Travel advice and advisories for Netherlands

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Risk level

Netherlands – Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in the Netherlands.

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Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping centres, markets and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Dutch government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media.

Current terrorism threat levels – Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs, particularly in larger cities.

Thieves often target tourists. In Amsterdam, they are typically active:

• in restaurants and cafés
• in establishments that sell soft drugs, locally referred to as coffee shops
• at tourist attractions, including around the De Wallen District, also known as the red-light district
• at the Central Station
• on public transportation, particularly tram routes 1, 2, and 5, between Central Station and the museum district

Organized groups of pickpockets often use distracting techniques. Typically, a member of the group will distract someone by spilling something on them or by asking for directions, while others rob the victim.

Individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers have also approached foreigners to verify their documents or foreign currency with the intent to rob them. In a similar situation, politely decline to cooperate or offer to go to the nearest police station.

Thieves also operate on trains. They time their activities to coincide with train stops, which allows for a quick exit. Always be alert and particularly cautious on trains.

Travellers have had their passports and other valuable documents stolen in hostels.

• Ensure that personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Do not carry valuables or large sums of money
• Never leave baggage or personal belongings unattended

Home burglaries occur, particularly in larger cities during the winter holiday period. Perpetrators monitor a property and break in when they know the residents are away.

Violent crime also occurs, including armed robbery. If you are the victim of such an incident, don’t resist. Attackers have sometimes assaulted their victims for failing to comply or not complying quickly enough.

Loss or theft of ID documents

In case of the loss or theft of an identification document:

• immediately report the incident to the nearest police station
• obtain a copy of the police report and keep it with you at all times
• apply for a replacement document as soon as possible

To file a police report, authorities in certain jurisdictions may require your passport or at least a copy. Before you go, make sure to bring a photocopy or a digital copy of your passport.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place frequently, particularly in major cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Roads conditions and road safety are excellent throughout the country.

Be cautious when driving and keep the following in mind:

• cyclists have priority over other traffic
• trams have priority except where signposted at major junctions
• buses have priority when pulling out of bus stops
• unless otherwise signposted, vehicles coming from the right have priority

Whether you’re driving or on foot, pay attention to cyclists and when crossing bike paths. While on foot, make sure you’re not inadvertently walking on a bike path. These commonly run alongside sidewalks and are not always clearly marked.

Trams sometimes share pedestrian streets. Always be alert when walking near tram rails.

Pedestrians must follow the traffic lights at intersections. Even if it was safe to do so, you could be fined if you cross a road without waiting for the green light.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Dutch authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

The Netherlands is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Schengen area
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Natural disasters and climate

Flooding is a threat to coastal lands protected from the sea by dikes.

Along with flooding, strong winds can occur, particularly during the winter months. If severe wind storms are expected, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute will issue national or regional warnings.

Latest warnings – Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (in Dutch)

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