Netherlands

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

The national terrorism threat level remains at level 4 'substantial', meaning there's a realistic possibility of an attack. 

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

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 a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Petty crime can occur, including phone snatching, pickpocketing and theft from unattended bags and vehicles. Bags and personal items, including passports, can be stolen on public transport and in urban and tourist areas.

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, at night, in restaurants, hotels and busy tourist spots. Ensure you always have visibility and possession of your personal belongings.
• If approached by people claiming to be plain-clothed police asking 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.

More information:

• Theft and robbery

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

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:

• Protests 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.

Doctors are less likely to prescribe antibiotics and other medications compared to what you may be accustomed to. Cold and flu tablets are not available. 

For specific information on bringing medication into the Netherlands, read the can I take medication into the Netherlands?

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

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases
• Government of Netherlands

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 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.

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.

The Netherlands recognises dual nationals. 

More information:

• Advice for 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 2024, the Netherlands will have temporary border checks along its land borders with Belgium and Germany for 18 months.

More information:

• Visa for the Netherlands
• Travelling to the Netherlands
• Travel to the Netherlands

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 European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports.

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area 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.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements.

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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.

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

Car rental companies may require both documents and 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.

More information:

• Driving with a foreign driving licence

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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.