travelling in netherlands

The Netherlands Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 16, 2024

When most people think of traveling in the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam , with its semi-sleazy Red Light District, charming canals, historic windmills, and laid-back “coffee” shops where you can smoke pot.

But there is much more to the country than its largest city.

The Netherlands is a country filled with centuries-old brick homes, an interconnected system of canals (you can travel most of the country via the water), expansive farmland, and even some really nice beaches. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. The people are wonderful, there are tons of small towns to explore, and its small size means it’s easy to visit in a short time.

Most travelers come here just to see Amsterdam for a few days before moving on.

Don’t do that.

Spend time exploring outside of Amsterdam and you can discover the country that keeps me coming back every year.

Whether you are backpacking or just traveling on a budget, this Netherlands travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Netherlands

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the netherlands.

1. Visit Amsterdam

The capital and center of tourism in the country, Amsterdam is as beautiful as it is crazy. There are famous canals, beautiful and historic houses, tons of parks, a foodie scene, art, coffee shops, and, of course, the infamous Red Light District and its wild nightlife. It’s perfect for exploring by bike and it’s every museum lover’s dream, with exhibitions on everything from Anne Frank to van Gough. Take a free walking tour to really get a feel for the city.

2. Explore Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It may not get the attention Amsterdam does, but this city is a great place to visit if you want good parks and modern architecture (most of the old buildings were bombed in World War II) — including some futuristic cube houses. The port has an interesting harbor to explore (you can learn more about it in the attached Futureworld) and a few decent museums. It’s an often-overlooked city that’s worth a few days of exploring.

3. Take a canal tour

Whether in Amsterdam or in another city, make sure you take a canal tour to see the canals that made the country famous. The canals are such an integral part of life that you can’t really understand the country until you spend time boating on the canals. You can take a tour with a large company (there are tons of different canal tours on offer including a pizza cruise, cruises with wine and cheese, and booze cruises with unlimited drinks) but if you can, I suggest you rent your own boat which is much more affordable (prices start at 50 EUR) and gives you a more intimate experience.

4. Tour Leiden

Head to this small town and see where the Pilgrims lived before they left for America. It’s a historic city and filled with beautiful 17th-century buildings and landscaped parks. There are over a dozen museums in this small city, including the Museum of Antiquities and the National Museum of Ethnology. It also boasts in one of the Netherlands’ largest flower-growing areas. Go in May to catch the best of the tulip season.

5. Wander The Hague

The Hague is a cosmopolitan city and home to the International Criminal Court. You can see some of the royal palaces here as well as some beautiful historic buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. There are also some good museums (including the Museum de Gevangenpoort and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag), but since The Hague is located on the coast, when the weather is nice you can also just lounge on the beach.

Other Things to See and Do in the Netherlands

1. day trip to historic haarlem.

Haarlem, located just outside Amsterdam, was a cultural and economic hub during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). Wander the city and take in the historic homes of the merchant class who brought the city to prominence. There’s not a ton to do here but the town center has a good market, a towering Gothic church, and it’s a low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It makes a nice escape for an afternoon.

2. Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Every year on April 27th (April 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their King, Willem-Alexander for Koningsdag . For 33 years, they celebrated Queen Beatrix on April 30th as part of Queen’s Day, however, in 2013 she passed the throne to her son so the holiday changed dates, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday filled with outdoor concerts, lots of orange (the national color), plenty of drinking, and insane celebrations on the canals. It is one of the wildest national holidays I’ve ever celebrated.

3. Visit Edam

Edam is a popular cheese from the Netherlands. It’s also a town just 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Amsterdam. Edam is a picture-perfect Dutch town with iconic windmills, rolling farmland, and quaint houses. It’s one of the most quintessential Dutch towns. You can explore the 18th-century cheese warehouses, go on a boat tour, or just come here to eat cheese and be as Dutch as possible!

4. Head to the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world, boasting 79 acres of spectacular floral displays. Located between Amsterdam and The Hague, the garden is open between March and May of each year when the tulips are in season. More than 7 million bulbs are planted annually and the garden has around 800 different types of tulips. When you picture Holland, you picture flowers and there is no better place to see them than here! Admission is 19 EUR.

5. Bike through Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. Covering some 55 square kilometers (21 square miles), the park is composed of sand dunes and woodlands and is home to deer, wild sheep, foxes, badgers, boars, and more. You can rent bicycles to explore for 5 EUR. Don’t miss the Kröller-Müller Museum while you’re here. It has works by artists like van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin, and other masters. Admission to the park is 12.30 EUR.

6. Relax in Maastricht

One of the southernmost towns in the Netherlands, this city is famous for having the country’s only “mountain.” At 322 meters high (1,056 feet), Vaalserberg is really more of a hill and doesn’t take long to climb. But this often-overlooked city is a great place to experience Dutch life away from the hordes of tourists who frequent Amsterdam.

7. Go cycling

As one of the most popular activities throughout the country, you would almost feel out of place not on a bike. The Netherlands is covered by over 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of paths dedicated to two-wheeled transportation. Hoge Veluwe National Park is a particularly beautiful place to ride, but the entire landscape of the country is quite scenic as well. Other popular places to cycle are the Dunes of Texel National Park, Kinderdijk (to see the windmills), and Lauwersmeer National Park. Bike rentals cost around 10-12 EUR per day.

8. Tour Delft

This is a fascinating little town, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The town is known for its blue pottery (Delftware), but has a handful of other worthwhile sights to see too, including a Gothic church in the old town with a leaning tower (the foundation developed problems during construction); the Oostpoort, a city gate from 1400 that remains from the original city wall; and the stout City Hall building, part of which dates to the 17th century. The town lies just 20 minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam so you can visit as a day trip from either.

9. Admire van Gogh’s work

Open since 1973, this museum in Amsterdam is host to over 500 original works by Vincent van Gogh, in addition to works by some of his contemporaries and friends. The exhibits chronicle his life, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh didn’t earn fame in his lifetime and was actually constantly struggling with poverty, making his accomplishments all the more impressive and inspiring. Admission is 20 EUR. Note: Pre-book tickets online to avoid massive queues when you arrive.

10. Visit “Venice of the North”

Slow-paced Giethoorn, located east of Amsterdam, is a charming place with lots of picturesque canals. With no cars allowed in the city center, this peaceful town is a good change of pace from the busyness of the Netherlands’ larger cities. Rent a small boat and spend the day floating by charming cottages and enjoying the slower pace of life.

11. Learn about the Netherlands’ past

Opened in 1912, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is a sprawling 100-acre space that highlights what life was like in historic Netherlands. You can see traditional cabins and houses, learn about trades and crafts, and discover more about the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is located in Arnhem and is a great place to visit with kids. Admission is 19.50 EUR.

12. Have fun at an amusement park

Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel, is one of the oldest theme parks in the world (it opened in 1952) and is the Netherlands’ biggest amusement park. It has all the usual theme park attractions like rollercoasters, games, and performances and is open year-round (each season has different features like fairy lights and bonfires in the winter, and tulips and Dutch terraces in the spring). Admission costs 38 EUR (prices vary by day and season). You need a reservation as well as a ticket.

For more information on specific cities in the Netherlands, check out these guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• The Hague Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, as is petty theft.

There are a few common scams around, however, such as people trying to sell you used public transit tickets or stolen bikes. Avoid interacting with them and you’ll be fine.

If you’re worried about other travel scams, you can read about the most common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in the Netherlands

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the Netherlands:

• Hostel Strowis (Utrecht)
• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam)
• St. Christopher’s (Amsterdam)
• Hostel Room (Rotterdam)
• Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel (Rotterdam)
• Pink Flamingo Hostel (The Hague)
• Kingkool (The Hague)
• Stayokay Utrecht Centrum (Utrecht)

The Netherlands Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel dorms – 15-50 EUR per night
• Hostel private rooms – 65-115 EUR per night
• Budget hotels – 55-105 EUR per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 50-80 EUR per night
• Airbnb apartments – 100-150 EUR per night
• Campsite – 10-15 EUR per night
• Street food – 10-15 EUR
• Sit-down restaurants – 15-35 EUR
• Casual take-out places – 10-15 EUR
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 10-15 EUR
• Beer – 5 EUR
• Cappuccino/latte – 3 EUR
• Bottled water – 2 EUR
• Groceries for a week – 40-65 EUR

The Netherlands Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 65 eur per day.

If you’re backpacking, this budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks.

Midrange – 160 EUR Per Day

On a midrange budget, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb room, enjoy some fast food and other cheap eats, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around or rent a bike, and do more paid activities like guided tours and museum visits.

Upscale – 280 EUR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to explore, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though.

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While not the most expensive country in Europe, the Netherlands isn’t super cheap either. Here are some ways to help save money in the Netherlands so you don’t blow your budget:

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Limit your partying – Many people go to Amsterdam to party — and to smoke pot. While the city is cracking down on this, it’s still an unnecessary expense that can add up quickly. Limit your smoking (and limit your expenses in the coffee shops; you don’t need to buy something in every shop).

Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into several museums for only 64.90 EUR. You get access to 400 museums throughout the Netherlands and it’s good for repeat visits as well! If you’re visiting multiple cities in the country, this is a must! Compare the price to the museums you want to visit to see if it’s worth it for you.

Bike everywhere – Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few euros a day. While most Dutch cities are easily walkable, cycling is what the locals do. It’s the most bike-friendly country in the world so don’t pass up the chance to explore on two wheels. Prices average around 10-15 EUR per day but can be as low as 5 EUR.

Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone goes outside. Check local tourism boards for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up!

Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It’s a fun cultural exchange platform that not only saves you money but connects you with a local who can share their insider tips. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early (especially in Amsterdam).

Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards (sorry, my Dutch friends) so skip the restaurants and cook your own food. It saves you a ton!

How to Get Around in the Netherlands

Public transportation – It’s easy to use public transportation to get around the Netherlands’ cities. One-way fares in major cities start at 4 EUR. All public transportation uses an OV-chipkaart, which you can load with money. You can also get a day travel pass (starting cost is 7-9.50 EUR).

Bus – Buses are an affordable way to get around the Netherlands, but they aren’t as fast or efficient as the train. Flixbus is the cheapest bus operator. A trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs as little as 3 EUR and takes just over 1 hour, while Amsterdam to The Hague can be done for the same cost and takes 40-50 minutes.

Train – The Netherlands is so small that all major tourist destinations in the country are within a 2.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam. The national rail system is Nederlandse Spoorwegen and their service is clean and efficient. Train travel in the Netherlands is a thing of beauty!

You can use the official rail site to look up itineraries and ticket prices. Intercity train tickets around Holland are cheap and cost between 10-20 EUR, though for super short distances, they can be as little as 5 EUR. Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 11 EUR and takes 40 minutes while Amsterdam to The Hague is also 11 EUR and takes 50 minutes.

