On the evening of January 20, the Dutch government announced the introduction of new travel restrictions and requirements for air passengers and crew. In response, the national airline KLM threatened to cancel all long-haul and some European flights.
New measures
The Netherlands has banned flights from the UK, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela for a month to reduce the import of new coronavirus mutations.
In addition, from January 23, every air traveler for a flight to the Netherlands will have to pass not one analysis, as now, but two.
“We cannot run the risk of our people stranding in a distant country if that test is positive,” says a KLM spokesman. "So from Friday, we will shut down all intercontinental flights and all flights to European destinations where crews have to spend the night." This concerns approximately 275 intercontinental flights per week and one in five flights within Europe (info source)
Requirements for negative rapid test result (read here)
No more than 72 hours before departure, you will need to undergo a PCR test for coronavirus.
Just before departure, you will need to take an express test. Its validity period is 4 hours.
All tests must show negative results. This indicates that the traveler is not sick.
Since not all airports currently have rapid testing points, the Dutch authorities expect the new double testing requirement to reduce travel to the country.
The rules will come into force on January 23 and apply to those who travel to third countries with an Amsterdam transfer.
Double testing does not cancel the quarantine on entry to the Netherlands. The traveler must self-isolate for 5 days, after which he can retake the test and stop quarantine in case of a negative result.
Requirements for negative PCR test result
You are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result if you are traveling to the Netherlands from most countries. If you are coming from a country outside the EU/Schengen area, you are also required to present a negative test declaration bearing your signature. Information that must be provided on the test result
Coronavirus: Negative test declaration form
KLM cancels flights
KLM has threatened to stop all long-haul flights and some flights across Europe where planes stay overnight, Het Parool reported.
The airline fears that some crews may remain abroad if the second test before departure becomes positive.
KLM is pushing for an exemption for pilots and flight attendants as they stay in hotels and are taken there from the airport by separate transport.
However, the Dutch authorities said that an exception would be made only for crews who do not leave the airport transit area.
If the KLM threat becomes a reality, it could affect the supply of vaccines to many countries. According to Het Parool, the airline transported vaccines from Russia, India, and China via Amsterdam to Chile, Colombia, Suriname, Brazil, Panama, and Argentina.
Passengers shared information when flying KBP - AMS - USA (2nd week of January) Dear Passenger! We would like to inform you, planning your journey on UIA flights to the Netherlands you must:
• Have a printed medical certificate with a negative (COVID-19) test result. The test must have been taken at most 72 hours before the arrival of your flight to the Netherlands. The certificate must be in Dutch, English, French, German, or Spanish. In case of the absence of such a medical certificate, you may be denied boarding.
• Complete the «Health Declaration Form» at https://tinyurl.com/ybtmdgja and present it prior to boarding at the departure airport.
• Complete and print the «Negative Test Declaration» at https://www.government.nl/documents/forms/2020/12/04/coronavirus-negative-test-declaration-form and present it at the airport of arrival. To check more detailed and current information concerning the requirements for entry into the destination country, especially if you are traveling to the destination airport using several flights, visit the IATA website: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm With kind regards, Ukraine International Airlines
All links and info travelers need to know ↓
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine advises that PCR document showing results must:
Be in English (translation into Ukrainian is preferable, if possible - not obligatory)
State the sample collection time and the time when results were received
Specifically mention the test type – PCR – polymerase chain reaction
Show the full name, date of birth, and passport number of the traveler
Include the name, address, and contact details of the lab performing the test
Clearly state the result – COVID-19 NO or COVID-19 YES
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 tests are widely available at the expense of the individual.
The average cost of a PCR test is 60 USD.
List of Certified Laboratories to Run PCR Test at Your Location
Information Resources:
Other links:
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