The Netherlands Travel Advice

Threat level: Low

The Netherlands COVID-19 Update

Due to a resurgence of coronavirus in the Netherlands, the country was in lockdown between the 15th of December and the 15th of March but the country has started lifting lockdown restrictions in stages: primary and secondary schools have partially reopened and hairdressers and retailers have been allowed to operate on appointment. However, a night curfew is still in effect between 21:00 and 04:30, hospitality venues remain shut, except for takeaways, only one visitor is allowed to visit another household and outdoor social gatherings are limited to two people from different households.

For entry to the Netherlands, the country has established a colour-coded system for international travellers that classifies their country of arrival either as 'high-risk' in orange and 'lower-risk' countries in yellow. According to this system, travellers who come from high-risk countries must self-isolate for 10 days upon their arrival in the Netherlands. Further to this, travellers must complete a health screening form that will be checked during their journey.

Furthermore, the use of non-medical face masks on public transport is compulsory and people must keep 1.5 metres apart.

To avoid contracting the disease, wear a facemask in public, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary gatherings and travel.

The current travel advice for the Netherlands is to be cautious, due to the ongoing risk throughout Europe from extremist terrorism. It is a relatively safe country and has a large tourist industry. Most security risks are in the capital Amsterdam, but threats are mostly petty crimes. Opportunist thieves are the most common and can enter public places, restaurants and markets in attempts to pickpocket unsuspecting tourists.

For specific security threat information with regards to Amsterdam, see our: Amsterdam Travel Advice.

Young females and individuals who are travelling solo should be aware of the possibility of having their drinks spiked in Amsterdam’s clubs or bars. Take basic precautions to avoid this, don’t leave your drink unattended and be wary of accepting drinks from strangers. If you believe you have been the victim of a spiked drink, seek medical help immediately and, if possible, inform the police. It is best to stay in small groups with people you trust, as this reduces the risk of someone spiking your drink.

On the 18th of March 2019, a man opened fire in a tram in Utrecht and then fled the scene. The suspect was arrested later the same day by the police after a manhunt that lasted a few hours. Three people died and five were injured in the attack.

On the 31st of August 2018, a knife attack occurred at Amsterdam Central Station, in which two foreign tourists were severely injured.

Pickpockets often operate in teams on the trains and trams to and from Schiphol airport and Central Station also, especially tram routes 1, 2 and 5, between Central Station and the museum district. Be cautious around all public transport hubs and don’t lose sight of your luggage or other valuables. Sleeping passengers make particularly easy targets for pickpockets, so avoid sleeping if you are travelling by yourself.

A number of tourist deaths occur each year due to drowning in the canals of Amsterdam. Reports suggest that most of these happen as a result of intoxication from heavy drinking and/or smoking cannabis.

Please be more cautious during the evenings as there is a higher risk of incident, especially in the de Wallen district (red light district) with its many interlinking alleys and small roads, of which in busy periods can become congested. Small groups of criminals do operate together, with spotters located sometimes at interlinking pathways.

The travel advice for the Netherlands in regards to drugs is that, although there is decriminalisation of some substances in the country, please be aware that the strength may indeed be different and or substituted with harmful substances from various parts of the world, and as such, caution is advised.

The Netherlands is among the world's leading aid donors and is a member of the United Nations and World Trade Organisation. The country has good diplomatic relationships with the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.

When travelling by car in the Netherlands, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.

You can drive in the Netherlands with a UK driving licence and many other EU licences. Road conditions are good for the most part and there is an overall high standard of driving. You should pay particular attentions to trams, as they are common in many parts of the Netherlands and always have right of way. Also there are many bikes (which have right of way also) upon the roads and pathways, which can often interlink.

During times of heightened security alerts, you may need to allow extra time at the airport. In addition to this, the country can experience slight delays within its train links.

Police emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 112
Medical emergency: 112

Official languages: Dutch
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro
Time now in Amsterdam:

U.S. Embassy Amsterdam
Lange Voorhout 102,
2514 EJ Den Haag,
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 70 310 2209
Email: uscitizenservicesams@state.gov

British Embassy Amsterdam
Koningslaan 44
1075 AE Amsterdam,
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 20 676 4343
Email: ukinnl@fco.gov.uk

Visitors from certain countries are exempt from needing a visa to visit the Netherlands, such as United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Great Britain. If you require a visa for your visit to the Netherlands, you need to apply for one at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in the Netherlands whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

It is advised that visitors to the Netherlands are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Some drugs that are legal to buy in The Netherlands are often substituted with low quality bi-product that can be extremely harmful to your system. It is advised to avoid the use of drugs altogether.