The national rail service also has special tour programs for travelers. This gives you unlimited travel throughout a period of consecutive days (such as 3-8 days of unlimited travel in a 30-day period). There’s also the Benelux Pass, which gives you access to public transportation like trams and buses for a certain number of days. Prices begin around 109 EUR and go up to 206 EUR depending on how many days you want (maximum is 8 days in a month).

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Ridesharing – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by paying a small fee. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train and is perfect for medium and long-distance trips.

Bike rental – The Netherlands is one of the best cycling countries in the world and bike rentals here are cheap. You can rent bikes starting for around 10-15 EUR per day (sometimes as little as 5 EUR).

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day, but the bus and train systems in the Netherlands are so excellent and affordable that you really don’t even need to bother. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in the Netherlands is very safe, though it’s not super common. HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking tips and info.

When to Go to the Netherlands

The Netherlands receives the most tourist traffic from mid-April to mid-October, but the real peak season is July and August. However, the weather is never very extreme, and visiting during the off-season or shoulder season is also worth your time. Prices are also a lot more affordable during the off-season, and if you come between mid-April and mid-May you can see the incredible tulip fields in bloom. Just bring a rain jacket.

The average daily summer temperature is around 19°C (67°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August. The average daily temperature in the winter is 2°C (35°F). Still, coming here during the Christmas season is always a good time as the cities light up with markets and festivities.

Since the Netherlands is located below sea level, you can expect to encounter a few days of fog or rain no matter when you visit. The winters can be damp as well. Be sure to pack a warm layer or two and a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting in the shoulder season or the winter.

The Netherlands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on the Netherlands travel and continue planning your trip:

What Playing Poker in Amsterdam Taught Me About Making Friends

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

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Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Airports in the Netherlands
• Getting Around the Netherlands
• Cities to Visit
• Complete Guide to Amsterdam
• Amsterdam's Public Transportation
• Essential Dutch Phrases
• One Week in the Netherlands
• 48 Hours in Amsterdam
• Getaways From Amsterdam
• Top Things to Do in the Netherlands
• Castles to Visit in the Netherlands
• Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam
• Shopping in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam's Top Markets
• Live Music in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums
• Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens
• Must-Try Food in the Netherlands
• Craft Beer in the Netherlands
• Heineken Experience
• Amsterdam's Top Restaurants
• Nightlife in Amsterdam

The Netherlands is a beautiful country with glorious national parks, picturesque windmills, and romantic canals all waiting to be explored. Cyclists will feel right at home in a country where there are more bikes than people while history, art, and architecture lovers will have plenty of sights to pique their interest. Plus, the cannabis is legal, and cheese and beer are celebrated; what’s not to love? This guide will help you plan your trip to the Netherlands from start to finish.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Being a Northern European country, the Netherlands doesn’t experience much extreme weather, however rain is common all year round. During the depths of winter, the temperature can drop down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), whereas in July it only makes it to 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) (66 degrees F). On any given day, the weather can quickly switch from sunny to rainy and back to sunny again and, being a flat country, the wind can feel quite strong. For more information, read our complete weather and climate guide for the Netherlands .

Language: Citizens in the Netherlands speak Dutch as their first language, but almost everyone speaks at least some English and many are fluent,   making communicating in the Netherlands easy for English-speaking tourists.

Currency: Euros.

Getting Around : The NS rail system in the Netherlands is fairly clean, modern, and runs on time. If you’re traveling around the country and want to do so on your own time, it’s easy to hire a car from Schiphol (the Netherland’s largest airport) and in Rotterdam. In the country’s big cities everyone tends to travel by bicycle, which are easy and affordable to rent. Uber is available in the Randstad area (covering Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht), as well as Eindhoven, Haarlem and ‘t Gooi. You can see where in the Netherlands that Uber is available on their website .

Travel Tip: The cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam have the metro, trams, and buses, while The Hague and Utrecht offer buses and trams to get around. In each city, you can buy day tickets that allow you access to all modes of transport. 

Things to Do 

The Netherlands is famous for so many things, from canals and clogs to windmills and tulips, so it can be hard to decide what to do while there. A visit to the country wouldn't be complete without taking a boat tour and winding your way through Amsterdam's waterways. It's also well-worth hiring a bike like a local and heading to Zaanse Schans , a picturesque village with beautiful traditional windmills. 

• If you find yourself in the country in spring, you should take a trip to Keukenhof. The park welcomes over one million visitors each season and you'll be greeted by seven million blooms including the iconic Dutch tulips.  
• Love being by the water? In summer, be sure to check out the beach clubs at Zandvoort or Noordwijk for instant Ibiza vibes.
• A trip to Amsterdam is all about balance. Learn about one of the most famous Dutchman at the Van Gogh Museum , then head to a coffeeshop (a cannabis cafe).

Explore what else this country has to offer with our articles on the best things to do and how to spend a week in the Netherlands .

What to Eat and Drink

Dutch cuisine is tasty and very reminiscent of home cooking. There is bitterballen , a thick stew which is breaded and fried, a perfect partner to a small beer (for which the Netherlands is also known). Stamppot is a traditional comfort food consisting of boiled, mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat. Stroopwafels, a large caramel-filled wafer cookie, are plentiful and can be bought plain or dipped in melted chocolate and loaded with different toppings like marshmallows or hazelnuts.

Then there are Dutch cheeses, which are typically relatively hard and fairly mild like gouda and edam. You can visit the cheese market in the town of Gouda or head to the cheese market in Alkmaar, the oldest cheese market in the Netherlands.

As for the beers we mentioned, Jopenkerk in Haarlem is an old church that has been converted to a craft beer brewery and restaurant, where you can take a tour, taste the beers, and stop for lunch. Alternatively, head to Amsterdam and hotfoot it to the old Heineken Brewery (now a museum) if you want to see how a household name beer is brewed. More into wine? Take a tour and have a tasting at Amsterdam's own winery.

If you're more interested in gourmet fare, the Netherlands has a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, including three-Michelin-starred De Librije in Zwolle and Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen. 

Want more in-depth information on Dutch food? Check out our guides to the top foods and dishes to try in the Netherlands , plus the best places for craft beer .

Where to Stay

Most first-time visitors head straight to Amsterdam which is the country's capital and most popular city welcoming 20 million visitors in 2019   (compared to one million residents). From here you can take day trips to Utrecht, Haarlem, The Hague, and Gouda. You can also get to Rotterdam in a day, but this city, known for its contemporary art and architecture, is worth spending a few nights in. Plus, from Rotterdam you can reach Tilburg, Breda, and both the De Biesbosch and Drunen National Parks.

Interior design in the Netherlands is incredibly chic, and there are plenty of luxe hotels to stay in such as The Dylan in Amsterdam and Hotel Pincoffs in Rotterdam. Airbnb is available around the country, in fact you can even find some houseboats on the site, if you’re looking for somewhere different to stay. 

Getting There

From the U.S. you can fly to Schiphol airport on various airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, and KLM. You can also fly into Rotterdam, but flights can be limited and more expensive. It could work out cheaper to fly to Amsterdam and travel by train to Rotterdam, which costs around 18 euros per person.

You can rent a car but parking in the Netherlands, especially in the bigger cities, is incredible expensive. If your hotel doesn’t have free or affordable parking, it’s best to get around on a bike, tram, bus or metro. The country isn’t huge—it’s roughly half the size of South Carolina—so it’s easy to get around on public transportation. 

Culture and Customs

The Netherlands is a safe country where most people speak at least some English.

You generally only tip waiting staff if the service was good or exceptional, at which point you tip around 5 to 10 percent. Otherwise, you can round up the bill or leave the change. 

Typically, Dutch people are quite formal which can come across as being a little standoffish. 

Money-Saving Tips 

• Want to travel the city freely? Get a GVB (in Amsterdam) or RET (in Rotterdam) day pass, which allows you to travel on most buses, trams and the metro, from eight euros.
• Taxis from the airports are expensive but don’t be tempted to hop in an unlicensed cab. Uber operates in the country and costs around 30 euros from Schiphol to Amsterdam. From Rotterdam airport to the city center is around 16 euros.
• Museums are not free in the Netherlands, so if you’re heading to Amsterdam and want to head to some of the cultural sights it’s well worth buying an I amsterdam City Card (starting at 65 euros for 24 hours). It gains you free entrance to the best museums and galleries, free travel within the city limits, and discount on food and a canal cruise. With or without the card, if you want to visit the Van Gogh Museum, be sure to book your slot in advance as it sells out fast. You can only visit the Anne Frank House by booking online beforehand.
• There are 20 National Parks dotted all over the country that are beautiful, free to explore, and rich in various fauna and wildlife. Head to one for a walk or do as the Dutch and cycle.

amsterdam&partners. "Language."

Netherlands Bureau for Tourism and Congresses. "Keukenhof."

Statista. "Inbound Tourism Forecast in the Netherlands 2014-2020 (in millions)."  April 7, 2020.

Related Articles

More related articles.

What do I need to travel to the Netherlands?

• Answer a maximum of 7 questions to find out which documents you need if you are travelling to the Netherlands, or back to the Netherlands.

Travelling to the Netherlands

If you are a visitor, get the information you need to smoothly navigate the process and procedures to enter the Netherlands.

Passport control

Are you travelling from a non- Schengen  country to the Netherlands? You will need to present your identification document at border control, such as your passport or national ID card.

• have your identification document ready – take it out of a holder or wallet if you use one
• remove your face covering or sunglasses if you are wearing them
• pass through passport control together if you are in a family

If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can use the  EU, EEA & CH  channel to have your passport or ID card checked - this is typically quicker than other channels.

If you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

Your passport (and visa if you have one) will be checked at border control. You will usually be asked why you are coming to the Netherlands.

You may need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay.

Self-service passport control

eGates use facial recognition technology to check your identity against your passport photo. You can use eGates if you are 14 or older and have an e-passport from an eligible country. For more information, see  Self-service passport control .

Travelling with a passport or ID card

To enter the Netherlands, you must possess a valid travel document. This can be an ID card (for travel within Europe) or a passport. Depending on your nationality, you might also need a visa. Are you a national from a country outside the  EU, EEA  or Switzerland? Then you must have a passport or travel document issued within the last 10 years. Your travel document should also be valid for a minimum of 3 months after leaving the Schengen area. Any children travelling with you must have their own valid travel document.

Travelling with children

If you are travelling with a child under 18, you must be able to show that the child's parent(s) have granted permission for you to do so. Check with your country of departure's local authorities for the rules regarding leaving the country with a minor. This will help avoid delays and the risk of missing your flight.

