sanitaire would be a viable alternative in the NL. That would be an interesting work-around but the Dutch already have one of their own: the Dutch CoronaCheck app (their version of the EU Digital Certificate). Unfortunately, you can only get this QR code if you're a Dutch resident and have a BSN number/DigId access. Again, no info on the Dutch government sites that a French Pass Sanitaire works... That said, the enforcement of the COVID restrictions has been fairly lax, so it will be interesting to see how they enforce their new policy.

It has continued to amaze me that a group of nations that uses a common currency and benefits from multi-lateral trade agreements cannot develop a single document or app to document Covid status that is acceptable across borders. If travel is such an important part of European economies, why isn't the EU developing a user-friendly system? We continue to look forward to international travel next year, but are hopeful that some standardization will occur. If Covid can cross borders, certainly Covid-status can cross borders.

musicmoll1, the EU does have an across-the-border system - it's called the EU Digital COVID Certificate. (The Dutch have their "own" version but it is totally compatible with the EU Digital COVID Certificate). Thus, if you live in the EU, you can easily travel from one EU country to another. This has been around since June and I've traveled to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Denmark, France, and Belgium since then - quite easily.

The challenge comes when countries OUTSIDE the EU try to enter --- and that's NOT the fault of the EU Council. For example, the US does not have a common standard even among CDC cards, as some states are hand-written, others use an App, etc. The challenge is how do you create an international system to which all countries subscribe. According to the EU government, they offered this opportunity to the US last year, but the US choose not to participate.

Currently, with my Dutch EU Digital COVID Certificate (in the App format) I can travel almost anywhere in the EU without tests (coming or going) or a CDC vaccination card conversion. Granted, you have to READ THE FINE PRINT to fill out different country-specific forms, many of which I've never been asked for. Each EU country uses the EU Digital COVID Certificate as its "standard entry" protocol.

It has continued to amaze me that the richest nation in the world is using a business card-size paper document as its official record of COVID-19 immunization.

Thanks for the info, RnR.

I have been reading all of the posts regarding Covid on the forum even though we are not traveling until next spring. It is a bit overwhelming, I think in part because the US response to the virus has been a muddle and is not in sync with Europe's.We don't even have the same expectations of behavior with regard to the virus in every state, let alone a document that would allow access to different venues.

That being said I am learning from every post. Maybe by the time we actually are traveling I'll know all of the codes, passes, and forms we need to have.

musicmoll1, it's a constantly evolving paperwork cycle. Last week I was in Rome, and although I have an EU Digital COVID Certificate, I still needed to complete the Italian Passenger Locator Form to enter Italy by plane... and an NL Heath Declaration Form to re-enter the NL on my return.

This weekend, I am headed to Seville for a conference. Again, I have to have the EU Digital COVID Certificate (Or the Dutch App equivalent on my phone). In addition, I have to carry the SpTH Spain Travel Health form - which must be completed within 48 hours of your arrival in Spain. For the conference, I have to have a Negative COVID Test certificate - which I have to translate from Dutch! And again, to get back into the NL, I'll need a different NL Heath Declaration Form to re-enter.

The week after that, I am in Paris... and I'm not even looking at those requirements yet as many things may be changing in Europe the first week of October. So, it's a constant review of what's required... and even though NO ONE has ever looked at my NL Heath Declaration Form (I am thinking about simply laminating one!), you have to complete every STEP because this could be the trip they check EVERYTHING!

Despite having an EU Digital COVID Certificate QR code on my phone, I also carry my original vaccination card (the Dutch version of the USA CDC vaccination card) because some places did not have a reader for my phone App (Including the check-in desk for TRANSAVIA at the Porto Airport). So best to over-prepare!!.

And my requirements would probably be different than yours due to my country of origin (NL), EU Residence-Visa, EU Digital COVID Certificate, and what countries I've been in during the last 14 days.

I suppose these challenges will keep us young. A crossword puzzle would be more enjoyable.

