Netherlands

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

The national terrorism threat level is substantial - level 4 of 5. This means there's a real chance of an attack.

• In March 2019, a shooting on a tram in Utrecht resulted in 3 deaths and 13 injuries. Police are treating the incident as terrorist related.
• In August 2018, a knife attack injured 2 tourists at Amsterdam Central Station.
• In September 2018, Dutch police arrested 7 men planning to carry out a major terrorist attack.

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 personal belongings, particularly on public transport and in busy tourist spots.

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

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

Drink spiking also happens.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

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

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 offer of money. 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 also 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

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

Monitor the news and plan your travel to avoid any possible or actual protests or rallies.

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 1000s 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 need counselling services while overseas, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305. Ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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 medicine for your trip.

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

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and care are similar to Australia. Medical costs are high.

Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with the Netherlands. This means you can get urgent or emergency treatment in the public hospital system with a valid Medicare card.

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. This may put you more at 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 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 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

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

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 embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Extra security at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport may lead to delays. Allow extra time to check in and clear customs, immigration and security:

• at least 2 hours for flights within Europe
• at least 3 hours for other international flights

Border control authorities may be wary of children travelling with only 1 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 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.

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.

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

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

Border crossings

Asylum seekers have placed significant pressure on border controls in Europe.

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.

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

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 right of way.
• You need a warning triangle and fluorescent jacket in your vehicle in case of 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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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

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