Emergency passport

Are you abroad and has your Dutch passport or ID card been lost or stolen? Overseas, you can apply for an emergency passport at a  Dutch embassy or consulate . You will receive a Dutch laissez-passer if an emergency passport cannot be issued in time. Do you not hold Dutch nationality? Then contact the embassy of your own country.

The need for a visa mainly depends on your nationality, destination, and length of stay. Even if you do not require a visa, there are rules for travelling to the Netherlands without a visa. For more information, see  Visa .

20+ Netherlands Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: June 21, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

There are few countries in this world that inspire whimsy and wonder quite like the Netherlands.

Just mention the name and your brain leaps to sprawling tulip fields, bright wooden clogs, picturesque canals & comically tall cyclists going at the speed of light.

Delightful imagery aside however, there are many simple Netherlands must-knows that elude first time visitors – from what the country’s actually called to all the secret ways to save on transport and attraction tickets.

Luckily, you’re here! And you’ve landed straight in the den of an immovable Netherlands fan who has gone crawling back six or seven times over the years for “research”.

And in this post I’m finally putting that research to use. Keep scrolling for a list of my best Netherlands travel tips and must-knows, sourced over a decade of first-hand experience.

Save this list of Netherlands Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. There is a difference between the Netherlands and Holland

For years, the name Holland has been used interchangeably with the Netherlands to refer to the delightful country we’re talking about today.

… I mean, even the country’s official tourism website is Holland.com.

BUT if we’re being technical, doing so is actually…. incorrect.

The reason is simple: the Netherlands is a country comprised of twelve provinces, only two of which (North Holland and South Holland) make up “Holland”. This means calling the Netherlands “Holland” would be like calling the entirety of the US “New England” or “the Midwest”.

… In other words, it doesn’t really make sense. And also isn’t fair to the rest of the country.

This branding crisis has complicated roots that I won’t get into here, but just know that there has been a movement lately to rebrand and remind people that the country is known as “the Netherlands”, not Holland.

So, keep that one in mind.

2. There’s much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam

A big reason why the name “Holland” has stuck is because historically, this has been one of the most visited parts of the country in terms of tourism (with Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague all situated in Holland).

But as we now know, there’s much more to the Netherlands than just Holland, and far more for tourists to see than just Amsterdam.

So be sure to diversify your itinerary a bit during your trip! Given the compact size of the country and the ease of public transport, you really have no excuse.

From Amsterdam, you can reach tons of cool cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Delft within an hour, all of which offer a calmer alternative to the crowded chaos of Amsterdam.

And those who dare venture further will find everything from adorable villages like Giethoorn and Valkenburg to picturesque beaches, islands and national parks all over the country.

… So yes, there’s plenty more places to see in the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Be sure to take advantage.

3. Spring may be the best (though busiest) time to visit the Netherlands

In terms of when to visit, you really can’t beat Spring.

Granted, Dutch weather is notoriously hit and miss, meaning Spring time can yield just as many downpours as it does sunny days, but this time of year is the ideal period to catch those world famous Dutch tulips… and let me tell you, every bit of rain (and crowds) is worth it!

Of course, tulip season varies year to year so it’s tough to predict exactly when it happens, but if you are specifically planning a trip to see tulips, mid April is usually the safest time.

4. Winter or Fall are also great times to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds

Of course, the major downside of Spring travel in the Netherlands is crowds.

Every year, millions flock to the country for a glimpse of those vibrant bulbs…

So if you value your personal space and sanity over cute photos of flora, my best Netherlands travel tip for you would be to visit during Winter or Fall, while steering clear of July and August, as well as school holidays like Easter because that’s when crowds and prices are at their worst.

5. Use 9292 to plan your journeys on public transport

In terms of getting around, public transport in the Netherlands is honestly a dream.

And one really great Netherlands transport tip I have for you is to check out the website/app known as 9292 .

This magic wizard app shows you all the best connections from Point A to Point B using Dutch trains, buses, and trams. All you need to do is enter your Departure Point and Destination, and it’ll even tell you how much it should cost (giving it a clear edge over Google Maps).

So, be sure to save it for your trip!

7. For ease, use your contactless cards for train travel

If you plan on taking trains in the Netherlands, one good thing to know is that Dutch train prices are fixed based on distance, meaning no difference whether you buy tickets ahead of time or on the day of (apart from a 10% off-peak advance discount if you book early enough, which I’ll discuss later).

All that to say, planning train travel in advance is much less important here than in some other countries.

To make things even easier, as of 2023, you can even use contactless credit and debit cards to pay at the fare gates, which means you can show up at the station without a ticket and go right through by tapping in and out with your card.

The correct amount will then be charged to your card automatically. It genuinely couldn’t be simpler.

8. Learn all the ways to save money on train tickets

As you could probably tell from my feverish rants, I’m a huge fan of train travel in the Netherlands – squeaky clean, easy to use and ultra widespread, with about 400 train stations across the country.

Sadly, there is a downside. Trains in the Netherlands can cost many a penny.

But before you start docking funds from your Stroopwafel fund, here are some easy ways to save money on Dutch train tickets:

• Off-Peak Early Booking: Often you can get a small discount of 10% for booking a digital ticket at least four days in advance for offpeak periods (meaning weekdays before 06:30, between 09:00 and 16:00, and after 18:30, as well as all day during weekends and public holidays).
• Off-Peak Group Tickets: Buying a group ticket for off-peak periods often means lower prices per person.
• Day tickets: Buying a day ticket means you pay one price and get unlimited travel during the day. This kind of ticket would be ideal for big day trips.
• Attraction / special deal tickets: The official NS website here has a page of special deals and offers, usually including admission to attractions with some food and the train tickets all for one set price.

9. Don’t miss the free train WiFi

Okay: last piece of positive Dutch train propaganda – there’s usually WiFi on board – just look for the network WiFi in de trein.

10. Dutch is the official language, but don’t stress about learning beyond the basics

Language-wise, the official language of the Netherlands is Dutch…

But honestly, it’s incredible how well some Dutch people speak English. Especially younger Dutchies living in big cities.

Not only do they have immaculate grammar most of the time – they get the slang, they get the humour… it’d be borderline enraging if it wasn’t so impressive.

So, that said – don’t worry too much about mastering Dutch before your trip, although knowing some basics like greetings and thank you ( dankjewel , pronounced “donk-yeh-vel!”) is advised.

11. Learn to pronounce the places you’ve visiting

Dutch is a tough language, and while you won’t need to learn everything during your visit, one important Netherlands tip I have for you in terms of language is to (at the very least) learn how to pronounce the names of places you’re visiting.

Because while Dutch people can speak phenomenal English, one area where they struggle is understanding mis pronounced versions of Dutch place names, because well, they know how to say everything correctly.

So, if you keep yelling “GEET-HORN” at them when they know it as “hyeet-hoorn” (with plenty of throat action), they may have no idea what place you’re asking about.

So if you need to ask for directions at any point, knowing how to pronounce names can be really helpful.

PS: It would be helpful to learn all the Dutch names of your destinations too, as trains and buses tend to display those rather than English names.

12. Don’t be shocked by Dutch directness

Much like German efficiency, Dutch directness is a stereotype that has a longstanding reputation in Europe. Most say it’s a result of Dutch culture’s emphasis on honesty… but for some first time visitors, this difference in communication may come off as harsh or rude.

Search up “Dutch directness” and you’ll be bombarded with tales from tourists and expats alike – from co-workers commenting that they hate your haircut to customer service professionals asking “what do you want?!”

And while I haven’t quite had this experience, it’s worth noting that Dutch communication styles may vary from where you’re from, so if you feel that someone is being abrupt with you, it could just be that infamous Dutch directness at play… so don’t take anything personally!

13. Visiting for tulip season? Book a photo session at a special farm

If you plan to join the flower-hungry army of tourists that descend upon the Netherlands every Spring, then here’s one important must-know: there are special farms you can visit that are made specifically for photos.

Why would you partake in something that’s so shamelessly vain? Well, it may come as a shock, but regular tulip farmers don’t take too kindly to strangers trampling their fields in search of photos.

… And simply admiring fields from afar isn’t quite the magical bucket list experience many hope for.

Hence, the establishment of photo-forward tulip farms! They really are the perfect solution. You pay a fee and get free reign at the tulip photoshoot of your dreams (filled with cute props and installations), and no innocent ‘made for sale’ tulips need to be sacrificed in the process. It’s a win win.

On my recent trip, I went to the Tulip Barn in Hillegom and had SO much fun. Truth be told, I might have even enjoyed it more than the famous Keukenhof gardens nearby…

On that note…

14. Beware that Keukenhof is a flower garden, not a flower field

Year after year, I hear accounts of disappointment from visitors to the Dutch wonderland known as Keukenhof, AKA Europe’s most famous flower garden.

The reason for their floral despair? The lack of sprawling tulip fields.

And, fair enough, marketing materials for Keukenhof (and 3rd party companies selling tours to Keukenhof) can be deceptive, so let me be clear right now: if your goal is to frolic through dreamy fields of tulip after tulip, Keukenhof is not where you want to be.

You can think of Keukenhof more as a manicured garden/flower show, filled with themed displays and installations. Is it beautiful? Of course! But the only fields you’ll see there are from a distance (or from a very sad little boat ride that circles them, with no possibility to stop or get out).

So before you book that (admittedly) pricey ticket to Keukenhof , know what you’re in for. My full guide to Keukenhof can help with that.

15. Book tickets for big attractions well in advance

The Netherlands is an amazing country to visit for culture lovers, with more museums and galleries than you could ever reasonably visit.

The good news is, there’s plenty of cool attractions to enjoy. The bad news is, you definitely won’t be alone in enjoying them.

So, especially if you’re visiting the Netherlands during peak seasons like Spring and Summer, make sure you book your must-see attractions in advance. For particularly big sights like the Anne Frank House, doing so weeks, if not months in advance, is necessary for avoiding disappointment.

And if you see skip the line tickets – treat yourself to them. Time is money!

16. Know where to find the best attraction deals

Another downside of major Dutch attractions? They can burn some deep holes in your wallet.

Unlike many other countries in Europe, I found the Netherlands to be lacking in age-based discounts unless you’re a literal child (meaning few discounts for students, youth and seniors).

Nonetheless, there are some other ways to save money if you’re crafty! Here are some:

• Sightseeing passes and cards e.g. the I amsterdam Card : Well worth it if you plan to do many attractions because it gives you access to multiple attractions for one set price. Be sure to crunch the numbers first though because the passes themselves are often quite expensive, and not worth it unless you’re doing a LOT of attractions.
• Bundle deals: Great for saving a bit of cash on 2-3 attractions. Be sure to browse sites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets , where there’s often deals that combine two or more attractions for a slight discount e.g. this ticket that combines the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with a canal cruise.

17. Beware of bike lanes

Alright, now moving onto more practical Netherlands travel tips for when you arrive.

