Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[31] (70) 310-2209; US Embassy The Hague, John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar The Hague; AmsterdamUSC@state.gov; https://nl.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

31

Local Emergency Phone

112

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Currency (Code)

Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages

Dutch

Major Religions

Roman Catholic 23.6%, Protestant 14.9%, Muslim 5.1%, other 5.6% (includes Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish), none 50.7%

Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries of the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC -4

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Amsterdam (includes Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Westerkerk, Anne Frank House, Floating Tulip Museum, Sloten Windmill); Windmills of Kinderdijk; Hoge Veluwe National Park; Towns of the Ijsselmeer (Zuiderzee); Zeeland's Delta Works

Major Sports

Soccer, field hockey, speed skating, cycling

Cultural Practices

Not making direct eye contact is often considered strange or impolite. People in the Netherlands have a great respect for privacy.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is expected in restaurants for good or exceptional service. Tip 10% of the bill. At hotels, tipping is not expected since service charges are generally factored into the bill, but you may leave a few euros for good service. Round up taxi fares.

Souvenirs

Tulips/tulip bulbs, wooden clogs, blue Delft-ware, chocolate, cheese, glass/crystal, windmill themed items

Traditional Cuisine

Stamppot — potatoes mashed with sauerkraut, endive, kale, turnips, or other vegetable and cooked in a pot; usually served with smoked sausage on the side

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Thursday, March 28, 2024