RnrR This morning I finally got my EU Digital COVID Certificate. We are from the US. Is this interchangeable with the new Dutch Pass and accepted in lieu of the Corona Pass in the Netherlands? We were ready to cancel the Amsterdam portion of our trip after reading we may have to get tested daily without the new Corona Pass. Any insights on possible changes on October 4? I wonder if things will get easier or more difficult. Are you finding the airlines and/or each countries government sites your best source for information. We leave for Paris, Vienna, Prague, and Amsterdam on Sept 28. I plan to have all my paperwork for entering by air to each country, but if things change it will be harder for me to have a printer, etc. Thank you for all your helpful information.

Biker Chick, the CoronaCheck App is the Dutch version of the EU Digital COVID Certificate.

Basically, the Dutch created their own COVID App. If you are living in the Netherlands, when you apply for the EU Certificate, by default, you're sent to the Dutch CoronaCheck App site. There you must have a BSN number (similar to a SS# in the USA) and access to DigID (sort of a Dutch security program to protect your info). Thus, the Dutch version is only available to residents of the NL. The Dutch CoronaCheck App and the EU Digital COVID Certificate are interchangeable. So if you have either, it should work in the NL. You can read more about the Dutch Corona App and Pass here:

https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2021/09/14/netherlands-to-reopen-further-with-coronavirus-entry-passes

It's all very confusing! As far as insight on upcoming changes... I don't think anyone has any idea. Three weeks ago, Americans could come to the NL with limited restrictions. Two weeks ago, Americans had to quarantine, and thus NO ONE was coming. Last week, that got reversed and vaccinated Americans were again allowed back in. So no one really knows what they'll do next week! That said, the NL is pulling back on almost all restrictions. For example, as of tomorrow, they are dropping the 1.5-meter distance rule; Schools are all back in session, etc. I am GUESSING that restrictions will continue to ease. (Fingers Crossed!)

I think you're on target using airline and government sites. Generally, the NL gov't site is sometimes a little behind the impending rule changes, but they do get them posted before they go into effect. Through my business, I am fortunate to belong to a consortium that provides us timely, worldwide information on the travel restrictions for each country. That said, we check it almost daily for info specific to our clients' travel. Travelers today have to continually keep checking their destination countries rules & restrictions. Let's hope things "even out" over the new few weeks... and there is an established, widely accepted, International COVID Certificate before next summer!

We were able to get a French pass sanitaire from a pharmacy in Paris after presenting our CDC card, passports, and 20 euros each. It was quick, and it made our life simple. We did apply on line to receive a pass from the French government but the process was too slow for our trip. If you have a month or more that process might work.

Does anyone have an update on this? Has anyone completed their trip or are there now that can give an update if restaurants accept the CDC vaccine card or CLEAR app QR code? Trying to plan a trip for the end of the year but don't want to get stuck not being able to enter restaurants.

My wife and I were in Amsterdam 10/17-10/19. We had no problem with our CDC cards while there. We had read that it could be an issue prior to going, but we weren’t turned away anywhere the entire time we spent there. As long as you can clearly point out the doses, they’re fine. Most of the people checking the vaccine cards were used to the CDC cards by that point and surely didn’t want to lose the potential business.

It appears that some museums have changed their policies.

The Rijksmuseum states:
"If you are 13 or older you must be able to display a digital or printed Covid certificate QR code to enter the museum"
"If you are unable to display a Covid certificate QR code on the day of your booked visit, contact [email protected] to change your booking for a time when you will be able to display a Covid certificate QR code."

That implies the US CDC card isn't sufficient but I have no evidence of anyone turned away.
That's a deal breaker for me.

I arrive next Tuesday 11/23 and am freaking out about not being able to to get the EU QR code. Do you think that if test daily we will be able to go to the major museums and eat out at restaurants?

Yes, to go to museums and to eat indoors, or outdoors, requires proof of vaccination, either the Netherlands version, or another EU country. If you have neither, then you need to test daily, or rather a test will allow you those activities for 24 hours. You may choose the timing of your activities to skip a day of test.

This is similar to what it was before the latest announcement (if eating indoors, the Museums and outdoor dining is new), but from reports on here, and other forums, enforcement was rather lax, and some places may have accepted the US CDC cards. However with the new measures, places are worried about getting caught, so they seem to be stricter.

I will be in Amsterdam for only a day initially, this Wednesday (Nov. 17), so I am going to see how getting a test goes, and who asks to see the results...so maybe more to report.