This one may be the most important one on the list. Please, for the love of Gogh, be mindful of bike lanes. They’re everywhere in the Netherlands because everybody and their mom here rides bikes, and it’s VERY easy to accidentally walk on one if you’re not used to them.

So, if you see any red asphalt paths, steer clear. Unless “getting run over by a bike” is on your Netherlands bucket list.

This is what bike lanes will typically look like, although the never-ending parade of bicycles on it will probably also be a good sign:

18. Don’t rent a bike in the Netherlands unless you’re super confident on one

While most tourist guides will recommend renting a bike to “experience the Netherlands like a local”, I’m going to take the opposite approach and say….. don’t. Save yourself.

As I’ve mentioned before, Dutch cyclists are next level. They practically exit the womb on a bike.

And they don’t have much patience for struggling tourists, so unless you’re an excellent cyclist who is familiar with the Dutch rules of the road, don’t rent one just for the experience, unless said experience is making every cyclist in the Netherlands hate you.

19. Bring cash

Another important Netherlands must-know? Make sure you always have a bit of cash.

While card payments are widely accepted in the Netherlands these days, the Dutch tend to prefer using debit over credit.

As such, you might have trouble paying with a credit card in some places, which is why I would recommend having cash on you just in case.

Up until 2023, some places would even only accept Maestro debit cards (which were previously only used in Europe). Luckily, they are now in the process of phasing them out , which means the Netherlands is likely to become a lot more Visa/Mastercard-friendly in the near future.

On my most recent trip, I noticed that my Visa credit card would randomly not work at certain supermarkets and shops, so for ease of mind, I’d recommend always having at least a bit of cash.

20. Bring coins for public toilets… especially if you’re a woman

Like in many other European countries, sadly public toilets in the Netherlands aren’t free, with toilets in train stations costing as much as 70 cents!

So, bring coins with you to make sure you have a way to pay.

While some of the more modern machines will accept card payments, I ran into a faulty machine that refused my card no matter what, so I needed a friend to let me in!

…. and yes, it was embarrassing, so bring coins to avoid being sad like me.

NOTE: Around the Netherlands, there actually are public urinals set up on the street that are free to use, but toilets for my fellow squatters are far less common, and far less free.

21. Bring a jacket with a hood

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from my travels in the Netherlands, it’s this: prepare for rain. Random rain. And lots of it.

Bundled with vicious winds, Dutch rain can be brutal, and the best defence is (in my opinion) a solid jacket with a hood, rather than an umbrella.

After all, the only thing more embarrassing than needing someone to pay for your pee break is the walk of shame when your umbrella flips inside out.

So yes, bring a jacket with a hood. Even in the summer. You just never know.

22. Try all the best Dutch delicacies

Ahh, now onto tastier Dutch travel tips.

The Netherlands may not be particularly known for its cuisine, but there are a few standouts in my mind that are well worth trying for any first time visitor… usually in the calorically dense snack food category. I apologize in advance to your arteries.

Here are a few iconic Dutch foods/experiences to try:

• Hagelslag: Sprinkles usually served on buttered bread for breakfast. SO GOOD!
• Automats: Wall-mounted vending machines that serve hot food in little cubbies. It’s not the best food in the world but it’s a fun novelty that allows you to try some classic Dutch snacks like croquettes and bitterballen with minimal effort.
• Stroopwafel: Two thin cookies pressed together with a caramel filling, and sure to ruin your for other cookies. NOTE: Be sure to try a plain one first. Many places these days do fancy ones coated in chocolate and other toppings, but to me original is best.

Lastly, of course I can’t talk about Dutch food without mentioning the most famous street food – raw herring.

With stalls all across the country selling this unique delicacy, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try it. Just remember to eat it correctly – hold it by the tail and let it slide into your mouth and throat. Yum!

23. Know the difference between coffee shops, cafes and brown bars

Ahh, now THIS is a must-know for first time visitors to the Netherlands. If you’re drowsy and trying to caffeinate for the day, be very careful where you go, because “coffee shop” here doesn’t mean what you think it means.

… because that’s where marijuana is sold!

Sure, sometimes they sell coffee too, but their main purpose is trading cash for hash.

Further complicating things: don’t forget that there are also ‘brown cafés’ or brown bars, which are like cozy traditional pubs for enjoying a drink or two. Going to one is a must when in the Netherlands!

In summary:

• If you want coffee, go to a cafe
• If you want marijuana, go to a coffee shop
• If you want an alcoholic beverage in a pub-like setting, go to a brown cafe or brown bar

24. Plan around some cool annual events

Alright, are you ready for some insider Netherlands knowledge?

If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, here are two annual events to have on your radar:

• Museum Week: Happens every Spring, where many museums nationwide offer free entry and special exhibitions/events.
• Open Garden Days: Happens one weekend a year in June, where many canal houses will open their doors to the public so you an admire their hidden gardens. One paid ticket gets you access to 30+ participating gardens! I happened upon this event one year and it was SO cool.

25. Be respectful of Dutch customs that are different to yours

Last but not least, it has to be said: the Netherlands is a unique place, with a lot of rules and customs that may differ from your home country.

For instance, many first time visitors are surprised to see that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, or that marijuana is decriminalized.

And while surprise is fine, being obnoxious and vocal about these differences is not.

Remember, what seems utterly novel to you is just the normal way for locals, meaning you should be respectful, considerate and… not do things like take photos of women in Red Light Districts because of their perceived novelty.

Tourists (especially in Amsterdam) have developed a pretty nasty reputation among Dutch locals over the years, with multiple campaigns aimed at cracking down on ‘rowdy tourists’.

So, remember to be a polite guest and treat both locals and destinations with utmost respect!

I hope this list of Netherlands travel tips was helpful!

I admit this was a VERY long list of tips for Netherlands travel, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Netherlands

Travel Advisory August 9, 2024

Netherlands - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to  terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in the Netherlands. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the Netherlands.  

If you decide to travel to the Netherlands:   

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by large crowds.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the Netherlands.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

A passport must be valid for at least three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area . The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not accepted by Dutch authorities for visa-free entry into the Netherlands.

Two pages required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

10,000 Euros or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy the hague.

John Adams Park 1 2244 BZ Wassenaar Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310 2209 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +31 (0) 70 310 2209 Fax: +(31) (0) 70 310 2207

U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam Museumplein 19 1071 DJ Amsterdam Telephone: +(31) (0) 20 575-5309 (Emergencies involving U.S. citizens only ) Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310 2209 (All other calls) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310-2209 Fax: +(31) (0) 20 575 5330 Email:   [email protected]  

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on the Netherlands for information on U.S.-Netherlands relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Visit the  Embassy of the Netherlands  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
• If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Dutch immigration authorities do not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into the Netherlands.  If traveling on this emergency passport, please be aware that you will be refused entry by immigration officials and/or held at the airport until a return flight to the United States is available.  We strongly urge U.S. citizens in possession of the 12-page U.S. emergency passport to replace it with a full-validity passport before traveling to the Netherlands by air. 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the Netherlands.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

Crime: While the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are often targeted by pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves and are active in and around train, tram, and metro stations in city centers; and aboard public transportation, especially to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Thieves often work in pairs: one distracts you, often by asking for directions, while the other moves in on your unguarded property. Use your hotel safe, and keep baggage locked or secured when you are away. Avoid leaving valuables in automobiles, especially electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, GPS devices, and mobile telephones. Never leave your personal items or baggage unattended.

Most retailers in the Netherlands only accept a “chip and pin” card and will not accept a standard U.S. credit card containing only a magnetic strip. ATM and credit card users are advised to keep an eye on their cards at all times. If you feel uncomfortable using your card for any reason, use cash. Contact your credit card provider for further guidance.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 112 or 0900-8844 for non-emergency cases.  See above for contact information for the U.S. Embassy The Hague and U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes in the Netherlands.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

The organization Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands) provides a range of services for victims of crime, traffic accidents or disasters within the Netherlands. For more information, visit their webpage .

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is well-regulated and rules in regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide lifesaving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Despite common misperceptions, marijuana and hashish are controlled substances in the Netherlands, and although not enforced in defined tourist areas, possession is a crime that can result in a fine. “Coffee shops” are havens for petty criminals who prey on tourists and other individuals under the influence of drugs. Persons who visit “coffee shops” have become victims of pickpocketing, identity theft, sexual assault, and other crimes. Visitors are cautioned against using such substances, as they are often counterfeit and can cause illness or death. It is illegal to take any controlled substance, such as marijuana, into or out of the Netherlands.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers  
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in the Netherlands. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities : Dutch law guarantees equality and the right to access for people with disabilities. Information about accessibility in the Netherlands for travelers with disabilities is available on the Netherlands main online portal for visitors.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Testing:  For information about COVID-19 testing in the Netherlands, visit the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport webpage .

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in the Netherlands if they are residents.  Visit the Dutch government’s COVID-19 page for more information about obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine in the Netherlands. Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Good medical facilities are widely available in the Netherlands. Pharmacies (“Apotheek”) are widely available and can assist with emergency prescription needs. Some common medications are not available in the Netherlands without a prescription, and some prescription drugs cannot be imported into the country.

For emergency services in the Netherlands, dial 112.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas coverage.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Carry an adequate supply of prescription drugs in their original container in your carry-on luggage. Carry a letter from your pharmacist or medical doctor with you, as some drugs are subject to confiscation by local customs agents.  Check with the government of the Netherlands to ensure the medication is legal in the Netherlands. If you are traveling with any pre-existing medical conditions, bring a letter from your physician that describes your medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of any prescribed drugs.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Lanes in the center of many urban two-way streets are reserved for buses, trams, and taxis.
• In cities, pedestrians should be mindful of trams and buses, which often cross or share bicycle and pedestrian paths. Serious and sometimes fatal accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists colliding with trams and buses occur each year.
• Motorists should be especially mindful of the fact that bicyclists have the right-of-way; motorists must yield to bicyclists.
• Pedestrians should not walk along bicycle paths, which are often next to the sidewalk and usually designated by red pavement.

Traffic Laws:  

• A valid driver’s license issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles in the United States is valid for use in the Netherlands while in tourist or visitor status. Please check here (Dutch only) for more information.
• You must use seat belts and child seats.
• Driving is on the right side of the road, as in the United States.
• Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar. Traffic cameras are common throughout the Netherlands, and it is possible to receive a ticket for traveling even 2-5 km/h over the limit. Different limits may apply to certain hours of the day, as posted.
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to vehicles and bicyclists coming from the right at intersections or traffic circles unless otherwise posted.
• The maximum allowable blood-alcohol content in the Netherlands is 0.05 percent.
• The maximum allowable blood-alcohol limit for those who have had a driver’s license for less than five years is 0.02 percent.
• Use of cellular telephones for talking or texting while driving without the use of a hands-free device is prohibited and is punishable by significant fines.
• Bicyclists and pedestrians should be particularly cautious during the winter months, when paths, roads, and especially bridges can become icy and extremely slippery.

