Orientation briefing: Netherlands

Orientation briefing: Netherlands1 / 15

Overview

Alert levelNo general travel restrictionOfficial advice updated on 11 August 2026 (FCDO)

15open jobs

8organisations hiring

0violent events in 3 months

Region: Europe

To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.

The country in its region

Orientation briefing: Netherlands2 / 15

Socio-political and economic situation

History and context

The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1581; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After 18 years of French domination, the Netherlands regained its independence in 1813. In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I but suffered German invasion and occupation in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU) and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. In 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands -- Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba -- became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In 2018, the Sint Eustatius island council (governing body) was dissolved and replaced by a government commissioner to restore the integrity of public administration. According to the Dutch Government, the intervention will be as "short as possible and as long as needed."

Political system

parliamentary constitutional monarchy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

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Ethnic groups, languages, religions

Ethnic groups

Dutch 75.4%, EU (excluding Dutch) 6.4%, Turkish 2.4%, Moroccan 2.4%, Surinamese 2.1%, Indonesian 2%, other 9.3% (2021 est.)

Languages

Dutch (official), Frisian (official in Fryslan province)

Religions

Roman Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.8% (includes Dutch Reformed, Protestant Church of The Netherlands, Calvinist), Muslim 5%, other 5.9% (includes Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish), none 54.1% (2019 est.)

Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).

Orientation briefing: Netherlands4 / 15

Economy and society

Economic overview

high-income, core EU- and eurozone-member economy; strong services, logistics, and tech sectors; strongly trade-oriented with heightened risks from global tensions; declining inflation aided by easing energy prices and wage growth; rising but manageable deficits and public debt; strong ratings for innovation, competitiveness, and business climate

18.1 MPopulation2025

95.9 %Urban population2025

$73,684GDP per capita2025

1.8 %GDP growth2025

3.2 %Inflation2025

0.1 %Extreme poverty (international line)2021

3.9 %Unemployment2025

97 %Internet users2024

100 %Access to electricity2024

Refugees and displaced people

283,935refugees hosted2025

49,662asylum seekers2025

338refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025

4,134stateless people2025

Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.

Orientation briefing: Netherlands5 / 15

Arms bearers

Armed and security forces

Netherlands (Dutch) Armed Forces (Nederlandse Krijgsmacht): Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Military Constabulary) (2025)

Designated terrorist groups

Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)

Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.

Orientation briefing: Netherlands6 / 15

Warnings and insurance

UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.

Check separate travel advice pages for advice on travel to the constituent countries and special municipalities in the Dutch Caribbean.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

see general advice for women travellers
read our guide on disability and travel abroad
see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
read about safety for solo and independent travel
see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Follow FCDO:  

Orientation briefing: Netherlands7 / 15

Recent security

Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.

No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.

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Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Netherlands

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Netherlands.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common, particularly in central Amsterdam and around Amsterdam Central Station. Thieves often operate in gangs on the trains and trams to and from Schiphol airport and Central Station. One thief distracts you while another steals your bag. Sleeping on trains can make you an easy target.

Thieves enter restaurants on the pretext of selling something or looking for someone. They steal bags while people are distracted.

You should:

keep sight of your luggage and belongings – especially when checking into hotels
keep valuables securely on your person
avoid hanging bags or jackets on the back of a chair in restaurants
avoid falling asleep in public or on public transport

Fake police scams

Amsterdam police have warned of criminals using false police identities to trick tourists into handing over cash and credit cards. They will usually say that it is part of an investigation into counterfeit money or false credit cards. Be very cautious about any approaches.

Genuine plain-clothes police will rarely carry out this type of inspection. Dutch police do not have shiny badges, which the fake police sometimes present as ID.

Call 0900 8844 to contact the nearest police station if you are unsure whether a police person is genuine.

Drug sellers

Avoid confrontation with anyone offering you drugs. Stay away from quiet or dark alleys, particularly late at night.

Drink spiking

There is a risk of drink spiking, particularly for young women and solo travellers. Do not leave your drink unattended. If you are in a group, make sure you stay together.

If you think your drink has been spiked, seek immediate medical help and contact the police.

Organised crime

There are regular incidents of violent crime among organised crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, particularly in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and other large cities. Confrontations between rival gangs have led to violent incidents including shootings, stabbings, and use of homemade explosives.

The risk mostly affects those involved in drug crime, but there is always the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Remain vigilant if you suspect illegal activity. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Anyone aged 14 or over must always be able to show identification. British nationals should use their passport as ID. Dual nationals can show a Dutch driving licence, Dutch passport or identity card.

For people aged 16 or over who fail to comply with the requirement to identify themselves, the fine is 100 euros. For persons aged 14 and 15, the fine is 50 euros.

