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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All corona measures for travelling (back) to the Netherlands have been lifted. You do no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a corona test upon entry.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
The Netherlands is a country that can be visited year-round. However, the best time to visit is between late spring and early fall (May to September). The weather is warm, the days are bright, with daylight increasing to 16.5 hours in the summer, and the humidity levels are low. That said, there is always rain to anticipate (though it’s moderate), and there are crowds of like-minded tourists to contend with at popular attractions.
Come the winter, the days are short and cold, and the nights colder yet with the mercury occasionally dropping below freezing. October to March is the windiest and cloudiest time of year, where the northwest is the windiest and the northeast is the coldest.
The best time to travel is year-round.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Netherlands |
| Capital City: | Amsterdam |
| International Airports: | To name but a few. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam, The Hague Airport, Groningen Airport Eelde |
| Area: | 41 543 km² |
| Population: | 17,53 million (2021) |
| Time Zone: | GMT+1 |
| Religion: | More than half (55%) of Dutch people aged 15 years and over are not religious. In 2020, census indicated that of the remaining 45% of the population: 20% of the Dutch population belonged to the Catholic Church, 14% were Protestant, 5% percent Muslim and 6% percent belonged to another religious group. |
| Language: | Dutch |
| Currency: | Euro |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Even though Master and Visa cards are accepted, please note that many stores may decline the use of a credit card. Please always ensure that you also have cash available. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Finding an ATM will be no problem in towns and cities in the Netherlands – just look in or near bank branches, shopping centres and supermarkets. However, if you’re headed to somewhere more rural it’s always a good idea to take some cash with you, as ATM access could be more limited. |
| Dialling Code: | +31 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | The standard Dutch electricity voltage is 220V (50Hz). |
| Water: | Tap water is safe to drink. |
| Business Hours: | 08:00 – 17:00/18:00 Monday – Friday |
| Banking Hours: | 09:00 – 17:00/17:30 Monday – Friday. Only major banks and post offices are open on Saturday. |
| Photography Restrictions: | Albeit that you can take pictures in the “Red Light’ district, you are NOT allowed to take pictures of the sex workers. Please respect their privacy! |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not compulsory but always appreciated, especially if the service is good. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | None. Please be aware of Covid related restrictions |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Like much of Europe there isn’t really a dress code in the Netherlands. Jeans, T-shirts, sweaters and comfortable but attractive shoes will take you anywhere. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | Gifting: If you are invited to a Dutch home, it is customary to bring a gift for the host or hostess. The most acceptable gifts include flowers (preferable an odd number and never thirteen), a book, quality chocolates, or a potted plant, Greetings: If you don’t know someone yet or have a more formal relationship with them, you shake hands upon greeting and departing. If you have a close bond with them, kiss them on the cheek three times, starting with the left. Among themselves, men usually shake hands; not every man will be open to being kissed by a man, even if they do know you well. A simple ‘Hallo’ is a good greeting for most situations. |
FESTIVALS
- The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) (Maastricht)
- Keukenhof Flower Gardens (Lisse)
- King’s Day (Nationwide)
- National Mill Day (Nationwide)
- Holland Festival (Amsterdam)
- Rotterdam Summer Carnival (Rotterdam)
- Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival (Scheveningen)
- Gay Pride Amsterdam (Amsterdam)
- Sneekweek Sailing Regatta (Sneek)
- Netherlands Film Festival (Utrecht)
- Sinterklaasintocht (Nationwide)
- International Documentary Film Festival (Amsterdam)
- Magical Maastricht (Masstricht)
- Flower Parade (Bloemencorso)
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise (Amsterdam)
- New Year’s Dive (Nationwide)
- International Film Festival (Rotterdam)
- Redhead Day (Roodharigenda)
- Carnival (Nationwide)
- Amsterdam Canal Festival (Amsterdam)
MAP
“I love Amsterdam. The city is vibrant and alive. It’s fresh and so open. It’s definitely one of my favourite places.”
– Stefon Harris