Public Transportation: 

Rail is often a convenient alternative to driving, particularly in the areas around Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, where road congestion is frequent. Rail network information is available at http://www.ns.nl/en . It is relatively safe to travel by rail from city to city, compared to some other European countries but be aware of pickpockets. Taxi service in the Netherlands is safe but expensive. Trams and buses are both convenient and economical but are often frequented by pickpockets.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions .

Aviation Safety Oversight: 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the Netherlands’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Netherland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:

Mariners planning travel to the Netherlands should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Netherlands . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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COVID-19 and visiting the Netherlands

The Government of the Netherlands has decided to lift all travel restrictions related to coronavirus.

More information about travelling to the Netherlands.

Netherlands Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to the Netherlands

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Netherlands entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to the Netherlands from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Netherlands.

Can I travel to the Netherlands if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the Netherlands without restrictions.

Can I travel to the Netherlands without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the Netherlands without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the Netherlands?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Netherlands.

Can I travel to the Netherlands without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the Netherlands?

Mask usage in the Netherlands is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the Netherlands?

Restaurants in the Netherlands are open. Bars in the Netherlands are .

20 things to know before visiting Amsterdam in 2024

Mar 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Make sure you read this before you land in Amsterdam. Getty Images

From cannabis-clouded coffee shops to lovely parks and cycling lanes aplenty, Amsterdam is a European city with a delightful, vibrant vibe that’s entirely its own. While it certainly makes for amazing travel escapades, there are some useful things to understand about this city and the local culture.

So, what do you need to know before visiting Amsterdam for the first time? Here are our top tips for newcomers.

1. Amsterdam is not a 24/7 city

Amsterdam establishments keep very regular hours. Opening hours in shops are generally from about 10am to 6pm, and 8pm for supermarkets. Many shops and grocers do not open on Sundays (with the exception of busy tourist areas like Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat ). Coffeeshops tend to open in the morning and close around midnight, while bars and clubs go much later until 3 or 4am.

2. Pre-purchase tickets where possible

At museums and galleries , it’s best to plan for long queues – especially during the high season from June to August . Ticketed time slots (most can be downloaded to your phone) are available at popular sights like the Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh Museum and should be booked at least six weeks in advance.

3. Book accommodation and restaurants in advance

Similarly, lodging should be secured at least four months before your trip, especially if you’re visiting during the summer or on the weekend. Seats at your must-visit restaurants are best squared away at least two weeks in advance.

4. Budget for a (higher) tourist tax

In 2024, Amsterdam's tourist tax – which is added to the cost of accommodation per night – has risen from 7% to 12.5%, making it now the most expensive in Europe. The tax is charged at a percentage of your accommodation cost, and is payable on arrival. For example, a four-person room booking for three nights by Vondelpark is costing a group of friends €818.88 between them, with an additional €91.88 to be paid on arrival. Plan ahead and factor the tax into your budget, as it's easy to forget about it once you've booked transport and accommodation ahead of it.

5. Lock your bike… twice

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam . Most rental bikes come with two locks – it’s best to use them both! Bike thieves in Amsterdam can be very capable. Use one lock for the front wheel (attached to the bike frame) and the other for the back, preferably attached to a post, bike rack or some other structure mounted to the ground.

Also, pay attention to signage regarding bike parking. Bicycle racks near tram and train stations and in certain public squares are usually best, or you may risk it being removed by the police.

6. Pack layers of clothing

Practical clothing will get you far in Amsterdam. It’s a city where people dress hip but casual (jeans and nice sneakers or boots, for example) and mix-and-match layers since the year-round weather is unpredictable. A light trench coat or windbreaker jacket is essential for all seasons besides winter, when a proper coat and warm gear are needed.

7. Buy an OV-chipkaart for travel around the city

The OV-chipkaart is highly recommended for public transport since it’s more convenient than single tickets and is easily reloadable at machines or online. It's available for purchase from ticketing machines and supermarkets. Note: you need to touch on and touch off, including when you're getting off trams. Otherwise, you'll pay a hefty fee.

8. Carry a mix of cash and cards

In Amsterdam, there is a growing movement of cafes and restaurants going cashless – while some of the more traditional, older haunts like bruin cafés (brown cafes) may not take cards at all. It's best to carry a mix of cash and cards.

9. Be respectful on the streets

Dutch locals are tired of Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for bachelor parties and bad behavior, therefore authorities have taken steps to curtail the effects of rowdy visitors. To avoid disapproving looks and humiliating conversations, acting sensibly on downtown streets is a must.

Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Similarly, taking photos of sex workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.

10. Haggling at flea markets is okay

When shopping at Amsterdam’s famous rommelmarkt (flea markets) like IJ Hallen , the first price given by the seller is usually not a firm price but a starting point. This rule applies to secondhand items not artisan-made goods. Use your judgment and always be respectful.

11. Mind the Dutch mentality

The Dutch are known for being extremely direct. If a local shares a blunt, unvarnished opinion with you, it comes from a place of honesty rather than rudeness. In Dutch culture, it’s gracious to speak your mind and keep it short – don’t be surprised to find "no" is a complete sentence!

Despite the brutally honest Dutch mentality, there are certain talking points that are considered too close to comfort and should be avoided – for example, asking very personal questions about income.

12. Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not expected in Amsterdam where hospitality workers receive a fair wage for their professions, and are not dependent on the tip jar contributions as might be the case elsewhere. Of course a tip (around 10% is normal) for excellent service is not going to be considered odd. Feel free to tip in bars, cafes, restaurants and accommodation if the service warrants it. If you take a free walking tour, presenting your guide with a decent tip at the end is normal.

13. Make friends by wearing orange

At sporting events in recent years, the Dutch are known for the oranjekoorts (orange fever) or oranjegekte (orange craze).

If you want the Dutch to know you’re cheering for them, wear the royal family’s traditional color. The more outlandish and over-the-top – we’re talking wigs, feather boas and face paint – the better.

14. Can I transport tulip bulbs home?

Tulip bulbs purchased at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt can be shipped back to countries such as the United States, but an official certificate is needed for customs. Look for the sticker that says, “To the Plant Protection Service of the United States and Canada.” The additional certificate must be dated within six weeks of travel (otherwise, it’s best to have the seller ship them).

15. Can I bring cheese back home from the Netherlands?

Most varieties of Dutch cheeses will make it through customs, although typically unpasteurized and raw cheeses may not. Cheese should also be vacuum-bagged (for the sake of your fellow travelers as well as for healthy and safety).

16. Mind the cyclists – and the cycling lanes

Cyclists in Amsterdam mean serious business. Never walk in a cycling lane, or you'll risk the wrath of an angry local on wheels. Always take a good look both ways before crossing – bicycles are silent, but an accident can be very serious for cyclists and pedestrians.

17. Don’t rent a car – rent a bike instead

Driving in Amsterdam is notoriously difficult, especially in the city center. Narrow cobblestone alleys and canals make maneuvering tough, plus parking is scarce and pricey (and it's usually not available, even at hotels).

Helmets are not legally mandated but strongly recommended. Most bike shops rent them for as little as €2.50 a day.

18. Be careful around canals

Almost none have barriers, and yes, tourist drownings have happened.

19. Watch out for pickpockets

Amsterdam’s compact downtown (chock-full of foot traffic and often folks who are under the influence) is the perfect recipe for thieves – especially in busy squares and typical visitor areas. Stay aware, and don't keep all your documents and valuables on you.

20. What to do if you need medical care in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has an abundance of English-speaking doctors and medical care services targeted towards travelers, such as Hoteldoc and Amsterdam Tourist Doctors . For urgent medical care, dial 112 for emergencies or +31 20 570 9500 directly for an ambulance.

This article was first published Dec 1, 2021 and updated Mar 16, 2024.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Netherlands travel advice

Latest updates: Entry and exit requirements – added information on temporary entry under CETA

Last updated: August 30, 2024 14:55 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, netherlands - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Netherlands due to the threat of terrorism.

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There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Attacks in the Netherlands cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe 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, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels 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. The current threat level for the Netherlands is level 4 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5.

Current terrorism threat levels  - Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice

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.

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 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.

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

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

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.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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

Guide to temporary entry into the Netherlands under CETA

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).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and the Netherlands are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the Netherlands to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and the Netherlands authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Despite a common misconception, soft drugs like cannabis are controlled substances in the Netherlands. Some establishments, locally known as coffee shops, are allowed to sell soft drugs for personal use, but they must be licensed. Buyers must also be residents of the Netherlands.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. You could face a jail sentence and heavy fines for:

• trafficking
• attempting to travel in or out of the Netherlands with soft drugs, even for personal use
• using drugs outside licensed establishments
• attempting to buy drugs at a licensed establishment if you’re not a resident of the Netherlands

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It’s illegal in the Netherlands to carry certain types of knives. These restrictions might be more severe in certain municipalities and public venues, such as restaurants and stadiums.

Avoid travelling with a knife.

Identification

You must carry valid identification at all times if you are over 14. Local authorities may give you a fine if you fail to show them appropriate identification upon request.

The following documents, if valid, are acceptable identification:

• Dutch residence permits
• driver’s licence issued in the Netherlands or elsewhere in the European Union and the European Economic Area

Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in the Netherlands, with some exceptions.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of the Netherlands, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

• More about dual nationality - Government of the Netherlands
• Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the Netherlands.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Netherlands, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Netherlands court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the Netherlands to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

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

You should carry an international driving permit.

Traffic offences and parking violations can carry heavy, on-the-spot fines. If you are fined, always ask for a receipt.

• More about the International Driving Permit
• More information about driving in the Netherlands - European Commission

The currency of the Netherlands is the euro (EUR).

Credit cards are not widely accepted. Make sure you have access to enough cash to cover expenses during your trip.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

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)

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands, in The Hague, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Français

The Netherlands by train: easy and comfortable

The train could very well be the most enjoyable means of transport for your travels through the Netherlands. No matter your destination in our country, the train will get you there. From Amsterdam to Groningen, Maastricht to The Hague: just hop aboard! Take a look here for all the top tips.

• A well-organized and extensive rail network.
• All of the Netherlands is accessible by train.
• Modern, comfortable and affordable.

You’re probably already aware that the Netherlands is a fairly small country. This provides great opportunities for travelers because, unlike larger European tourist destinations such as France, Spain or Italy, you can reach the other side of the country within two hours. All you have to do is hop on the right train, enjoy the view out the window, and relax until you reach your destination. It takes no more than half an hour to reach the city of Utrecht from Amsterdam, for example, or 50 minutes to The Hague Central Station.

