Coronavirus: most asked questions

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have been monitoring the situation minutely and are doing everything possible to assist you with your upcoming travel plans. Here, you'll find up-to-date answers to the most asked questions.

Last updated: Thursday 29 July 2021, 11:00 AM (Amsterdam time)

Do I need to get tested on COVID-19 before my flight?

The country you’re travelling to may require you to take a test before you start your trip. Please enter your starting point and destination on TravelDoc to see what you need to prepare.

Are you travelling from the Netherlands?

Please check the requirements at the local government of your destination or on TravelDoc.

Are you travelling (back) to the Netherlands?

Please check if you’re travelling from a safe or a high-risk country on the website of the Dutch government. Countries that are not on the list of safe countries are considered high-risk areas. Keep in mind that the situation in a country can change quickly. Therefore, check the travel advice regularly.

Travelling from a safe area

You do not need to show a negative test result when you’re travelling to the Netherlands from a safe area. You are also not required to self-quarantine when you arrive in the Netherlands.

Travelling from a high-risk area

When you travel to the Netherlands after staying in a high-risk area, you need a negative test result. Please note: the Dutch government divides the high-risk areas into very high-risk areas and very high-risk areas with a variant of concern. From 1 July, travellers within the EU with a Digital COVID Certificate do not need a negative test result. Please check in TravelDoc which type of vaccine is authorized and the minimum time between the last injection and your arrival. Also check if your destination allows vaccines from the country in which you have been vaccinated.

Note: scanning the QR code is not yet possible at all airports. Please make sure to bring your vaccination certificate, negative test result or recovery certificate with you on paper.

Mandatory quarantine declaration

You are required to submit a quarantine declaration if you are travelling from a very high-risk country or a country with a concerning COVID-19 variant. Download the form, print it out and make sure it is completed before boarding.

Do you have a transfer in the Netherlands?

If you are travelling from a high-risk country, you don’t need to show a COVID-19 test result, but you are required to submit a quarantine declaration form. Please note: if you’re transferring to a different country, other rules may apply. Check the website of the Dutch government for more information.

Check KLM TravelDoc to see which measures apply to your trip

Access to the Netherlands

You may be requested to show the needed documents to airport staff or the designated (medical) authorities, such as the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. If you cannot show these documents, you may be denied entry into the Netherlands.

Mandatory information for your test result

Your COVID-19 test result should be in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Dutch. Make sure your COVID-19 test document includes the following:

Type of test: this must be a COVID-19 NAAT test for COVID-19.

Your test result: the test result must be negative.

Your first and last name, as stated in your passport.

Date and time the test was conducted: this must have been no more than 72 hours before arrival in The Netherlands.

Name and contact information of the institute or laboratory that conducted the test.

When is it not necessary to show a COVID-19 test result?

If the passenger is younger than 13 years.

If you come from one of the countries

listed as safe

See a full list of all exceptions on the

website of the Dutch authorities

Where can I find the nearest COVID-19 test centre?

Do you need a COVID-19 test before your trip? SkyTeam has developed an interactive map of approved testing centres around the world.

Check out my nearest test location

I am already vaccinated for COVID-19, do I still need to get tested?

Travellers within the EU with a proof of vaccination (for example Digital COVID Certificate) do not need a negative test result result and do not need to self-quarantine. Please check in TravelDoc which type of vaccine is authorized and the minimum time between the last injection and your arrival. Also check if your destination allows vaccines from the country in which you have been vaccinated.

Do I have to wear a face mask during my trip?

Onboard and at most airports, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you are required to wear a face mask. Even if you have been vaccinated against or have recently tested negative for COVID-19.

Without one, we cannot allow you to board. We strongly advise you to wear a face mask at the rest of the airport as well.

Requirements

Face masks must cover nose and mouth and can be surgical or non-surgical. Scarves, bandanas, or cowls are not allowed. A suitable face mask should fit snugly against the side of your face and cover the nose, mouth and chin and should consist of at least 2 layers of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton or linen. The mask should not have exhalation valves or vents.

If the face mask gets moist or dirty, you need to change to a new one. You must wear a new face mask every 3 hours. Make sure to bring enough masks with you to last the entire journey.

At some destinations, the local authorities have different requirements for face masks. If you are flying with KLM, you will receive an informative e-mail in the week before departure with the details about the measures at your destination.

Wearing a face mask

When putting on your mask, make sure to cover your nose, mouth and chin. Use the loops or ties to remove your mask and do not touch the mask itself. Wash your hands with water and soap or use disinfectant hand gel immediately. Make sure to also do this before eating, drinking and after making use of the toilet.

Exceptions

Passengers up to 10 years old don’t have to wear a face mask.

If you can’t wear a face mask because of medical reasons you need to have:

A signed and stamped medical certificate from your physician. You can download the certificate, print it and ask your physician to sign and stamp it. You need to bring this certificate with you on your trip.

A negative COVID-19 NAAT test result. The test has to be taken within 72 hours before departure and you must bring along a hard copy of this test result. If your return flight is within 72 hours of the first COVID-19 NAAT test, you don’t need to take a new test. One test is enough. If your return flight is after 72 hours, you do need to take another COVID-19 NAAT test at your destination.

Download the medical certificate

You will need to show the original paper copies of both documents during check-in, boarding and also on board. If you can’t provide both documents, we cannot allow you to board.

If you are medically exempted from wearing a face mask and you have the above-mentioned documents, please report this to one of our KLM agents at the airport.

Face masks at the airport

At some destinations, wearing masks is required in public areas, including the airport. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, passengers aged 13 and up are required to wear a mask everywhere. Make sure to check the health requirements of the airports you’re travelling to and from, and transferring in, and follow the instructions at the airport.

Eating and drinking

You can temporarily remove your mask while eating or drinking. Make sure to follow the instructions on how to remove and put on your mask. Store your mask in a clean space (e.g. in the original packaging or in a clean plastic bag). You’re not allowed to slide your mask under your chin or put it on your head.

I want to rebook or cancel my flight, what do I need to do?

If you’ve booked your ticket via KLM, you can change your flight via My Trip. We’re offering several rebook and cancellation possibilities, so we recommend you to first review the rebook and refund policies. That way, you know exactly what your options are.

Change your flight via My Trip

Bookings via a travel agency

Did you book your ticket via a travel agency? Please contact them first to request information about your refund options.

If your travel agent does not accept your request before your day of departure, please feel free to reach out to us. We’ll do our best to help you.

Contact the KLM Customer Contact Centre

Bookings via a partner airline

If you’ve purchased your ticket via one of our partner airlines, we strongly advise you to contact the concerning airline for detailed information about the rebook possibilities.

Find your answer by topic

Prepare yourself for your trip

Preparing for your trip is more important than ever. We’re here to guide you through your journey so you can travel with confidence.

Updates about travel routes

The countries that allow air travel are constantly changing. Check the latest updates about our travel routes and flights operated by partner airlines.

Travel requirements

Want to know if you need to get tested? Find the latest COVID-19 requirements and make sure you are ready for your next trip.

Refunds, rebooking and vouchers

Need to request a refund or travel voucher because of the coronavirus? Or want to rebook your flight? Check the most asked questions about this topic.

Rebooking and cancellation

If you need to change or cancel your travel plans because of the COVID-19, you have multiple options. It’s also possible that the airline has to cancel your trip.

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