Published: December 13, 2024
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Netherlands Travel Advisory and Netherlands Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy The Hague
John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar, The Hague.
Tel: +31(0)20 575 5309 (24/7)
Hours: 0815 – 1630, Monday – Friday
U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam
Museumplein 19, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
Tel: +31(0)20-575-5309
After-hours emergencies: +31 070-310-2209
OSAC Country Chapter
The Netherlands hosts the oldest continuously active OSAC chapter in the world. For more information, contact TheHagueOSAC@state.gov.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Netherlands Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to terrorism.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed The Hague and Amsterdam as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Netherlands.
While the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are often targeted by pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves that are active in and around train, tram, and metro stations in city centers and aboard public transportation, especially to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) and neighboring countries.
Visitors and temporary residents of the major cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are vulnerable to targeting due to their unfamiliarity with their surroundings and the tactics of local criminals. Thieves often work in pairs: one distracts you, often by asking for directions, while the other moves in on your unguarded property. City centers and commonly visited areas are generally safe, but visitors should remain vigilant. Use your hotel safe and keep baggage locked or secured when you are away. Avoid leaving valuables in automobiles, especially electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, GPS devices, and mobile phones. Never leave your personal items or baggage unattended, including on trains, trams, or other public transportation.
Statistics Netherlands’ (CBS) Safety Monitor report reported that traditional crime, such as violence, theft and burglary, and vandalism, increased in 2023 for the first since 2021, after years of decline. In 2023, 20 percent of people over the age of 15 reported being the victim of crime, up from 17 percent in 2021. The number of crimes registered by the police also increased from 2021, returning to levels not registered since before the pandemic. In Amsterdam, the police registered 61,000 cases of theft and burglary, violence, or vandalism in 2023, the highest in the country. Violent crimes against U.S. nationals are infrequent.
Most residential crimes involve surveillance of a targeted residence with eventual entry when the residence is unoccupied. Access is often attempted through second-floor windows/balconies. Most thieves target small, easy-to-carry valuables, while more sophisticated thieves aim for higher-end goods including vehicles – mainly, expensive European vehicles, which are usually targets for their navigation systems and/or airbags. Valuables left in plain view in any vehicle are an attractive target for petty criminals. Criminals can manipulate wireless key systems with sophisticated readers for opening and stealing vehicles.
The U.S. Embassy does not have any off-limits areas for its personnel due to the crime threat, but visitors and tourists are advised to exercise extra caution in the areas around Red Light Districts, Dam Square in Amsterdam, and near coffee shops. These areas experience an elevated rate of muggings, phone thefts, and gang-related crimes. Perpetrators use different tactics to steal in these areas, ranging from distraction thefts to violence.
Despite common misperception, marijuana and hashish are controlled substances in the Netherlands, and although not enforced in defined tourist areas, possession is a crime that can result in a fine. “Coffee shops” are havens for petty criminals who prey on tourists and other individuals under the influence of drugs. Persons who visit “coffee shops” have become victims of pickpocketing, sexual assault, and other crimes. There are no controls on the quality or purity of substances sold in these shops. Because of associated criminality, but also in an attempt to improve neighborhood image, many locales are closing “coffee shops” or banning new ones from opening.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Netherlands.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed The Hague and Amsterdam as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Netherlands, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Terrorism continues to be a considerable concern in the Netherlands. The Government of the Netherlands assesses the threat to be substantial (Level 4 of 5) on its national threat level, indicating there is a realistic possibility that an attack will place in the Netherlands. The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) publishes the Terrorist Threat Assessment Netherlands (DTN) twice a year, and includes a general assessment of radicalization, extremism, and the national and international terrorist threat to the Netherlands and Dutch interests abroad. NCTV announced in June 2024 that the terrorist threat has increased due to factors stemming from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, recent public desecrations of the Quran in Europe, and the threat posed from jihadist networks. NCTV had previously raised the threat level from Level 3 to 4 in December 2023.
NCTV assesses that the primary threat to the Netherlands is from Islamist extremism, with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and desecrations of the Quran in Europe mobilizing supporters to violence. In January 2024, there was extensive coverage of an attempted Quran burning in Arnhem, which the Dutch assessed highlighted the Netherland’s as a target for ISIS and al-Qa’ida. In addition to lone actors who are radicalized online, terrorist networks with a presence in Europe continue to pose a threat to the Netherlands. Some of these networks operate autonomously, while others have contacts with ISIS groups, such as ISIS-Khorasan.
The Dutch government is vigilant for radical Islamist groups and their surrogates, who have demonstrated continued intent and aspiration to operate on Dutch soil. The last terrorist attack in the Netherlands was in March 2019, when an attacker inspired by a terrorist group killed four passengers in a shooting on a tram in the city of Utrecht. Prior to that, a terrorist attack at Amsterdam’s Central Station in August 2018 resulted in two injured U.S. nationals. The attacker was mobilized to violence after a cartoon competition of the Prophet Mohammad was organized.