Not only does the Netherlands boast a very extensive rail network, the trains themselves are really modern. The train cars are spacious and the seats are comfortable and roomy. They are almost always equipped with a digital display showing the latest news, route and train schedule information, and the newest trains often have USB chargers. Wi-Fi is usually available, but it could be improved; the network is often slow, overloaded or not secure.

It’s usually not too crowded. The exception to this is during rush hour, especially on popular routes like Utrecht-Amsterdam or Rotterdam-Amsterdam, where you are not likely to get a seat if traveling at around 8:00 am. Delays also occur (especially during rush hour), but generally these do not last more than 25 minutes or so. The larger platforms usually have a kiosk or catering facility where you can buy a cappuccino or freshly baked croissant while waiting. Trains run late into the night, and large stations have night trains – ideal for a night of hitting the clubs.

Noteworthy: visit Soestdijk Palace by train

One of the smallest stations in the Netherlands radiates a royal elegance. Soestdijk is a suburb of the town of Baarn and is mainly famous for being the location of Soestdijk Palace. This majestic building was home to members of the Royal Family for many years. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful forest where you can enjoy a lovely walk.

Paying on public transport

There are several ways to pay on public transport in the Netherlands . However, OVpay is the easiest option for visitors to the Netherlands. In fact, you only need your debit or credit card to check in and out, making it easy to travel across the country by train, tram, bus or metro.

OVpay provides a direct connection between your fare and payment account. It basically works the same as cashless payments in the supermarket. So if you are on holiday, OVpay is the most convenient and economical solution. You don't need a separate card, nor are you unnecessarily stuck with the cost of an OV-chipkaart or season ticket.

If you want to travel through the Netherlands by train, you need to buy a single-use chipcard or an anonymous OV-chipkaart (smart card). Traditional (paper) tickets no longer exist, although the single-use card could be considered as such. The single-use chipcard is perfect for travelers who only wish to use public transportation for a single journey. You can buy it at an NS ticketing machine or service desk. Note: single-use chipcards cost €1 extra per trip.

If you plan to use public transportation more often, we recommend buying an anonymous ‘OV-chipkaart.’ You pay a low, one-time fee for this card, which resembles a debit card, after which you can use it indefinitely. Since your card will not initially have a balance, you will first have to add travel credit at an NS ticketing machine. You need a balance of at least €20 to travel by train. Once funds have been loaded to your card, you can check in at the designated posts or turnstiles which are usually located close to or on the platform. Just swipe your card at the post or turnstile and you’ll be good to go.

Important: the NS (the National Railways) often has special offers or special day or weekend tickets. Check the NS website for offers. You can also use your OV-chipkaart on buses, metro or ferries.

By default, an OV-chipkaart and OVpay are aimed at 2nd class travel, however, if you wish to enjoy a bit more comfort you could opt for 1 st class travel. The seats are a bit larger there and the cars are generally quieter than in 2 nd class. Obviously, you have to pay a bit extra for that. You can switch classes on your OV-chipkaart at an NS ticketing machine. With OVpay, you can only travel 2nd class.

If you buy a single-use chipcard or e-ticket , you can choose to travel 1 st or 2 nd class while purchasing your ticket.

The wonderful thing about the Dutch rail network is that you can travel almost anywhere. Our country has about 400 train stations in all shapes and sizes. There are historic stations like Haarlem Central or Leiden, tiny stations like Velp or Eijsden, and large stations in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

The facilities differ per station, but of course every station has an NS ticket machine to top-up your OV-kaart or to buy other tickets. Large stations also have a service desk for questions and advice.

Tip: 9292.nl

The Netherlands has organized its public transportation in such a way that bicycles, buses, metros, trams and trains are coordinated as much as possible. The idea is to take a train to a large city and from there take the bus or metro to the city center or a place of interest. A handy site to help you on your way is 9292.nl (also available as app for Android and iOS). Fill in your starting point, ending point and departure time, and the site will give you a complete time schedule including the mode(s) of transportation. It’s a smart way to travel!

Stations in the Netherlands

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Taking the train from Amsterdam to…

There a many special sites to visit in the Netherlands. These are easily accessible without having to switch trains! From Amsterdam you can travel to…

Maastricht is known for being the capital of culinary delights in the Netherlands. This city, located in the southernmost tip of the province of Limburg, boasts historical squares and lovely lanes, but it’s the fabulous, charming restaurants you won’t want to miss. And while you are there, you really must try a scrumptious slice of vlaai (Limburg-style pie).

Deventer is one of the five oldest cities in the Netherlands. Being one of the smaller Dutch cities, this Hanseatic town offers visitors a charming and intimate city center. It is home to the oldest brick house in the Netherlands and the beautiful Gothic Lebuïnus church. There are numerous terraces in the vicinity of the Grote Markt (the main market square), so chances are you will end up there for a refreshing beverage. Note: If you travel to Deventer by public transportation, you will probably have to switch trains along the way (which is very easy), however, the international train to Germany goes there directly.

Arnhem is the capital of the province of Gelderland and it shows. The newly redeveloped train station is a modern and architectural marvel. From there, it will take you no more than five minutes on foot to reach the many shopping streets and the Korenmarkt square, the city’s ancient bustling center with loads of cafes and restaurants.

But there is more to Arnhem than that, such as ArteZ, the University of the Arts, which has turned the city into a hotbed of creativity. This is especially evident in the lively Spijkerkwartier district and the 7Straatjes (7 Streets).

Arnhem - A city of history, culture and creativity

From fashion and design, great shopping and cultural hotspots to fantastic restaurants and lush green spaces, Arnhem has it all.

If you love to shop ‘till you drop, you should definitely add the city of Utrecht to your bucket list. Utrecht’s Central Station is the largest in the country and it seamlessly merges with Hoog Catharijne, an elegant and large (indoor) shopping mall. For years, visitors considered this mall to be ugly, crowded and dirty, but after an extensive renovation, it emerged as a shopping boulevard with international allure: Visit the new Hoog Catharijne and it feels like you could be in New York!

Once you exit Hoog Catherijne, you find yourself in one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands, with beautiful canals as the cherry on the cake! Many travelers now prefer Utrecht to Amsterdam for a longer stay. Why? Because it’s just as charming but less crowded.

Paying for public transport (OV): travelling everywhere

Easy check in and out with OVpay or the OV-chip card.

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The ultimate guide to taking a train in the Netherlands: from OV cards to saving money

You’ve just  arrived in the Netherlands and are about to board a train for the first time. But wait! Do you have a ticket? And have you tapped in with it? Dutch trains are a minefield with some pretty expensive mines ready to explode if you get things wrong.

Here’s our ultimate guide to taking a train in the Netherlands for the first time — with everything you need to know about OV chip cards, train conductors, and rush hour.

So, let’s start at the very beginning. You land in Schiphol, make your way to the plaza, and start figuring out which train to take. First things first, it’s time to get a ticket. You’ll spot the machines easily: they’re yellow and blue. Here, you can buy a ticket or top up your OV chipkaart .

Taking a train in the Netherlands: what to watch out for with tickets

If you’re just in the Netherlands for a holiday, you likely won’t want to buy an OV chipkaart . You’ll be using tickets instead.

There are a couple of things you should know before you do this. First of all, if you’re looking to save some money, consider buying tickets online rather than at the machines in the station. You’ll save €1 per ticket, which can definitely add up if you’re taking the train frequently while you’re here.

Whether you go with a physical or digital ticket, you need to check in. This might seem counterintuitive — after all, these tickets are single-use, right? The thing is, checking in puts a timestamp on when you took the train. Otherwise, you could reuse the same ticket forever, basically.

So, if you don’t check in at the machines that lead onto the platform, you don’t have a valid ticket in your hand, and you will be fined by the ticket conductor if you’re caught.

Trains in the Netherlands: your ticket will be checked

There is a strong chance that you will be caught if you don’t have a valid ticket. Almost every time I take a train in the Netherlands, my OV card or ticket is checked.

And nope, there are no exceptions made if you’re a tourist and were confused about how the trains in the Netherlands work: you will be fined if you don’t have a valid ticket.

Fines are usually €50, which is quite a chunk of money for anyone. You will spot the train conductors in advance, as they do not wear casual clothes but rather the uniform of the NS (navy and red).

What is an OV chipkaart?

An OV chipkaart measures how far you travel and charges you based on that — eliminating the need for you to buy a ticket for every journey. Now, in order for this to work, you need to check in and check out at the beginning and end of every journey.

Some stations have barriers that physically remind you of this requirement, but others — especially smaller ones — do not. Even if there is no barrier, you still absolutely have to check in and out.

What happens if you check in but forget to check out?

If you don’t check out, you’ll be charged €10 automatically — a pretty pricey mistake.

You can get this money back by going to an OV store in the larger stations or requesting a refund online , but that’s a bit of a mission — so it’s much better to get into the habit of checking in and checking out automatically.

I taught myself to do this by simply always having my OV chipkaart in my hand. You can’t forget to check out with the card in your hand reminding you — or at least, doing this will reduce the frequency of the mistake happening.

The most annoying part of taking a train in the Netherlands: the €20 limit on your OV chipkaart

If I had to name the most annoying part of taking a train in the Netherlands, this would be it. If you’re using an OV chipkaart , the balance on your card needs to be at least €20 before you can step on board a train.

Thankfully, for trams and buses which you access with the same card, the necessary balance is a lot lower, just €4. The idea behind this rule is that you’ll never end up checking out at the other end of your journey with a negative balance on your OV card.

That seems reasonable, right? Well, yes — except if you’re doing a ten-minute commute from Leiden to The Hague every day, and EVERY DAY you have to bring your balance back up to €20, even though the journey costs less than €4. It’s frustrating, to say the least. But there’s a solution: a personal OV chipkaart !

What is a personal OV chipkaart?

If you’re living in the Netherlands long enough to have a fixed address, then you should absolutely invest in a personal OV chipkaart .

You have to request this from ovchipkaart.nl . The card will have your name, date of birth and picture on it. There are two massive advantages to having this sort of card. Firstly, you can eliminate the topping-up fiasco as it can be linked to your bank account. Every time your card needs a top-up, it happens automatically. Brilliant!

The second advantage of having a personal OV is that you can buy an annual discount. For €50 or thereabouts, you can nab a 40% discount on train travel outside of rush hour. If you’re going somewhere by train more than twice a week, this discount is a must. This has been so worth it for me as a frequent traveller.

Rush hour: when not to take a train in the Netherlands

Rush hour in the Netherlands occurs each morning between 6:30 and 9:00 AM and every evening between 4:00 and 6:30 PM. Basically, the times when everyone working a job with regular hours will want to commute. It makes sense, but it’s a pain to pay those extra few euros when you want to travel at a convenient time.