Illegal drugs

The Netherlands has a reputation for being tolerant on the use of ‘soft drugs’, such as cannabis. However, drug use is only tolerated in designated premises in the major cities. Buying or possessing prohibited drugs and substances outside of designated areas, including when transiting through airports, is illegal and can result in a prison sentence.

Airports in Netherlands have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Smoking soft drugs in public places is illegal. There are specific cafés where it is legal to purchase and use cannabis in limited quantities and under strict conditions.

The sale of dry and fresh psychoactive mushrooms is illegal. However, the truffle (sclerotium) form of psychoactive (psilocybin) mushrooms is not covered under Dutch law (Opium Act) and is still sold in regulated ‘smart shops’.

Be extremely careful as mixing alcohol, cannabis and wild mushrooms can be fatal.

Canal laws and dangers

Every year people drown in the canals of Amsterdam and in canals elsewhere in the Netherlands. The majority of drownings happen after heavy drinking or smoking cannabis. Take care when walking beside canals.

If police catch you swimming in the Amsterdam canals, they will fine you 160 euros. They will also fine you for urinating in the canals.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in the Netherlands, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Netherlands guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can drive in the Netherlands on a UK driving licence. Always carry your:

driving licence
insurance documents
vehicle documents
photo ID such as a passport or residence permit

If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you, you may need written permission from the registered owner. You are not allowed to drive on a provisional licence.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you’re living in the Netherlands, check the driving requirements for residents.

Driving regulations

Traffic offences can carry heavy, on-the-spot fines. If you pay a fine, always ask for a receipt.

Watch out for trams. They have priority over other traffic. You must stop if a tram or a bus stops in the middle of the road to let passengers on and off.

Speed cameras, speed traps and unmarked vehicles are widely used. Motorway speed limits can vary. You must follow overhead illuminated lane indicators when in use.

Look out for cyclists and mopeds, who have right of way over motor vehicles and often ignore road traffic rules and red lights.

Pedestrian safety

Be on the look-out for cyclists, mopeds and trams when crossing roads, especially on zebra crossings. If you do not use marked crossings on roads, you could be fined for jaywalking.

Cycle paths are busy and cyclists ride at speed.

Orientation briefing: Netherlands9 / 15

Health

Health indicators

82yearsLife expectancy2024

3.9per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024

4per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023

3.88per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022

100 %Basic drinking water access2024

Health risks and precautions (official advice)

Before you travel check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

check the latest vaccine recommendations for the Netherlands
see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in the Netherlands, including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.

Healthcare in the Netherlands

FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Netherlands where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in the Netherlands, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

how to apply for a GHIC
how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

changes to travel and accommodation bookings
additional standard costs for treatment
medical repatriation to the UK
treatment that is ruled non-urgent
private healthcare
private clinics
prescription charges

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Netherlands.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.

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Entry and visas

Your nationality

For other nationalities:

Visa-free (68): Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela
Visa to apply for at the embassy before travel (103): Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)

Work visa and humanitarian permit

A tourist visa does not allow you to work: your organisation usually applies for a work or mission visa, with an invitation letter and the NGO's registration with the authorities.
It often takes several weeks: have a passport valid for at least 6 months, photos, diplomas, contract and international vaccination certificate ready.
United Nations staff travel on the laissez-passer with an official visa requested by the agency.

Detailed entry requirements (FCDO, for British travellers)

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the Netherlands’ current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Netherlands set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Netherlands Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

The Netherlands follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes the Netherlands, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

as a tourist
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
or for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in the Netherlands are different.

If you are travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

Read about entry processes if you live in the Netherlands.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Dutch government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need on the Dutch government website.

If you’re in the Netherlands with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

New Schengen entry requirements

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. 

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration. 

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken. 

You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.

EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK. 

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.

Temporary border controls

Netherlands has introduced additional entry checks until 8 June 2026. Checks may be carried out on major roads leading into Netherlands, international trains and on intra-Schengen flights. See information from Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.

Border controls at Germany’s borders

A temporary reintroduction of border controls are currently in place at Germany’s borders. If you are planning to enter Germany from Netherlands, see information from The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community.

Border controls at Belgium’s borders

Belgium has introduced additional entry checks until December 2025. Checks may be carried out on major roads leading into Belgium, motorway car parks, international bus services, international trains and on intra-Schengen flights. Checks may involve verifying travel documents and identification, as well as screening for illegal substances. In Belgium you must carry your passport with you at all times.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Netherlands guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Netherlands. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the Netherlands

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into the Netherlands

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Orientation briefing: Netherlands11 / 15

Humanitarian coordination

Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.

Global directory of NGO forums (ICVA)

Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.

Orientation briefing: Netherlands12 / 15

Humanitarians on the ground

Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:

MSF · 5Mercy Corps · 2INSO · 2ICMP · 2HCR · 1ONU · 1Hivos · 1CyberPeace · 1

See jobs in Netherlands Tenders ↗Train in field security

Orientation briefing: Netherlands13 / 15