The Dutch government is also concerned with the rise of right-wing terrorism becoming less predictable and harder to detect, due to ideological blurring, fragmentation of online groups, and efforts by those involved to hide their identities. Though these groups are still limited in size, they can have a large online presence, and Dutch security services are concerned that wider acceptance of their ideas could lead to an increase in violence against the government, minorities, and political opponents.
The Dutch National Counterterrorism Strategy, which covers 2022-2026, gives priority to detecting and combating “violent extremist and terrorist content” online and gives attention to ensuring the safe reintegration of individuals to society after detention. The strategy highlights the detection of terrorist travel movements, through improvement in interoperability between border and detection systems such as the Schengen Information System and the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It also highlights further development and strengthening of the Netherlands’ Passenger Information Unit, which requires airline companies to provide passenger information for the purposes of combatting serious crime and terrorism.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed The Hague and Amsterdam as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Netherlands. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The Netherlands ranks among the most politically stable countries in the world, although it has experienced a recent uptick in political division led by the Dutch population’s perception of a high cost of living, environmental issues, and a failure to manage the asylum system.
The latest parliamentary elections took place in November 2023, after the government collapsed following an immigration policy disagreement between governing coalition parties. A governing coalition was formed six months after the election.
International organizations that evaluate democracy frequently assess that elections in the Netherlands rank among the top in the world for fairness and confidence. The Netherlands has a long record of political stability and has strong protections for its democratic institutions.
Protests & Demonstrations
The Netherlands boasts a very high level of democratic engagement, and with it, equally high levels of protest and demonstration activity. Protests are typically announced in advance; organizers generally obtain all required permits and make proper notifications with the authorities. Most protests are peaceful, although occasional violence and property damage occurs.
Demonstrations can take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Amsterdam temporarily banned protests in November 2024 following violence stemming from a soccer match between Dutch and Israeli teams. Dutch authorities detained protesters who demonstrated despite the ban. There were reports of police violence against protestors.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
The overall favorability of the United States in the Netherlands has remained fairly stable at about 60% of the population; however, there is a marked divide generationally, with 79% of those over 65 expressing positive sentiment about U.S. influence compared to 51% of those between 18 and 24. About 65% of the Dutch believe the U.S. is a reliable partner to the Netherlands, whereas 79% of the Dutch believe they are a reliable partner to the U.S. In regard to the future though, 29% of the Dutch believe that China will become the most influential player in global affairs in the next five years as compared to only 27% believing the U.S. will maintain its position as the most influential leader.
Law Enforcement
The national police maintain internal security in the Netherlands and report to the Ministry of Justice and Security, which oversees law enforcement organizations. The kingdom’s armed forces report to the Defense Ministry and are responsible for external security but also have some domestic security responsibilities. The military police (Marechaussee) is responsible for border control. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces have committed few abuses.
The Dutch national police force operates as a unified organization with ten regional units, a central national unit, and a police service center. The headquarters for the national police is located in The Hague. In the event of a crisis, fire brigades and ambulance services work together as well as with other government services.
The ten regional units perform all operational police tasks, except tasks that require special expertise and tasks that can be performed more effectively nationally. These tasks fall under the National Unit. Regional Units consists of Districts, while Districts in turn consists of Basic Teams.
The National Unit consists of a National Operational Center (DLOC), National Investigation (DLR), National Information Organization (DLIO), National Operational Cooperation (DLOS), Diplomatic Police, Special Interventions Service (DSI), and a National Unit Operations Service (DBV LE).
The DLIO includes the Special Witnesses Team (TSG), the National Intelligence Team (TNI) and the National Information Service (WIW).
The Diplomatic Police is divided into two branches:
- Protection and Security Department (ABB). This unit is responsible for providing security for international institutions in The Hague, including embassies.
- Royal and Diplomatic Security Service (DKDB). This unit protects persons against whom there is a possible threat. The royal unit protects the members of the Royal House and their guests. The diplomatic unit takes care of heads of state, government leaders and diplomats, but also witnesses in court cases, lawyers, journalists, and columnists.
Police Response
Police response and capabilities are comparable to other Western European countries. Dutch police are professional and have low tolerance for corruption. Smaller police stations close to the public during evening hours. The police strive to arrive on the scene of an emergency within 15 minutes for at least 90% of calls. Generally, police will not respond to traffic accidents unless there are injuries or a crime reported, such as a hit-and-run or driving under the influence.
Victims can file a police report at any police station in Dutch. In most cases, police request that victims file reports online.
As in all major cities in The Netherlands, the Haaglanden police force has limited personnel resources; only four police stations in the region remain open to the public on a 24/7 basis. These police stations are located on Jan Hendrikstraat (City Center), Zuiderparklaan (South of The Hague), and in nearby towns of Zoetermeer and Delft. For routine matters such as filing police reports, you must make an appointment. The police force was hoping to be fully staffed by 2025 but expects to still be 1,500 police officers short in 2027.
The emergency line in The Netherlands is 112. Operators answer in Dutch, but most speak English. The telephone number for non-emergencies or police assistance is 0900-8844. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in the Netherlands, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Netherlands.
Civilian authorities maintain effective control over security forces. The constitution and law prohibit torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The law provides for an independent judiciary and the government generally respects judicial independence and impartiality. The law provides for the right to a fair and public trial throughout the country, and an independent judiciary generally enforces this right.
