Update: In-Person Hearings at the Peace Palace

The PCA’s hearing space at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, remains available for hearings and meetings in PCA proceedings, subject to compliance with a dedicated sanitary protocol. In the context of hearings or meetings, the PCA is able to facilitate the entry of participants into the Netherlands. In addition, the PCA continues to support hearings and meetings held by videoconference and is committed to working with parties and tribunals to identify the most appropriate solution for each case.

In accordance with a coordinated European Union approach, the Netherlands has imposed an entry ban for most categories of travellers from outside the European Union or the Schengen area (with the exception of certain countries designated as safe countries). Such travellers are permitted to enter the Netherlands only if they qualify under one of a limited number of exceptions. In respect of PCA hearings and meetings, the PCA may invoke an exception for “persons invited by … an International Organisation … if they are traveling in an official capacity.” Persons invited by the PCA are exempted from the entry ban upon certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands at the PCA’s request.

As a general rule, the Netherlands also imposes self-quarantine requirements for travellers arriving from countries other than those designated as safe countries. Persons invited by the PCA are exempt from such quarantine requirements for the purpose of attending PCA hearings or meetings.

Entrants into the Netherlands remain subject to COVID-19 testing requirements. At this point, travellers from high-risk or very high-risk areas must provide proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19 based on a negative NAAT (PCR) test result collected no more than 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands. Travellers from extremely high-risk areas are required to present, in addition, an official negative rapid test based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before arrival in the Netherlands. Other General Health Guidelines also continue to apply.

Independent of COVID-related travel restrictions, the PCA is able to assist persons travelling in the context of PCA hearings and meetings with visa requirements in accordance with its Headquarters Agreement.

In addition to setting up hearings at the Peace Palace and other venues, the PCA has broad experience with organizing and facilitating hearings and meetings held by videoconference. The PCA will continue to support such remote hearings and meetings as an alternative to in-person gatherings and remains committed to working with parties and tribunals to identify the most appropriate solution for each case.