KLM requires SA passengers to undergo antigen testing at airports

Passengers travelling with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are advised to arrive at the airport several hours before their flight departure to undergo COVID-19 antigen testing.

The government of the Netherlands has updated entry requirements for foreign nationals travelling to the country in an effort to mitigate infections being transmitted via imported cases.

As of 23 December 2020, all travellers to the Netherlands were required to present negative COVID-19 PCR test results on arrival and to undergo self-isolation for 10 days. This is still in place.

IMPACT OF NEW COVID-19 VARIANTS

Following the discovery of the new strains of the COVID-19 virus, the Dutch government has implemented enhanced screening measures for travellers coming to the Netherlands from South Africa, the United Kingdom and Ireland.  

The Netherlands recently updated its entry requirements to protect its own residents from the more infectious strains of the Coronavirus. Effective 15 January, visitors from South Africa, the UK and Ireland must also produce negative COVID-19 antigen test results on arrival in the Netherlands.

NEGATIVE RAPID ANTIGEN TEST REQUIRED AT DEPARTURE

The antigen test is an additional screening measure for anyone wanting to fly to Holland from South Africa. Image: Adobe Stock

The additional safety measure for nationals from the three high-risk countries requires these passengers to take a rapid (antigen) test at the airport of departure.

Testing may take up to an hour to complete, and so KLM advises passengers to allow for an extra hour at the airport in order to take this test.

KLM FLIGHTS FROM JOHANNESBURG

KLM is flying four times a week from Johannesburg. Flights operate on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. In Johannesburg, the airline requires passengers to complete the rapid antigen test at the OR Tambo International Airport testing facility.

The testing facility is located on the departures level in Terminal B, near check-in counters B1 to B13. The testing station is open from 12:00 to 15:30. KLM advises passengers to arrive early to ensure sufficient time to complete the testing before their flight.

KLM FLIGHTS FROM CAPE TOWN

KLM operates four flights a week from Cape Town. Flights operate on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday. The airline requires passengers flying through this airport to complete a rapid antigen test at the airport clinic.

The clinic is located on the ground floor at International Arrivals, and is open from 11:00 to 14:00. KLM suggests passengers arrive early to allow sufficient time to complete the testing before their flights.  

REQUIREMENTS TO TRAVEL TO THE NETHERLANDS

Passengers from South Africa require the following when travelling to or via the Netherlands:

• A negative rapid test (antigen test) taken at the airport of departure;
• A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure;
• A signed and printed declaration form;
• Passengers are also advised to go into quarantine for 10 days after arrival in the Netherlands and only to travel if essential.

Passengers who fail to take the antigen test will not be allowed to board their flights. The cost of the rapid antigen test is for the passenger’s account.