klm travel documents required

Travelling and COVID-19

Curious about which COVID-19 measures are still in place? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve listed all information you need for a safe and pleasant trip.

Prepare your trip

Travel requirements

Read all about testing, vaccination, health declarations, and entry requirements.

Health safety measures

Read all about our (hygiene) measures, mouth masks, and what you can expect onboard.

Rebooking and cancellation

Need to change or cancel your travel plans because of COVID-19? We’ve gathered the most asked questions and answered them for you.

Travel to and from the USA

When you travel to, via, or from the United States, you might need extra documents or add more information. Here’s all you need to know and arrange.

The Visa Waiver Programme allows citizens of specific countries to travel visa-free to the United States. Instead of a visa, you will have to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).

Check which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Programme

Requesting ESTA

If you need an ESTA, you can choose to let our partner Sherpa take care of everything for you at a fee. Or you can organise it yourself via the US Customs and Border Protection website.

Make sure to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. After this, there may not be enough time to process your application.

When applying for an ESTA, please enter the information exactly as stated in your passport. If you have a new passport or your previous ESTA has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new ESTA. After approval, you’ll receive a reference number. ESTA authorisation remains valid for 2 years.

Mobile Passport Control app

If you are an American or Canadian citizen, or a returning ESTA holder, you can expedite your passage through US customs using the free and secure Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. By successfully utilizing this app, there is no longer a requirement for filling out paper forms or use an APC kiosk, making your process faster and more efficient.

Arrange visa

If you need to arrange a visa, our partner Sherpa can take care of your application at a fee. Or you can organise it yourself via the applicable authorities. To check in online via KLM.com, your travel documents (visa or otherwise) must be complete.

Secure Flight programme

The Secure Flight programme of the United States government requires airlines to register some personal data when you book your flight. This includes your gender, date of birth, and your first and family name exactly as stated in your passport. We are required to pass this information of all our passengers to the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at least 72 hours before departure.

TSA PreCheck

Travelling from or within the USA? You can participate in the PreCheck programme of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You’ll still have to undergo a quick security check but don’t need to remove your electronic devices, liquids, shoes, belt, and light jackets.

When you’re accepted to the programme, make sure to add your TSA Known Traveller Number via My Trip. The TSA PreCheck logo or the text “TSA PRE” will appear on your boarding pass.

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to fly to the us.

To travel to the US, you need a valid passport plus a visa or an ESTA. Through our partner Sherpa, we are happy to help you with that.

Read more about

Restricted items checked bags.

Rules for packing items in your checked baggage.

Travel requirements

Getting ready for your next trip? The requirements for travelling may differ for each destination. To help you travel with peace of mind, we’ll give you an overview.

Check requirements

Want to make sure you have every document you need to board? With KLM’s TravelDoc tool, you can easily check the requirements for your trip. Make sure to check it shortly before departure, as they can change quickly.

Rules and regulations

Covid-19 tests, do i need to get tested on covid-19 before my flight.

We advise checking the embassy website of the country you’re visiting. Next to that, you can check our TravelDoc tool to see what you need to prepare for your trip.

Go to KLM’s TravelDoc

Are you travelling to, from, or via the Netherlands?

Check the website of the Dutch government for up-to-date information.

Visit the website of the Dutch government

When arriving in the Netherlands, you may be asked 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.

I am already vaccinated for COVID-19. Do I still need to get tested?

Please check TravelDoc to see what applies to your trip. Be sure to check which type of vaccine is accepted and what the minimum time is between the date of your last injection and your date of arrival. In addition, 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.

Where can I find a testing centre?

If you need a negative COVID-19 test result before departure, please check the below-mentioned websites for test locations all around the world. Or scroll down this page and select your country.

View KLM Health Services for test locations in the Netherlands

View global rapid and PCR test locations on the website of the Dutch authorities

What type of COVID-19 test do I need for travel?

The type of COVID-19 test required varies by destination. Visit TravelDoc to find out which test you will need to take before you can travel.

When do I need to get tested to travel?

The validity period for COVID-19 tests is short: usually a few days before departure or arrival depending on the country. Visit TravelDoc to find out when to get tested before you can travel.

