WILLEMSTAD - On December 28, there was a very confusing situation at KLM in Curaçao. The situation was about showing a negative PCR test for departing passengers.
Earlier on that day, KLM regional manager Cees Ursum reported that departing passengers must be able to show a statement of a negative PCR test upon departure. The Netherlands would demand this statement upon arrival at Schiphol.
It now appears that this is only the case for flights that depart on Tuesday and arrive on Wednesday.
A correction has been posted on the website of Foreign Affairs. It now reads:
Would you like to enter the Netherlands from Curaçao? Then from Tuesday 29 December 2020 at 00:00 you must show a negative PCR-COVID-19 test result upon arrival in the Netherlands by plane, international train or bus connection or ship. This is one of the Dutch measures to prevent the import and spread of the corona virus. If you return to the Netherlands from Curaçao, you will go into home quarantine for ten days.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
At the last moment it was decided to let the passengers of the KLM flight fly to the Netherlands yesterday without the mandatory PCR test.
There were reports on social media that many people would be stranded at the airport because they were unable to have the test carried out around Christmas. But starting today the test will be mandatory.
"Undoubtedly people will have rebooked because they weren't prepared to take the test," said Ursem. KLM does not provide further information about where tests can be carried out. But, says Ursem, this is possible at various hotels and private laboratories.