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Weather & climate
Weather in Netherlands
Netherlands
24°
Overcast
Thu
21°
24°
Fri
19°
25°
Sat
16°
20°
Sun
15°
19°
Mon
14°
21°
Tue
13°
19°
Wed
16°
18°
SPF level in Netherlands
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Netherlands
What British travellers need to know
Your passport's issue date must be less than 10 years old when you arrive in the Netherlands.
Your passport's expiry date must be at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
All your visits to Schengen countries in the previous 180 days count towards the 90-day visa-free limit.
You may need to register your fingerprint and photo at a border booth under the new Entry/Exit System on your first visit.
Good to know:
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into the Netherlands, with limited exceptions.
You must declare any cash or travellers cheques with a total value of 10,000 euros or more when you arrive.
Safety in Netherlands
Tips when travelling
Netherlands is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in central Amsterdam and on trains and trams to and from the airport.
Do not hang bags or jackets on the back of a chair in restaurants to avoid theft.
Be very cautious of criminals posing as fake police to trick tourists into handing over cash and cards.
Anyone aged 14 or over must always be able to show their passport as identification or face a fine.
Smoking soft drugs in public places is illegal and is only permitted in specific, designated cafés.
Bonus tips:
Avoid swimming in the Amsterdam canals as it will result in a 160 euro fine.
Take care when walking near canals as drownings often happen after drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Netherlands
A valid UK driving license is accepted in the Netherlands.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h (sometimes 100 km/h or 120 km/h depending on location and time of day)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Netherlands drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Netherlands
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in the Netherlands. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs, including repatriation or private medical care.
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into the Netherlands from the UK. The tap water is safe to drink. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and a GHIC/EHIC for healthcare.
Cards & payments
High
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Netherlands
Tipping is not obligatory in the Netherlands, as service charges are generally included in the bill. However, it's common to leave a small tip for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill is also common.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (€1-2) is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is customary.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day, left at the end of the stay, is a nice gesture for excellent service.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour is acceptable.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in the Netherlands. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM
10 GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Netherlands
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
High
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. Many cities also offer free WiFi hotspots.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Netherlands
Country code
+31
To call the British Embassy in The Hague from the UK, you would dial 00 31 70 4270 427.
The country code for the Netherlands is 31. When calling from abroad, the exit code is typically 00. Omit the leading zero of the local number when calling from abroad.
Language in Netherlands
Dutch(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy The Hague
Lange Voorhout 10, 2514 ED The Hague, Netherlands
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
about 12 hours ago
Travel disruption
- Information about severe disruption to Eurostar services due to a fire has been removed.
- The advice to check for expected disruptions until at least 6 July 2026 is no longer present.
Warnings and insurance
9 days ago
Travel disruption
- Eurostar disruption is now expected to last until at least 6 July 2026, extended from 5 July.
- Trains between London and Amsterdam will no longer stop in Rotterdam.
Warnings and insurance
11 days ago
Travel disruption
- Eurostar disruption now lasts until at least 5 July 2026 (previously 4 July 2026).
Warnings and insurance
12 days ago
Travel disruption
- Eurostar advises passengers to postpone or cancel travel plans in the Netherlands until at least 4 July 2026.
- Travel times are now expected to be significantly longer due to trains using alternative routes.
Warnings and insurance
15 days ago
Travel disruption
- Eurostar services between the UK and the Netherlands are now severely disrupted due to a fire near Rotterdam Central station.
- Eurostar advises passengers not to attempt to travel to or from the Netherlands on Eurostar until 3 July 2026.
Airports in Netherlands
Beaches in Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit the Netherlands is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). The weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and you can enjoy attractions like the tulip fields in bloom during spring. Summer (June-August) is also popular but can be more crowded and expensive.
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in the Netherlands. The Netherlands boasts some of the highest quality tap water in the world, so you can confidently drink tap water in the Netherlands. You can refill your water bottle to save money and reduce plastic waste.
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Avoid unlicensed taxis and be wary of people offering unsolicited help with your luggage or directions. Report any suspicious activity to the police.
The Netherlands has a generally relaxed dress code. Casual attire is acceptable for most situations. For business meetings or formal events, smart casual or business attire is appropriate. Be prepared for varying weather conditions by bringing layers.
The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system, including trains, trams, buses, and metros. It is easy and efficient to travel between cities and within urban areas using public transportation. Consider purchasing an 'OV-chipkaart' for easy travel on all forms of public transport.
Try traditional Dutch foods such as 'bitterballen' (deep-fried meatballs), 'stroopwafels' (thin waffles with caramel syrup), 'haring' (raw herring), and 'pannenkoeken' (pancakes). Also sample local beers like Heineken or specialty craft brews.
The Dutch are generally direct and value honesty. Punctuality is appreciated. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or wine. Respect bicycle lanes and yield to cyclists.
As a UK citizen, you can travel to countries in the Schengen area, including the Netherlands, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.