A prosecutor or senior police officer must order the arrest of any person, unless the person is apprehended at the site of an alleged crime. Arrested persons have the right to appear, usually within a day, before a judge. Authorities informed detainees promptly of charges against them. The laws also allow persons to be detained on a court order pending investigation.
There is no bail system. Detainees can request to be released claiming there are no grounds to detain them. Authorities frequently grant such requests. The law provides suspects the right to consult an attorney. The Netherlands’ law grants all criminal suspects the right to have their lawyers present at police interrogation.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials. There are isolated reports of corruption which the government identified, investigated, prosecuted, and punished officials who commit abuses.
Cybersecurity
The 2024 Cybersecurity Assessment Netherlands assesses that cyber threats primarily originate from state and criminal actors, with state actors intensifying their activities and expanding their capabilities. In contrast, criminal actors carry out large-scale attacks and act opportunistically. The Dutch are also concerned with large-scale outages caused by technical problems or unintentional human actions. In the July and August of 2024, two large-scale outage incidents occurred due to a software issue, and affected hospital care, aviation, and government services in the country.
The Dutch government views cybercrime in all forms as a serious threat to national security and public safety. The government is committed to preventing disruptive attacks and enhancing digital resiliency. As part of this effort, the Dutch government operates the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) within its Ministry of Justice and Security. The NCSC is charged with forming public-private partnerships to identify threats, mitigate risks, and counter criminal activities in the cyber sector.
Nonetheless, several major cybersecurity incidents occurred in the Netherlands in recent years. Dutch national police have deemed it “very likely” that a state-sponsored threat actor was behind a large-scale data breach discovered in September 2024, where unidentified hackers stole “work-related contact details,” from some of the agency’s 65,000 officers. June 2024, as EU vote kicks off, pro-Russian hacker group called HackNeT claims responsibility for cyberattacks on Dutch party websites. In January 2024, hackers carried out cyberattacks on Dutch telecom and media companies to target the personal data of specific groups of Dutch nationals. According to the Dutch DPA, there were at least 178 ransomware attacks in the Netherlands in 2023, though the number of victims of attacks is probably much larger.
Europol is headquartered in The Hague and hosts the European Cyber Crime Center (EC3), which serves as the European information hub on cybercrime. The EC3 develops digital forensic capabilities to support investigations in the EU and builds capacity to combat cybercrime through training, raising awareness, and delivering best practices for investigations. In addition, the EC3 has built a community of experts from all sectors of society to combat and prevent cybercrime and online child sexual abuse.
In the Netherlands, one out of every ten internet users were victims of an online crime in 2023. Victims of internet fraud are offered the opportunity to check information regarding suspicious websites and to report their experience to a special fraud information desk.
The 2024 Cyber Security Assessment Netherlands (CSAN) and the NCSC’s National Cybersecurity Agenda provide more information regarding cyber security threats and awareness in the Netherlands.
Import/Export Restrictions
The EU’s internal market is the world’s second largest market, and the Netherlands is a thoroughfare for many of the trade flows destined for or originating from elsewhere in the EU.
The Ministry of Finance, through its Dutch Customs Service, oversees the orderly shipment of goods by private individuals and trading firms and ensures compliance of trade flows with EU and Dutch guidelines. The Customs Service website lists what goods are licensed, prohibited and otherwise restricted from crossing the border. Topics vary from parallel imports that skirt commercial import licenses, to straightforward prohibition of arms trade or the transport of opiates, to compliance with the EU guidelines for import and export of common products.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (MEAC) hosts the government’s Enterprise Agency that can assist in corporations intending to set up commercial import and export operations from the Netherlands. The MEAC also implements foreign direct investment screening to protect critical infrastructure and technology from malign influence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade oversees the trade of strategically important goods and determines if exports are subject to restrictions under multilateral regimes, EU regulations, or domestic controls, whether they be military goods, dual use goods, or goods of relevant strategic value to the Dutch national interest. Compliance with such export controls is monitored and enforced by the Central Import and Export Office of the Dutch Customs Administration.
If you are traveling to a Schengen country with medicines that fall under the Opium Act, you will need a Schengen certificate. The certificate, which must be signed by your doctor, states that the medicine is required for your own medical use. The Schengen certificate is valid for 30 days. If you are going away for more than 30 days, you must have multiple, successive Schengen certificates. A Schengen certificate is valid for travel in up to four Schengen countries.
The certificate is then checked and declared legally valid by the Central Administrative Office (CAK). If you take any of these medicines with you without going through the necessary procedures, you may be in violation of local law and risk a severe penalty. Examples of medicines that fall under the Opium Act are:
- strong painkillers;
- sleeping pills and drugs to reduce anxiety, such as Valium or Seresta;
- medication for ADHD, such as Ritalin or Concerta;
- medicinal cannabis.
Ask your pharmacist if your medicine falls under the Opium Act, or consult lists I and II of the Opium Act yourself. These only list the active ingredients, or international non-proprietary name (INN).
There are no restrictions on the import and use of satellite phones or other satellite devices in the Netherlands.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