Paul is correct and here is the NL government link that lays out those QR codes restrictions (or lack of having one): https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-certificate/coronavirus-entry-pass/visiting-the-netherlands-and-attending-an-event

Although it speaks to "activity" the linking website pages include the following: venues serving food and drinks, cultural activities, the cinema, theatre, concerts, museums, monuments, swimming pools, gym, zoos, amusement parks, casinos; festivals, commercial events - such as trade shows; and saunas.

This NL gov't link has MORE info about the newest restrictions: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/news/2021/11/12/press-conference-12-november-2021

That said, we get checked about 50% of the time at restaurants; 100% at museums. And there have DEFINITELY been far more QR Code checks to occur since the Nov. 12 government press conference. Masks are again prevalent inside stores, groceries, etc. Then again, we were over 19,000 new cases the other day - a NEW RECORD FOR WORST DAY EVER!
.

I will add a concern I have. I have been looking for test locations in Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. Schiphol seems to be set up to focus on testing to fly to other locations, but it looks like you can get tested, that may suffice for entry to restaurants and such, but the negative is the cost at 58 euro, oh well.

The GDD offers free testing at locations, that may be for residents though, but focus is on people with symptoms, results are not immediate, only guarantee within 24 hours...not viable for daily testing, they also caution that they are seeing heavy traffic for testing, expected with the spike.

There are a few other private test sites, a problem with time slot availability, and of course the cost. Cheapest I have found was in the range of 35 euro for a rapid test.

If others have any information on testing in Amsterdam, would be happy to hear.

Thanks so much on the updates for Netherlands. We're traveling to Madrid (family of 6) Dec 14 and have a 24-hr layover in Amsterdam. I'm getting a little stressed out about the new lockdown info in the news. Thank you for any traveler updates.

Similar to the previous post, I would love to see a more recent update for vaccinated Americans traveling to Amsterdam (and then Spain). We are not as concerned about the partial lockdown as understanding the steps needed (testing, QR codes, forms) for arriving in Amsterdam.

We were going to be in Amsterdam four nights starting Sunday, and instead switched to one night before heading to Germany (where my concerns are also growing, obviously.) Luckily we prebooked most everything as refundable, except the Rijksmuseum. I did contact them since I saw you needed a QR code and we only have CDC, and was informed we could change our time slot at any point and the tickets were good for a year, as well as transferable. So looks like we will be spending the day walking off our jetlag and checking out the neighborhoods, grabbing takeout. Still haven't ruled out rebooking the entire trip but that window is closing fast.

Was in Amsterdam On Wednesday (11/17), and yes, every place (bars and restaurants) will ask for a QR Code. In one Bar, I did see the proprietors accept a US CDC card, but I would not count on it.

I took the option of getting tested, I went to Carona snelcheck https://www.coronasnelcheck.nl/locaties/amsterdam-centrum/ located on Moolsteg 8 in the city center, I had made an appointment, but explained what I needed, so they changed the appointment so I could get a QR Code. It was expensive, 57 euro, but otherwise I would not have been able to get into a bar or restaurant. It is oonly valid for 24 hours, you do need a cell phone and to download the Corona Check app, I suppose you could get a paper copy from them.

There are other options, some I found did not have appointments. The GGD, Amsterdam Public Health, does operate test centers, they may be able to do it cheap or free, but did not have time to check out.

I did also see on Damrak, a "Tourist Information" storefront that offered free tests for visitors, again, did not check them out, maybe there were strings attached to the offer, but worth investigating. I will be back for a night later in the trip, we have scapped plans to stay in Amsterdam mid trip, just do to the testing hassle.

Amsterdam itself is pretty much devoid of tourists, yes, there are still a good number, but very few. Restaurants and bars closing at 8 PM, and shops at 6 PM really puts a damper on the evening. Many restaurants that were open only at night have just closed until things improve, same with some bars, and of course there are a number of places that closed permanently. Even shops have went to opening later, so they can only have a single employee work the whole shift.

Enough is open, that if you navigate the testing, you could see museums and manage OK. But it is really eerie to wander through the Red Light District at 7:00 PM and see it basically deserted, shops, venues, and even the ladies in the windows closed, especially since when I was there in 2019, it was so packed you could not move.