How do I find out where I’m going?

Figuring out which train you need to take is always a struggle in the beginning. If you’re here for a short amount of time, I would recommend using the NS app or website .

It’ll show you the fastest route to your destination at the time you want to leave and will also tell you which platform the train is departing from. So you won’t need to stare at screens in confusion for 20 minutes — by which time you’ve missed the train you wanted to take in the first place.

But, if you do want to do it the old-fashioned way — the screens showing train departures are, of course, your best bet.

These will display the time of departure, the number of minutes until the train leaves the platform, as well as the final destination of the train in question.

If you’re heading to a place that is not the final destination — for example, if you’re travelling from The Hague to Leiden — then you need to look at the smaller writing underneath the final destination, which will list all the stops the train will make on its journey. And, of course, you can always just ask the information desk: they’re always happy to help lost and confused tourists.

Cheaper options for taking a train in the Netherlands

Trains in the Netherlands are expensive, there’s no doubt about it. Although, there are some ways to make it cheaper for yourself . The main ones are buying a day ticket ( dagkaart ), especially when they’re on sale — travelling anywhere in the Netherlands for €15 is a pretty good deal.

These tickets are available at Kruidvat usually, but they do sell out pretty fast. Otherwise, try to travel with a Dutchie who has a discount card — they can transfer their 40 % discount to you if you travel together. Other good options include travelling with a group.

What is this NS that everyone keeps talking about?

If you’re taking the train in the Netherlands, it’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll hear these two letters: NS. In fact, I’ve used the name of the Dutch railway operation company several times already in this article. The NS is the company that runs the trains in the Netherlands, to put it simply.

They’ve made some pretty cool innovations in recent years, including beginning to test self-driving trains . They’re also almost always on time , despite how often Dutchies complain about them.

Did we leave out any important tips for taking a train in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below !

Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in January 2020, and was fully updated in August 2022 for your reading pleasure.

Liked it? Try these on for size:

The ultimate guide to the zaanse schans: visiting the windmills of holland, hiking around the zaanstreek: 9 perfect walks in the ultimate dutch region, 19 of the very best things to do in the veluwe in 2024, what do you think, 13 comments.

”You will spot the train conductors in advance, as they do not wear casual clothes, but rather the uniform of the NS (red and navy)”

This is not correct. I’ve been checked by plain clothes ticket inspectors several times, most recently this very evening during the peak hour (Ams-Schiphol route). Guy wore blue jeans and a sweatshirt, his female partner had a bomber jacket.

You forgot to mention that there are multiple companies that operate on the Dutch railways. When you for example change from the NS to Blauwnet (another operator). You need check out, at a NS pole and then check-in at a blauwnet pole. Although the poles are next to each other I find this the most annoying thing about the Dutch trains. The NS app will display if you need to check out and check in. Also don’t forget the OV-fiets (bike) which you can rent at a lot of train stations for just 3,85. You do however need a personal transport card.

I’ve visited several times and never knew about checking in or validating my ticket. Could it be that I bought it at the counter already validated? It’s also important to know what class ticket you bought so you know what car you can board, correct?

Can u break your journey for few hours and continue with same ticket?

With a personal card you are able to rent a bike at the station: great for city trips!

I bought a first class ticket, how do I know which car is first class? Also, do I take my suitcase to my seat with me?

Hi Beth! The numbers 1 and 2 are plastered on the outside of all NS trains and you can see the numbers 1 and 2 on plaques inside each car to indicate first or second class seats 🙂 You can take your suitcase to your seat and you can also stow your suitcases above the seats if it’s small enough.

I’ve been looking for information as to why our day return tickets this afternoon were valid to get on the train back to our hostel, but invalid when we got to our destination. My family and I couldn’t get out of the station with our tickets! There were no NS employees that we could find to help us and we ended up sneaking out.

I would like to know why there are no trains from Venlo to Dusseldorf on Sunday 13th August 2023 until after 10.00pm. Why this level of Sunday Service?

I see that the e-tickets require a name. From the machine is that needed, or is it just who holds the ticket? I ask because we don’t have a finalised list of who will be travelling until possibly the morning we go to Amsterdam from Rotterdam.

Let’s just take a second to talk about “tap in and tap out”. The readers are SUPPOSED to be able to read your card. They don’t always and IT SUCKS!!! There is NO option to swipe your card. Also you have to pay to relieve yourself. That is IF the dumb ass reader will read your card. It is a mostly good system that SUCKS BADLY when these readers don’t detect your card. It’s a fail for me.

We will be traveling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam in a few weeks by train to catch our cruise ship. We (3 of us) will each have a large suit case and a carry on. Is there plenty of space on these trains to stow our luggage during the journey? Do we need to do First class for more room. It’s the only time we will be using the train system while there.

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Travel to the Netherlands for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in the Netherlands and how to get one if you do.

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Dutch embassy or immigration authorities .

Entry requirements

If you’re going to the Netherlands to work (or any other  EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements .

Netherlands is in the Schengen area . If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Dutch authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Dutch embassy or immigration authorities  before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport , visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in the Netherlands. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Dutch embassy or immigration authorities .

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in the Netherlands, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Dutch authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit for the following activities if their combined duration is no more than 13 weeks in a 52-week period:

• attending job interviews
• attending trade fairs
• board meetings
• business meetings with clients or customers (including entertainment such as eating at a restaurant)
• meeting contractors or sellers of products or services you’re reviewing or fact-finding
• negotiating, signing or executing deals or contracts
• team building activities to get to know the company’s culture
• attending, speaking or presenting at a conference if you’re not being paid
• leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

You do not need a visa or permit for these activities if they’re for no more than 12 consecutive weeks in a 36-week period:

• receiving classroom-based training in the same company or company group, or in a clear training environment
• assembling or repairing hardware, machinery, or equipment on site, as long as the UK employer delivered the hardware to the customer
• installing, implementing or adjusting software, as long as the UK employer delivered the software to the customer
• providing end-user training for operating hardware or software, as long as the UK employer delivered the hardware or software
• receiving training or instructions on how to use goods manufactured in the Netherlands, or services to be performed in the Netherlands

EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

You do not need a visa or permit for the following activities if they’re for no more than 90 days in a 180-day period:

• sales and commercial transactions
• after-sales or after-lease services
• market research

These activities must not involve the sale of goods or services to the general public. As a business visitor for a short stay you must not receive a financial reward in your own name from a source within the Netherlands.

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver .

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter explaining your trip, or a plan for any training you’ll be doing

Check exemptions for the Netherlands

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

You do not need a visa if you’re travelling to the Netherlands for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities include:

• musicians and artists who are working in the Netherlands for a maximum of 6 continuous weeks in a 13-week period
• those with an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) from another country –your Dutch employer must notify the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (UWV)

These exemptions are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

• an assignment letter
• employment confirmation
• proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificates

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit check with the Dutch embassy or immigration authorities  before you travel.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Dutch embassy or immigration authorities .

Taking your family

You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you have a family and want them to join you. It depends on the type of permit you have.  Find out more about taking your family with you .

Work and residence permits

If you’re working in the Netherlands for less than 90 days, your Dutch employer or the host company in the Netherlands will need to apply for a work permit for you. A residence permit is not required if your stay is for less than 90 days.

If you work in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you will need both a residence and work permit or a combined residence and work permit (single permit). The combined residence and work permits can be valid for up to 5 years depending on which one you need.

You must apply for a permit if you’re in the Netherlands because you’re:

• transferring to a Dutch branch of a UK-based company
• working for a Dutch company on a Dutch employment contract
• providing services to a client in the Netherlands
• carrying out self-employed work
• a start-up entrepreneur
• conducting scientific research

Transferring to a Dutch branch of a UK-based company

You need one of these permits if your UK-based company moves you to a Dutch branch to work:

• EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) , for managers, specialists or trainees
• national intra-corporate transfer (ICT) , for trainees, company representatives or specialists
• intra-corporate transfer (ICT) (UK only) , based on the EU and UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT)

You need an intra-company transfer permit (ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in the Netherlands to work for:

• up to 3 years, if you’re a manager or specialist
• up to 1 year, if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• earn a salary in line with the  Dutch labour market
• have the appropriate educational qualifications for the role – trainees must have a Dutch master’s degree or an equivalent one from a university outside of the Netherlands
• have the required experience for the role
• have worked for the company abroad for at least 3 months (or 1 month for trainees)
• prove that you’re allowed to carry out your profession in the Netherlands if working in a regulated profession, for example if you’re a doctor or architect
• have employment terms and conditions at the level expected for your industry
• not have been previously transferred to the Netherlands on an EU ICT in the 6 months before you apply
• keep your UK employment contract

The branch in the Netherlands must not have been:

• created for the purpose of facilitating the transfer of employees into the EU
• fined for employing someone illegally or for not paying social security contributions 5 years before submitting the application

It can take 2 to 12 weeks to get an EU ICT. You cannot extend it beyond the 3 years, or 1 year if you’re a trainee.

If you have a family, they can join you with this permit type.  Find out more about taking your family with you .

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer submits a  residence permit application  and the  necessary documents  to the immigration office (IND).

You attend an appointment at the  IND  in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you’re living.

You collect your residence permit.

You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months
• degree or qualification certificate
• employment contract with your UK employer
• antecedents certificate  (declaration of no criminal record)
• proof that your professional qualifications are recognised if you work in a regulated profession
• copy of training agreement for trainees
• birth certificates for you and any dependants, if applying with family ( legalised with an apostille )
• marriage certificate, if married, or  certificate of non-impediment  for non-married partners, if applying with family ( legalised with an apostille )
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages, if applying with family ( legalised with an apostille )

National intra-corporate transfer (ICT)

If your assignment does not meet the criteria for an EU ICT you can apply for a national ICT if your UK-based company transfers you to a Dutch branch to work for:

• up to 3 years
• 1 year if you’re a trainee
• be a trainee, company representative or specialist
• hold the relevant educational or professional qualifications
• have specialist knowledge in your field
• be transferred to an organisation included in the  Dutch commercial register  (if required by law)
• not have been previously transferred to the Netherlands in the 6 months before you apply
• keep your UK employment contract The branch in the Netherlands must:
• not have been fined for employing someone illegally or for not paying social security contributions 5 years before submitting the application
• meet corporate conditions

It can take 8 to 12 weeks to get a national ICT. Its valid for up to 3 years, or up to 1 year if you’re a trainee. You can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type.  Find out more about taking your family with you .

Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

• passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months degree or qualification certificate
• assignment letter
• copy of master’s degree for trainees and the training agreement (with training programme description)
• marriage certificate, if married, or certificate of non-impediment for non-married partners, if applying with family ( legalised with an apostille )

Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) (UK only)

If your assignment does not meet the criteria for an EU ICT or a national ICT you can apply for an  ICT based on the EU-UK Trade Agreement .