Does my child need a COVID-19 test to travel?

Testing requirements for children depend on the destination country. Please consult TravelDoc to find out if your child needs to be tested for your trip.

I’ve received my test results. What document do I need to show at the airport?

Some countries require a test certificate in digital or printed format, which may include a QR code. This certificate may be different from the result sent by your lab. Visit TravelDoc to verify which document to show at the airport.

Because of a delayed flight, my COVID-19 tests are no longer valid. What should I do now?

Please check TravelDoc for more information, as the requirements differ per country.

Additional travel requirements

I have been vaccinated against covid-19. do i still need quarantine upon arrival.

Different measures apply to each country. Please check TravelDoc to see which type of vaccine is accepted and what the minimum time is between the date of your last injection and your date of arrival. In addition, check if your destination allows vaccines from the country in which you have been vaccinated.

Travelling (back) to the Netherlands? You can also check the website of the Dutch government.

Do I need to submit a quarantine declaration when travelling to, from, or via the Netherlands?

Currently, there are no countries with a new virus variant of concern. Self-quarantining is no longer required, and you do not have to fill in a declaration. If you are travelling back from a country where a new virus variant of concern is emerging, you will be required to self-quarantine upon your return. Do the travel check if you want more information about travelling (back) during corona.

Do the travel check

Need to transfer to another flight? Watch our video and find out what to do to smoothly continue your journey.

Transferring at another airport

Worldwide test locations.

Do you need a negative (rapid) test result for travel? Please select the country of your departure below to find a test location near you. Are you looking for a test location in another country? Select another country from the list.

Angola Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bahrain Belarus Belgium Belize Bonaire Brazil Bulgaria Canada Chile China Colombia Congo Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Hong Kong, China Hungary India Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kazakhstan Kenya Korea Kuwait Latvia Liberia Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Namibia Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Taiwan, China Tanzania Thailand Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Zambia Zimbabwe

Travel documents

Getting ready to travel? Make sure to bring the right travel documents for a smooth start of your trip. You’ll find detailed information for your destination in our travel documents tool.

Passport and visa

Check if you need a passport, visa, or other travel documents for your destination.

Looking for detailed information about which travel documents you need for your trip? Check our travel documents tool.

Travel documents for kids

You might need some additional travel documents for your children.

Travel to and from the USA

When you travel to, via, or from the United States, you might need extra documents or add more information.

Travel to and from Canada

When you travel to, via, or from Canada, you will probably need a visa or eTA.

Travel to and from the UK

When you travel to, via, or from the UK, you’ll probably need a visa or ETA.

Read all about testing, vaccination, health declarations, and entry requirements.

Travel documents for kids

When travelling with your children, most likely you need to bring some additional travel documents. Make sure to check what applies to your family.

Which documents

Which travel documents you need to bring for your kids, depends on a couple of factors:

• your country of departure, transfer, and destination;
• your nationality;
• your country of residence.

We advise checking the embassy website of the country you’re visiting. For detailed information suitable for your trip, check our travel documents tool.

Passport or ID card

Children of European Union citizens travelling from, to or via EU countries need to carry their own passport or ID card. Having their names entered in their parent’s passports is no longer permitted. This restriction does not apply to document holders of the United Kingdom or Ireland.

Consent form for minors

Is your child travelling alone, with only 1 parent or guardian, or with an adult that does not have parental authority? Before going through security control, you’ll have to complete a consent form.

Birth certificate

Does your child have a different last name than you? Please bring the family booklet or birth certificate to prove your connection.

Extra documents for specific destinations

You might need to bring various additional documents for your child for specific destinations. You’ll find detailed information about all destinations in our travel documents tool.

All children younger than 18 years and travelling to Barbados without a parent or legal guardian need to bring a letter of authorisation from their parent or legal guardian. This letter should specify who will pick them up at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. It is a mandatory addition to the forms required for the Unaccompanied Minor service.

When travelling alone, their parent or legal guardian need to submit a request to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) via [email protected] .

Read more about the documents needed for Barbados

For travel to and from Brazil, all children born in Brazil need to bring several documents, regardless of whether they travel with both parents, 1 parent, an accompanying adult, or alone.

Read more about the documents needed for Brazil

South Africa

For travel to and from South Africa, some children require special documentation: children with the South African nationality and children of any nationality travelling as unaccompanied minors.

Read more about the documents needed for South Africa

Read more about

Travelling with kids.

Get a glimpse of what your kids can expect during their flight.

Ticket options for kids

Travelling with your child? Find out which ticket option is available for your little one, depending on their age.

Children travelling alone

You need the Unaccompanied Minor service for children between 5 and 14 years old who are travelling alone.

Travel requirements

Getting ready for your next trip? The requirements for travelling may differ for each destination. To help you travel with peace of mind, we’ll give you an overview.

Check requirements

Want to make sure you have every document you need to board? With KLM’s TravelDoc tool, you can easily check the requirements for your trip. Make sure to check it shortly before departure, as they can change quickly.

COVID-19 tests

Do i need to get tested on covid-19 before my flight.

We advise checking the embassy website of the country you’re visiting. Next to that, you can check our TravelDoc tool to see what you need to prepare for your trip.

Go to KLM’s TravelDoc

Are you travelling to, from, or via the Netherlands?

Check the website of the Dutch government for up-to-date information.

Visit the website of the Dutch government

When arriving in the Netherlands, you may be asked 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.

I am already vaccinated for COVID-19. Do I still need to get tested?

Please check TravelDoc to see what applies to your trip. Be sure to check which type of vaccine is accepted and what the minimum time is between the date of your last injection and your date of arrival. In addition, 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.

Where can I find a testing centre?

If you need a negative COVID-19 test result before departure, please check the below-mentioned websites for test locations all around the world. Or scroll down this page and select your country.

View KLM Health Services for test locations in the Netherlands

View global rapid and PCR test locations on the website of the Dutch authorities

What type of COVID-19 test do I need for travel?

The type of COVID-19 test required varies by destination. Visit TravelDoc to find out which test you will need to take before you can travel.

When do I need to get tested to travel?

The validity period for COVID-19 tests is short: usually a few days before departure or arrival depending on the country. Visit TravelDoc to find out when to get tested before you can travel.

Does my child need a COVID-19 test to travel?

Testing requirements for children depend on the destination country. Please consult TravelDoc to find out if your child needs to be tested for your trip.

I’ve received my test results. What document do I need to show at the airport?

Some countries require a test certificate in digital or printed format, which may include a QR code. This certificate may be different from the result sent by your lab. Visit TravelDoc to verify which document to show at the airport.

Because of a delayed flight, my COVID-19 tests are no longer valid. What should I do now?

Please check TravelDoc for more information, as the requirements differ per country.

Additional travel requirements

I have been vaccinated against covid-19. do i still need quarantine upon arrival.

Different measures apply to each country. Please check TravelDoc to see which type of vaccine is accepted and what the minimum time is between the date of your last injection and your date of arrival. In addition, check if your destination allows vaccines from the country in which you have been vaccinated.

Travelling (back) to the Netherlands? You can also check the website of the Dutch government.

Do I need to submit a quarantine declaration when travelling to, from, or via the Netherlands?

Currently, there are no countries with a new virus variant of concern. Self-quarantining is no longer required, and you do not have to fill in a declaration. If you are travelling back from a country where a new virus variant of concern is emerging, you will be required to self-quarantine upon your return. Do the travel check if you want more information about travelling (back) during corona.

Do the travel check

Need to transfer to another flight? Watch our video and find out what to do to smoothly continue your journey.

Worldwide test locations

Do you need a negative (rapid) test result for travel? Please select the country of your departure below to find a test location near you. Are you looking for a test location in another country? Select another country from the list.

Angola Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bahrain Belarus Belgium Belize Bonaire Brazil Bulgaria Canada Chile China Colombia Congo Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Hong Kong, China Hungary India Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kazakhstan Kenya Korea Kuwait Latvia Liberia Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Namibia Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Taiwan, China Tanzania Thailand Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Zambia Zimbabwe