Checklist for travelling to the Netherlands

You need to have a valid travel document in order to enter the Netherlands. This can be an identity card (for travel within Europe) or a passport. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa. Are you a national of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland? Then you must hold a passport or travel document issued within the last 10 years. Your travel document must also be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. Any children travelling with you must have their own, valid travel document.

Check the Schengen Visa Advisor to see whether you need a visa to come to the Netherlands. Find out how to apply for a visa on the short-stay Schengen visa page.

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

You must bring a valid driving licence with you if you plan to drive a (rental) car or motorcycle in the Netherlands. Check if your driving licence is valid in the Netherlands.

There are restrictions on what items are allowed as luggage. Additional rules apply to certain goods like paintings, furniture and products of animal origin. On the Customs website you can find an overview of products for which additional rules apply.

Make sure you have enough of any medicines you use to last your whole trip, including some extra if you need or want to stay a little longer.

You are allowed to bring most medicines with you as long as you can show that they are for your own use. Make sure you read the rules and restrictions on bringing medicines with you. Strong painkillers and sedatives fall under the Opium Act. You can only bring these medicines with you to the Netherlands if you have an official medication certificate. You may also need to get this certificate legalised. Check with the local authorities in your country of departure what the rules are for taking medicines with you.

Do not bring illegal drugs with you to the Netherlands and do not take them with you when you leave. These are criminal offences.

You need a licence or an exemption to bring weapons and ammunition – including replicas – with you to the Netherlands. Read more about travelling with weapons, ammunition and explosives on the Customs website.

Read the rules on bringing your pet with you to the Netherlands.

If you need the emergency services while you are in the Netherlands, dial 112. Save the number in your phone before your trip.

You do not need to have any compulsory vaccinations before coming to the Netherlands.

If you need medical care while you are in the Netherlands, you can go to a doctor or a hospital. Check that your health or travel insurance covers these medical expenses.

Make sure you have enough of any medicines you use to last your whole trip, including some extra if you need or want to stay a little longer.

You are allowed to bring most medicines with you as long as you can show that they are for your own use. Make sure you read the rules and restrictions on bringing in medicines. Strong painkillers and sedatives fall under the Opium Act. You can only bring these medicines with you to the Netherlands if you have an official medication certificate. You may also need to get this certificate legalised.

Taking out insurance

Take out good travel insurance that covers unforeseen expenses if you have to go home early due to an accident, illness or death of a close relative or family member.

Phone number

Save your insurer’s emergency assistance number in your phone.

Sufficient funds

Take sufficient funds with you. This means having enough money to deal with unforeseen situations, like a delayed flight. To be allowed to enter the Netherlands, you must have at least €55 per person per day for the duration of your stay. Citizens of Schengen or EU countries do not have to prove that they have this money, even if they enter the Netherlands from a non-EU country.

Paying in the Netherlands

The currency used in the Netherlands is the euro (€). You can exchange money in the Netherlands. Bring different payment methods with you besides cash. For example, a direct debit card or credit card.

If you are bringing more than €10,000 in cash with you to the Netherlands, you must declare this to Customs.

Debit card

 Ask your bank if you can use your debit card in the Netherlands. Some banks only enable international payments at the customer’s request.

Phone number

Save your bank’s phone number in your phone, so that you can block your bank card if it is lost or stolen.

Avoid high phone bills. Ask your provider how much they charge for making phone calls and using data in the Netherlands.

Public holidays

On public holidays, shops and museums have different hours or are closed. See the list of public holidays in the Netherlands.

Identification

In the Netherlands you must always carry a valid identity document with you. The authorities, such as the police, can ask for your identity document under the Compulsory Identification Act. So always have your passport or national ID card on your person.

Tell family and friends at home about your travel plans and make arrangements on how you will stay in touch or can be contacted.

Copies of important documents

Make photocopies of your travel documents, credit card and insurance papers, and save these in a secure place (online or offline).

Telephone

• Give family and friends at home your mobile phone’s IMEI number. In case of emergencies your provider will be able to trace or block your phone.
• Save your contact person’s phone number in case of emergency.