You can apply for this residence permit if your UK-based company transfers you to a Dutch branch to work in the Netherlands.

To qualify, you must:

• have been employed with your employer in the UK for no less than 1 year if you’re a manager and specialist, and not less than 6 months if you’re a trainee
• not live in the Netherlands when you apply
• be transferred to a Dutch branch of your UK employer
• hold a university degree and have at least 3 years of professional experience
• be transferred to an organisation included in the Dutch commercial register  (if required by law)
• receive a salary that is in line with the average salaries in the Dutch labour market for the position

It can take 4 to 12 weeks to get this ICT. It’s valid for a up to 1 year and it cannot be extended.

Your employer submits a residence permit application  and the  necessary documents  to the immigration office (IND).

You register yourself on the  personal records database (BRP)  in the municipality where you’re living.

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, you will need:

• proof that your professional qualifications are recognised, if you work in a regulated profession
• copy of master’s degree and the training agreement with training program description, if you’re a trainee
• marriage certificate, if married, or certificate of non-impediment  for non-married partners, if applying with family ( legalised with an apostille )

Working for a Dutch company on a Dutch employment contract

You need a permit if you have an employment offer from a company in the Netherlands and you’re:

• a highly skilled migrant (HSMP)
• highly skilled and working in the Netherlands for at least 12 months (EU Blue Card)
• working in arts and culture
• working for an international non-profit organisation
• a mass media correspondent

Residence permit for highly skilled migrants

To qualify for this residence permit you must:

• have an offer of employment from a company, or research institution in the Netherlands, listed in the  Public Register of Recognised Sponsors
• be on Dutch payroll
• meet income requirements

A residence permit for highly skilled migrants can take 2 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 5 years and you can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

• employment contract with your Dutch employer

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card residence permit you must be highly skilled and:

• have an offer of employment from a company in the Netherlands for at least 6 months
• have a 3-year university degree – if it’s from outside the Netherlands it must be evaluated by Nuffic  (Dutch organisation for education)
• have proof that you’re allowed to carry out your profession in the Netherlands if working in a regulated profession, for example if you’re a doctor or architect

The Dutch branch must not have been fined 5 years before submitting your application for:

• employing someone illegally
• not paying social security contributions

An EU Blue Card can take 2 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 3 months longer than your employment contract, up to a maximum of 4 years. You can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

Your employer submits a  residence permit EU Blue Card application  and the  necessary documents  to the immigration office (IND).

• degree or qualification certificate – certified copy if you have a Dutch degree, or a copy plus the original degree evaluation from Nuffic  (Dutch organisation for education) if it’s not Dutch
• payslips for the past 3 months (if available)
• proof that you’re allowed to carry out your profession in the Netherlands if working in a regulated profession, for example if you’re a doctor or architect
• an employer’s declaration
• declaration by your employment sponsor for non-recognised sponsors

Specific occupations in art and culture

To qualify for a residence permit for paid employment in specific occupations in art and culture you must:

• work in dance, classical music, opera, musicals, theatre, stage or cultural workshops
• secure work that’s listed in  ‘specific occupations in arts and culture’
• be part of an organisation included in the  Dutch commercial register  (if required by law)
• meet the income requirements

You will not need a residence permit if you’re staying for less than 6 consecutive weeks.

It takes up to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

Your employer submits a  residence permit application  to the immigration office (IND).

• employment contract with a Dutch employer

Work for an international non-profit organisation

You need to apply for a single permit if you want to work for an international non-profit organisation in the Netherlands. This is a combined work and residence permit.

• be an employee of an established company in the Netherlands or a Dutch branch of a non-Dutch company which is included in the  Dutch commercial register  (if required by law)
• work for an organisation that’s established in multiple countries and has at least 50 full-time employees on permanent employment contracts
• have a managerial or specialist position that requires at least a university degree
• make sure the employment period is for no more than 3 years
• earn at least the  minimum wage of a 21-year-old employee  (this amount changes every 6 months)

This permit takes up to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. It cannot lead to permanent residency.

Your employer submits a  single permit application  and the  necessary documents  to the immigration office (IND).

• employer’s declaration

Mass media correspondent

To qualify for a residence permit for mass media correspondents you must:

• work as a correspondent for a UK-based mass-media company

It takes up to 12 weeks to get. How long it’s valid for is based on the length of your employment contract or assignment. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

Providing services to a client in the Netherlands

If you work for a non-Dutch company and are providing services to a Dutch client you need one of these permits:

• residence permit for work covered by the international trade regulation  – if you’re working temporarily on a specific project and do not qualify for the EU ICT
• single permit if you’re supplying goods  by or to a non-Dutch (‘foreign’) company, or assembling or repairing equipment for a non-Dutch company

Permit for work covered by the international trade regulation

Under the  international trade regulation  a company can hire employees from other countries to work on a specific project temporarily in the Netherlands for more than 90 days.

The project can be a collaboration, partnership or agreement for the delivery of goods or services between a non-Dutch company and Dutch company.

This permit takes up to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for the length of the project, up to 3 years.

If you have a family they may not be able to get dependant visas with this permit type. They may be able to visit you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver .

Your employer submits the project to the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (UWV)  for approval.

Your employer submits a notification to the UWV.

You attend an appointment at the immigration office (IND) in the Netherlands to submit your  residence permit application , the  necessary documents  and your biometric information.

• passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months project approval from the UWV

Supply of goods by or to a non-Dutch (‘foreign’) company

You need a ‘single permit’ (work and residence permit) if your work in the Netherlands relates to the  supply of goods by a non-Dutch company . This includes the assembling, or repairing of equipment for a non-Dutch company.

• meet income requirements , with a wage that’s in line with Dutch market conditions and at least the  minimum wage of a 21-year-old employee
• be part of an organisation included in the  Dutch commercial register , if required by law
• be responsible for assembling and repairing tools, machines, equipment or software, supplied by your UK employer
• be working with goods manufactured in the UK
• have worked for your employer for more than 1 year
• have specific knowledge of the supply of goods This single permit takes 12 to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you cannot extend it.
• completed and signed form on page 53 (Bijlage Gegevens bij levering door of aan een buitenlands bedrijf)

Self-employed work

If you’re self-employed, you need one of these permits:

• residence permit for self-employed work , based on national legislation
• residence permit for self-employed work (UK only) , based on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Residence permit for self-employed work

To qualify for a residence permit for self-employed work  you must:

• carry out work that’s of vital interest to the Dutch economy and unique to the Netherlands (assessed by the  Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)   using a scoring system
• be on the  Dutch commercial register
• meet legal requirements for running your business or carrying out your profession, for example having the necessary licences
• meet income requirements , which should be clear from your commercial strategy
• have one or more contracts in the Netherlands that you plan to carry out
• be registered in the  BIG-register  if you’re a medic

The residence permit for self-employment takes 12 to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it as long as you have enough income, or means from your self-employed work, to support yourself. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

You submit a  residence permit application  and the  necessary documents  to the immigration office (IND) by post or in person if you’re already in the Netherlands.

• declaration of income of self-employed person
• business portfolio for self-employed commercial activities – this should consist of a business plan and proof you have the required personal experience and that the commercial activities performed are of a vital interest to the Dutch economy
• Netherlands Chamber of Commerce registration

Residence permit for self-employed work (UK only)

If you do not qualify for the standard residence permit you may be able to apply for a  residence permit based on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) .

• be established as self-employed in the UK
• have a contract for a period of no more than 12 months - the contract must not be agreed through a placement or personnel services agency
• have at least 6 years’ professional experience in your professional area, have a university degree or a qualification showing that you have the equivalent knowledge and the professional qualifications legally required to do your job
• work in one of the sectors described in annex 22 (or ‘SERVIN-4’) of the TCA agreement

You must not have an establishment in the Netherlands.

The permit is valid for up to 1 year and it cannot be extended.

As this is a new work permit, the exact process has not yet been confirmed. You will need to check with the Dutch authorities .

• business portfolio for self-employed commercial activities – this should consist of a business plan and proof you have the required personal experience
• your work contract in the Netherlands

Start-up entrepreneurs

You need a  ‘residence permit as start-up’  if you want to start a business in the Netherlands as a start-up entrepreneur.

• have an innovative product or service
• have a  step-by-step business plan
• have  sufficient financial resources  to sustain living and working in the Netherlands
• have a partnership with a reliable and experienced facilitator

Your facilitator must:

• have knowledge and proven experience in supervising innovative start-ups
• be economically sound – must not be insolvent, bankrupt or have negative equity
• not have a substantial interest in the start-up company
• not be a family member up to 3 generations (for example, child, parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle)
• have a deputy within the start-up
• be approved by the Netherlands enterprise agency (RVO) – they assess whether facilitators meet the conditions and maintain the list of facilitators

This permit takes 12 to 16 weeks to get and is valid for up to 1 year.

If the start-up is considered to be economically viable by the RVO you can apply for a self-employment permit after a year. You must then meet the conditions of the self-employment permit .

You submit a residence permit application  and the  necessary documents  to the  Dutch embassy or consulate , or your facilitator submits it to the immigration office (IND) in the Netherlands, in person, by post or online.

You attend an appointment at the  IND  in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit your biometric information once your application has been approved.

• business plan drawn-up with the facilitator and approved by the Netherlands enterprise agency (RVO)
• proof that you have sufficient funds

Scientific research work

You need a residence permit for scientific research if you want to work for a recognised research institution in the Netherlands. The Dutch employer can apply for it on your behalf.

• work as a paid scientific researcher or doctoral candidate, or as an unpaid researcher or doctoral candidate with a grant
• carry out research at a scientific research institution which is accredited by the IND  and has approved your research project
• have a higher education degree required for PhD study
• have a Dutch employment contract or hosting agreement with the research organisation

The residence permit for scientific research takes 2 to 8 weeks to get.

It’s valid for the same length of time as the employment contract up to 5 years. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

Your employer or you can submit a  residence permit application  and the  necessary documents . Your employer submits it to the immigration office (IND). You need to submit it to the  Dutch consulate or embassy .

• hosting agreement or appointment contract between the you (the researcher) and the research organisation
• proof of income, such as payslips

Dutch government guidance

Read official Dutch government information on visas, work permits and residence permits .

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for the Netherlands , for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Updates to this page

Hyperlinks updated to offer English-language versions of webpages.

Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

Added description of Nuffic, the Dutch organisation for Education. Updated link to Dutch Chamber of Commerce. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

Content reviewed. Minor changes made for clarity. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

Content reviewed. No changes made. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

Added 2 new permits 'Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) (UK only)' and 'Residence permit for self-employed work (UK only)'.

First published.

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