Netherlands

Recommended Vaccinations For Netherlands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A 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

The Netherlands has low crime rates compared to many other countries, though petty crime remains the primary concern for visitors. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in tourist areas, particularly in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, Central Station, Dam Square, and on tram routes 1, 2, and 5. Criminals often work in gangs, using distraction tactics while stealing belongings. Amsterdam has nearly 90 recorded crimes per thousand residents, the highest rate in the country, while Rotterdam and Eindhoven follow with around 80 crimes per thousand. Violent crimes against tourists are rare, with the most common being robbery. Robbers may be armed, and victims who resist have been assaulted. Stick to well-lit streets with other people around at night. Watch your belongings on trains to and from Schiphol airport. Be aware of scams involving fake police officers who claim to investigate counterfeit money or false credit cards, then demand to check cash and cards. If approached, offer to walk with them to the nearest police station. Drink spiking happens in bars and clubs, so never leave drinks unattended.

Extreme Violence

There were no reported terrorist incidents in the Netherlands in 2022, 2023, or 2024. In December 2023, the Netherlands raised its National Terrorist Threat Level, indicating a heightened risk of a terrorist attack. The main threat comes from Islamist terrorism, followed by violent right-wing extremism. The government assesses that violent, extremist lone actors pose the greatest terrorist risk to the country. The last significant terrorist incident occurred in 2019, when a shooting attack on a tram in Utrecht killed four civilians and wounded six others. The attacker expressed support for Islamic extremism and received a life sentence. In 2018, an Afghan asylum seeker stabbed two American tourists at Amsterdam Central Station with terrorist intent. Organized crime violence occurs regularly in major cities, particularly Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Confrontations between rival drug trafficking gangs have led to shootings, stabbings, and use of homemade explosives. This violence primarily affects those involved in drug crime, though bystanders can end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Political Unrest

The Netherlands experiences periodic political demonstrations and protests, some of which have turned violent. In September 2025, an anti-immigration protest in The Hague involving around 1,500 people descended into violence. Rioters clashed with police, threw stones and bottles, set a police car on fire, vandalized political party offices, and briefly blocked the A12 motorway. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. At least four police officers and seven journalists were injured, with 37 arrests made. The protest combined far-right groups with football hooligans coordinating through networks. In October 2025, approximately 250,000 people participated in a large anti-war protest in Amsterdam called the Red Line demonstration, demanding government action against Israel’s war in Gaza. This marked one of the largest protests in the Netherlands in recent years and was largely peaceful. Previous Red Line demonstrations in May and June 2025 drew 100,000 and 150,000 participants respectively. Protests related to immigration, housing shortages, climate issues, and international conflicts occur regularly. Most demonstrations are peaceful, though visitors should avoid areas where large protests are taking place.

Areas To Avoid

Amsterdam has the highest crime rate in the Netherlands, with specific areas requiring extra caution. The Red Light District experiences increased incidents during early morning hours when tourist crowds thin out. Amsterdam Central Station, Dam Square, and the areas around major tourist attractions see frequent pickpocketing. The Bijlmer-Gaasperdam neighborhoods in southeast Amsterdam, particularly Nellestein and Reigersbos/Amstel III/Bullewijk, have the highest number of registered crimes in the city. Residents report more threats and muggings than other areas. Amsterdam-Zuidoost is considered the most dangerous area, though it’s distant from typical tourist zones. In Rotterdam, areas south of Rijnhaven metro station include some of the poorest and least safe districts. The Hague has dodgy areas directly bordering more affluent neighborhoods. Eindhoven and Utrecht have seen increases in property crimes and substance distribution issues. Tourist areas across all major cities attract criminals targeting visitors. Avoid dark, unlit streets at night throughout the country. Watch for bike lanes everywhere, as stepping into them creates collision risks.