Valid driving licence

Personal belongings

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.

Medicines

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.

Illegal drugs

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

Weapons

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.

Pets

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

Emergency services

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

Vaccinations

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

Health insurance

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.

Medicines

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.

Mobile phone and roaming

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.

The home front

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