What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Netherlands, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 11 August 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 9 August 2024
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 29 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Editorial change
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in the Netherlands” of the UK government's travel advice for Netherlands, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Netherlands, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
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.
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.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Netherlands, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
The UK government's travel advice for Netherlands has no section on this topic. Read the full advice on GOV.UK.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Netherlands.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.