COVID-19 info
Last updated: October 7
IDFA puts health and safety first. In order to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and hold a physical edition of the festival, we will stringently adjust to the present situation in a way that enables audiences and professionals to safely experience IDFA 2021. As the festival approaches, check this page for details of all the measures and protocols we will take to ensure the wellbeing of our visitors, guests, and staff.
What international guests can expect during the festival
- Everyone who is vaccinated can travel to the Netherlands.
- Entry to all IDFA locations is only possible if you are vaccinated or if you have a negative test result.
- Proof of vaccination will be checked via the Dutch CoronaCheck app, an EU-approved digital QR code, or otherwise valid vaccination certificate.
- Guests who are unvaccinated, or who cannot provide one of the above certifications, will need to provide a negative test result from the past 24 hours. Administered tests will be speed tests and free of charge, and testing facilities will be in close proximity to festival locations.
- All restaurants, bars, and cafes require proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Because of the QR-code system currently in place in the Netherlands, this means all non-EU guests will need a daily speed test to get the right QR code for access into restaurants and bars (even if you are vaccinated with an approved vaccine).
- Hotels do not require proof of vaccination or a negative test result. However, one of these is required to enter bars and restaurants at a hotel.
Rules in the Netherlands
Basic rules for everyone in the Netherlands
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- If you have symptoms, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible.
- Ensure a good flow of fresh air.
- Wearing a (non-medical) face mask is necessary on public transport.
More information can be found on the government’s official webpage about tackling the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Symptoms & testing
If you develop symptoms while being in the Netherlands there are two things to do: stay home/in your accommodation and get tested for free. If you feel better and have not had any symptoms for 24 hours, you can go out again.
The main symptoms that often occur with COVID-19 and should be a trigger to get tested are:
- cold-like symptoms (such as a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat)
- coughing
- shortness of breath or pneumonia
- fever above 38 degrees Celsius
- sudden loss of smell or taste
An appointment to get tested can be made by calling the toll-free number 0800-1202 (or +31 850 659 063 if you're calling from a foreign phone). Getting tested is handled by the municipal health services (GGD) and is free of charge. They will explain the process, give you a date, time slot, and location to get tested. Afterwards you will be called back as soon as possible with the result, usually within 48h.
If the test result is positive, you will have to self-quarantine for at least 10 days and someone from the GGD will contact you for contact tracing.
Traveling to and from the Netherlands
We want to emphasize that we expect you to check yourself whether any travel restrictions are in place, either by your own government or by the Dutch government. That being said, the Netherlands has largely lifted COVID-19 restrictions for travelers who are vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine or a vaccine on the WHO Emergency Use Listing. You can check which travel restrictions (for example, a PCR test or a health declaration) may apply to you here.
There is no official list that names all countries where there are travel restrictions for people arriving from the Netherlands. The most comprehensive info we have on hand is via the IATA website, however, please make sure you are aware what regulations are in effect when coming from the Netherlands back to your home country.
A lot of countries currently require a negative PCR test result to enter, which can be arranged for approximately €80 at testing locations throughout the city. If you are guest invited by IDFA who requires a PCR test to return to your home country, the festival will arrange it for you.
Useful links
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - information about the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Netherlands: https://www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19
- Government of the Netherlands - Information about measures, testing and traveling: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/tackling-new-coronavirus-in-the-netherlands
- IATA overview of corona related travel restrictions worldwide: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm
