After its toughest lockdown ever only two months ago, the Netherlands is set to lift nearly all its restrictions against COVID-19 by February 25.
The Dutch Health Ministry said it was possible due to a rapid fall in hospitalisations and new cases.
However, visitors entering the country will need to show proof of vaccination, a recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative COVID test.
Bars, restaurants and nightclubs will go back to pre-pandemic opening hours and social distancing and face masks will no longer be obligatory in most places.
The Dutch government’s relaxation of its tight regulations, caused by a surge in Omicron cases in November and December, has been gradual.
Health Minister Ernst Kuipers told a news conference on Tuesday that retail outlets would now close at normal times, and that social distancing would end.
“Masks are obligatory only on public transport and in the airport. Keeping your distance and wearing a mask remain sensible, but there is no obligation,” he said.
Kuipers warned that the pandemic was not over and that the vulnerable still had to take care.
The Netherlands suffered two spates of rioting in 2021 over coronavirus restrictions.