Netherlands

There's a threat of terrorist attacks in several European countries, including the Netherlands. Targets could include major sporting events and mass gatherings.

The national terrorism threat level is significant - level 3 of 5. This means an attack is possible. 

Previous incidents include:

• shots were fired outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in The Hague in November 2020.
• police arrested 2 individuals allegedly planning a jihadist terrorist attack in November 2019.
• a shooting on a tram in Utrecht resulted in 3 deaths and 13 injuries in March 2019. 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.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Petty crime

Robbery, pickpocketing and bag snatching are common.

Pickpocketing happens in Amsterdam, especially:

• around tourist attractions
• in restaurants and hotels
• on public transport
• at transport hubs

Bag snatching also happens on trains and trams, including at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Mobile devices are often targeted.

Thieves often work in pairs, with one distracting you and the other stealing from you. ATMs around nightclubs and bars are frequent targets.

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 with them to the nearest police station to verify their identity and demands.

Drink spiking also happens.

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

Scams and fraud

'Advance fee fraud' and lottery scams happen. Australians have lost large amounts of money in these scams.

In the 'advance fee fraud' scam, you receive an email about an inheritance or another money offer. This email usually comes from a country in Africa. The scammer asks you for an advance payment for 'official expenses'. You're invited to visit the Netherlands to finalise the transaction, but you won't get any money. When you return to Australia, sham lawyers may offer to 'help' get your lost money back.

In the lottery scam, scammers contact you to say you're the winner of a fake foreign lottery. They request you to pay administration costs to receive the lottery winnings.

To avoid being a victim of a scam:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money until you've thoroughly checked who you're sending it to
• if you suspect a scam, get legal advice

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations and large public gatherings may occur and sometimes turn violent. Monitor the news and plan your travel to avoid any possible or actual protests.

If you're in an area where there's unrest, follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Severe weather can affect your travel overseas. Get up-to-date information from local media.

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

• confirm your plans and activities 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 many 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)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is 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

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in the Netherlands.

More information

• Government of Netherlands website
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and care standards are similar to that in Australia. Major hospitals are in Amsterdam and The Hague. Medical costs are high.

Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with the Netherlands, meaning you can get 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.

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 aged over 14 years 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

Netherlands recognises dual citizens. 

More information:

• dual nationals

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, along with many other European countries.

You can enter the Netherlands without a visa in some cases.

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. 

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport has strict security measures in place. Allow at least 2 hours for flights within Europe. Allow 3 hours for other international flights. Transit via Schiphol Airport is possible if you hold a valid travel ticket for onward travel. 

More information:

• Government of the Netherlands website 

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

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six 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 six 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:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The currency of the Netherlands is the Euro.

Declare amounts equivalent to 10,000 euros or more if you're travelling between the Netherlands and any non-European Union (EU) country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You may be fined if you don't or give wrong information at a border.

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

More information

• Government of the Netherlands

Border crossings

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

You can drive in the Netherlands if you meet these criteria:

• aged 18 years or older
• have a current Australian driver's licence

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

Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to hire a vehicle. Organise your IDP before you leave Australia. You may need it to get insurance from a car rental company.

Road travel

Road conditions are similar to those in Australia, but some basic rules differ.

• you must give way to traffic and cyclists approaching from the right unless otherwise indicated.
• trams, cyclists and mopeds have the right of way.
• you need a warning triangle and fluorescent jacket in your vehicle in case of a breakdown.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

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
Fax: (+31 70) 310 8250
Website: netherlands.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in the Netherlands

Twitter: 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