At the press conference on March 23, the Dutch government extended the negative travel advice until May 15, saying that international travel “remains too great a risk for the spread of coronavirus.” 

However, it seems the government is aware of the fact that many are keen to travel again, either to visit family or get some sun, and so this week announced a new scheme that will see trial holidays taking place in April to determine how international travel can take place safely and responsibly in the future. 

Dutch government announces trial all-inclusive holiday to Rhodes

The government has already overseen the organisation of numerous coronavirus-proof trial events, and so it seems logial that trial-holidays are the next step in the plan to resuming normal life while still living with the virus.  

The first trip is scheduled for April 12, and will see 189 people travel to the Greek island of Rhodes for eight days, where visitors will not leave their all-inclusive resort. No other guests will be staying at the hotel for the duration of the trial.

Once in Rhodes, the travellers will be expected to adhere to all the existing coronavirus rules and restrictions, and they will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test before leaving the Netherlands and again before they return home. Once back in the Netherlands, all travellers will go into quarantine.

Travelling internationally during coronavirus

A second trip which would provide travellers with slightly more freedom of movement is currently being developed. The government is also planning to organise trial trips via car, cruise, train, and coach. The travellers will cover the costs of their trip, while the travel organisations running the holidays will cover the costs of the necessary coronavirus tests.

The General Dutch Association of Travel Agencies (ANVR) has voiced its support for the government’s scheme: “I have full confidence that this initiative will demonstrate that you can enjoy a carefree and safe holiday through your travel company,” said chairman Frank van Oostdam.

The Dutch government and the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) can, at any time, chose to cancel the trips should any coronavirus developments in the Netherlands or in the destination country lead them to feel there is too great a risk to travel.