Netherlands

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

The national terrorism threat level was raised in December 2023 and remains at level 4 'substantial', meaning there's a realistic possibility of an attack. 

Tourist areas, public transport and transport hubs are possible targets. 

Previous incidents include:

• November 2020 - shots were fired outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in The Hague.
• November 2019 - police arrested two individuals allegedly planning a jihadist terrorist attack.
• March 2019 - a shooting on a tram in Utrecht resulted in 4 dead and 6 injured. Police treated the incident as terror-related.

Terrorist attacks happen across Europe. Targets may include:

• public transport
• transport hubs
• public places frequented by foreigners.

European security services have also stopped some planned attacks.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public areas
• report any suspicious activity to the police
• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities.

If there's an attack, leave the area immediately as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

Crimes such as theft, including passport theft, pickpocketing and bag snatching, are more common in summer in urban and tourist areas, particularly in Amsterdam. Thieves often work in pairs, with one distracting and the other stealing from you. ATMs around nightclubs, coffee shops and bars are frequent targets. There's been an increase in reports of theft whilst eating in restaurants, including hotel breakfast rooms.

Pickpockets also target passengers in transportation hubs such as central train stations and Amsterdam Schiphol airport, focusing on bag snatching and mobile devices.

Incidents of petty crime on trains along the Amsterdam—Brussels-Paris routes are frequent. 

To stay safe from crime:

Take care of your belongings, particularly on public transport and in busy tourist spots. When on public transport, ensure you always have visibility and possession of your personal belongings. 

Thieves sometimes pose as plain-clothed police officers. They may ask to check money and credit cards to look for counterfeits. They'll then rob you.

If plain-clothed police ask to check your money or credit cards, offer to walk them to the nearest police station to verify their identity and demands.

In the event of theft, contact the nearest police station and get a police report.

Drink Spiking

Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs and bars, often leading to sexual assault.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• don't leave drinks unattended
• don't accept drinks from strangers.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 
• The Australian Cyber Security Centre

Civil unrest is rare, and protests are generally peaceful. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. 

Avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Severe weather can affect your travel overseas. Monitor local media for updates.

If you're visiting an area recently affected by severe weather:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• confirm your plans with your tour operator or travel provider
• check the condition of roads, transport and facilities with local tour operators and hotels.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the Netherlands. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication
• Can I take medication into the Netherlands? | NetherlandsWorldwide

Health risks in the Netherlands are similar to those in Australia.

More information:

• Government of Netherlands website

Medical facilities and care standards are similar to that in Australia. Major hospitals are in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, and most Doctors and medical professionals speak English. Medical costs are high.

Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with the Netherlands, meaning you can access urgent or emergency treatment in the public hospital system with a valid Medicare card. You can apply for your A111 Certificate of Eligibility when you arrive in the Netherlands or before you travel.

The reciprocal health care agreement doesn't:

• cover treatment in private hospitals or as a private patient in a public hospital
• cover treatment if you travel to the Netherlands specifically to get medical treatment
• replace the need for travel insurance.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

The minimum age for buying alcohol and tobacco is 18 years.

You can only buy or use marijuana (cannabis) in designated shops if you're a resident of the Netherlands and 18 years or older.

You could face criminal penalties, including fines and jail, if:

• you buy or use cannabis outside of designated places
• you buy or use cannabis in a designated place, but you're not a resident of the Netherlands
• you possess or sell illegal drugs or narcotics, including psychoactive 'magic mushrooms'.

Taking drugs will weaken your decision-making ability, putting you at greater risk of violence, robbery or sexual assault.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Partying safely

Under Dutch law, everyone over 14 years old must carry an ID. You could show either:

• a valid passport
• a driver's licence
• an identity card or
• a Dutch residency card
• Dutch police officers and other authorities can request to see these documents at any time. They may fine you if you can't show your ID.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Netherlands recognises dual citizens. 

More information:

• dual nationals

Visas

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, along with many other European countries, meaning you can enter the Netherlands without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa before you travel.

Always carry your passport when crossing borders, in the Schengen area, even by road or rail.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. 

From 9 December, the Netherlands will introduce temporary border checks along its land borders with Belgium and Germany for 6 months.

More information:

• Visa for the Netherlands | NetherlandsWorldwide
• Travelling to the Netherlands | Government.nl
• Travel | NetherlandsWorldwide

Travelling with Children

Border control authorities may be wary of children travelling with only one parent or guardian. Non-travelling parents can complete a 'Permission to Travel' form to make this easier.

More information:

• Travelling with children

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Netherlands for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• in Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• if you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The currency of the Netherlands is the Euro.

The Netherlands is a member of the European Union (EU). If you travel between the Netherlands and any non-EU country, you must declare over 10,000 euros (or equivalent) cash. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You'll need to pay a fine if you don't declare or give the wrong information on entry or exit.

You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling to or from another EU country. 

More information:

• Government of the Netherlands

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen Area. Stay informed about border conditions by checking local news and asking transport providers.

Driving permit

For short visits, you'll need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in the Netherlands.

After 185 days, you'll need to apply for a Dutch licence.

Car rental companies may require both documents.

Digital driver's licences may not be accepted.

Driving without an IDP where one is required can void your travel and vehicle insurance.

You must be at least 21 to hire a car in the Netherlands.

More information:

• Driving with a foreign driving licence | RDW

Road travel

Road conditions are similar to those in Australia, but some basic rules differ. Drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. This is the 'priority to the right' system.

Give way to traffic and cyclists approaching from the right unless otherwise indicated.

Trams, cyclists and mopeds have the right of way.

Get to know the local road rules before you drive or ride a vehicle.

Pedestrians and bicycles

• bicycles are common
• many roads have bicycle pathways, usually coloured red, between the pedestrian footpath and the roadway, as well as bicycle traffic lights
• don't walk on these pathways. Cyclists travel fast and have the right of way
• accidents and injuries resulting from collisions between cyclists and pedestrians are common.

Mopeds

• Mopeds with a maximum speed of 45kph must be driven in the street, not on bicycle pathways or dedicated bike lanes.
• Both a driver's licence and moped insurance are required.

E-Scooters are illegal.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Ensure your travel insurance covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use licenced, official metered taxis. Licenced taxis have a blue number plate.

Unlicenced taxis are a problem in larger cities, particularly in Amsterdam.

Rideshare options are legal and readily available.

Public Transport

The Netherlands has a well-developed rail transport system between cities and a large tram and bus network in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague.

Pickpockets operate on intercity and international trains.

Pay close attention to your passport and other valuables when on trains, especially when taking international services to Belgium and France.

Check Home | NS for timetable, routes, and any service disruptions.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the Netherlands' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

For non-urgent criminal issues, contact the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

You can get consular help from the Australian Embassy in The Hague.

Australian Embassy, The Hague

Carnegielaan 4
2517 KH The Hague
Netherlands

Phone: (+31 70) 310 8200
Website: netherlands.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in the Netherlands
X: AusAmbNL
Instagram: AusEmbNL

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia.