Netherlands
Western Europe • NLD
Last updated: October 5, 2026
The Netherlands is a charming country famous for its flat landscapes, historic windmills, and picturesque canal cities. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant culture that seamlessly blends centuries-old art and architecture with modern, forward-thinking urban design.
Visa Requirements
The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from the Schengen area
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay
- Travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 euros
- Evidence of return or onward travel
Popular Attractions
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam houses an extensive collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world's largest flower gardens, famous for its breathtaking annual display of millions of blooming tulips.
Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a unique collection of 19 authentic 18th-century windmills.
The Anne Frank House provides a moving and educational experience, allowing visitors to explore the secret annex where Anne Frank hid during World War II.
Giethoorn, often called the Venice of the North, is a car-free village renowned for its beautiful canals, wooden bridges, and traditional thatched-roof farmhouses.
Local Customs & Etiquette
The Dutch are known for their direct communication style, which is considered a sign of honesty rather than rudeness.
It is common to greet people with three kisses on the cheek in social settings, though a firm handshake is also perfectly acceptable.
Punctuality is highly valued in the Netherlands, and being on time for appointments or dinner reservations is expected.
Cycling is a way of life, and pedestrians should always be careful not to walk in designated bike lanes to avoid accidents.
Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving about 5 to 10 percent is standard for good service.
Safety Tips
Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas like Amsterdam Central Station and Red Light District; keep your belongings secure at all times.
Always lock your bicycle properly to a fixed object, as bicycle theft is unfortunately very common in major cities.
Only buy cannabis or related products in licensed 'coffeeshops' and avoid street dealers entirely.
Be aware of your surroundings when walking at night in unfamiliar areas, though the country is generally very safe.
Make sure to purchase travel insurance that covers emergency medical care and potential theft of personal items.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (such as influenza)
Source: CDC
Travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Adult travelers should have a Tdap booster every 10 years.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing to protect against insect bites where ticks or other vectors may be present.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Maintain standard food and water precautions to prevent diarrheal diseases.
Tap water in the Netherlands is generally safe to drink.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
General precautions to prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in the Netherlands.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, particularly if you might have sexual contact with a new partner or get a medical procedure.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those who may be exposed to contaminated food or water.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease in forested or grassy areas.
Use repellent, wear long sleeves, and check for ticks.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Practice food and water safety to prevent gastrointestinal infections.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers who may be exposed through food or water.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the Netherlands. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the Netherlands.
Sex and Travel - CDC Yellow Book
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: CDC
Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers, especially those who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water, or who plan on eating street food.
Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book Vaccine dosing information - Hep A
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Considered for travelers who might have exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Rabies
Source: CDC
Considered for those involved in outdoor activities or contact with animals.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers who might have sexual contact with new partners or get a tattoo or piercing.
View sourceTick-borne encephalitis
Source: CDC
Recommended for individuals spending significant time outdoors in endemic areas.
Risk is primarily in certain forested areas during warmer months.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor or animal-related activities (e.g., camping, hiking, caving).
View sourceCOVID-19 precautions
Source: CDC
Stay updated with vaccination and safety guidelines related to COVID-19.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Consider vaccination if you plan to eat or drink in areas where sanitation is in doubt.
View sourceTick-borne Encephalitis vaccination
Source: CDC
Avoid bug bites to reduce the risk of tick-borne encephalitis.
Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: CDC
Consider rabies pre-exposure vaccination if you will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Rabies - CDC Yellow Book
View source