Netherlands
About Netherlands
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Dutch |
| Capital | Amsterdam |
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe, between Belgium and Germany and the North Sea. The population is about 16 million people. Amsterdam, the capital, is the largest city, and The Hague is the seat of government. The Hague is sometimes referred to as the legal capital of the world.
The government is a hereditary constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. A queen is the chief of state and a prime minister is the head of government.
The Netherlands is a low-lying country with about 20 per cent of its area located below sea level. Large areas of land have been reclaimed from the sea and preserved, and most of the country is very flat.
Although the Dutch are considered a conservative people, they are recognised for liberal policies and social tolerance values. Visitors to the Netherlands can enjoy many things the country is known for, such as windmills, dikes, canals, cheeses, and museums. The Netherlands are also famous for the old Dutch Masters, and for their tulips and bulb flowers which are exported all over the world.
Recommended Vaccinations For Netherlands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in the Netherlands or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For Netherlands
There are no recommendations for Netherlands at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Netherlands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a low risk of hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
There is a low risk of hepatitis B.
For Some Travellers
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. Cases have been reported in the provinces of Utrecht and Overijssel. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in the Netherlands and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Safety & Security in Netherlands
Personal Safety
Most travellers have no safety issues when visiting the Netherlands. Violent crime in the Netherlands rarely occurs, however, petty crime, such as pick pocketing, is common. Ensure valuables are kept safe and avoid carrying large sums of money. Theft of passports and other valuables occurs frequently from hostels in Amsterdam. Travellers should be aware that robberies by those who operate in gangs occur frequently on trains to and from Schiphol Airport and the Central Station and other public transportation. A disturbance or an attempt to distract you, such as asking directions, might be an attempt to draw your attention away from your belongings. Keep your luggage and other belongings in sight at all times.
There have been reports of drink spiking. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
By law, anyone from the age of 14 and over must always be able to show a valid form of identification. 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. Drugs are illegal and drug use is only tolerated in designated premises in the major cities. Buying or possessing prohibited drugs and substances outside of designated areas, is illegal and can result in a prison sentence.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations and strikes sometimes occur in larger cities. Large gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided as they can become violent without warning.
