{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393876028,"date":"2014-03-03 20:47:08"}},"data":{"country-iso":"NL","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"TR update (Regular text update)","eng":{"name":"Netherlands","url-slug":"netherlands","friendly-date":"March 3, 2014 14:15 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"The Security tab was updated - Nuclear Security Summit, March 24-25.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Netherlands. Exercise normal security precautions.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
Violent crime rarely occurs. However, petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in the larger cities, particularly in Amsterdam, where it constitutes a major problem. Tourists are frequently victims of robbery. Be vigilant at all times and pay attention to your surroundings.<\/p>\n
Thieves operate on trains and time their activities to coincide with train stops, for a quick exit. Victims who resist have been physically assaulted. Be particularly cautious on trains to and from Schiphol Airport.<\/p>\n
In Amsterdam, thieves are also active in restaurants, around the De Wallen district (red-light district) and at Central Station, as well as on public transportation, especially tram routes 1 and 5, between Central Station and the museum district.<\/p>\n
Organized gangs of thieves often use distracting techniques. Typically, a member of the gang will soil the victim’s clothes or ask directions while others rob the victim.<\/p>\n
Passports and other valuable documents are often stolen from youth hostels in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
On March 13, 2013, the Dutch Government raised its national terrorism threat level from “limited” to “substantial”. While stressing that there are no reliable indications that terrorist networks are currently plotting attacks in the Netherlands, the Dutch authorities have raised their levels of vigilance given their assessment that there is a realistic possibility that an attack will take place in the Netherlands. Exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places.<\/p>\n
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Such incidents have been reported.<\/p>\n
Roads are excellent, although road congestion is common in areas around Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, where rail is a convenient alternative. There is a chronic lack of parking spaces throughout the country, and fines for illegal parking are severe.<\/p>\n
Public transportation is excellent.<\/p>\n
Taxi service is generally safe but expensive.<\/p>\n
Trams and cyclists have priority over other traffic. Motorists and pedestrians must pay attention to cyclists and cycle paths. The centre lanes of many urban two-way streets are reserved for buses, trams and taxis.<\/p>\n
Rail is convenient in the areas of Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. Consult the Dutch website Holland by train<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Demonstrations occur periodically in larger urban centres such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings as they have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p>\n The Nuclear Security Summit will take place in The Hague March 24-25, 2014. Increased security measures will be in place in the period surrounding the summit in The Hague, particularly between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam as well as when travelling between these cities. Expect disruptions and road closures and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Avoid the area surrounding the World Forum in The Hague, as there will be an increased likelihood of protests and demonstrations during the summit.<\/p>\n Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not carry valuables or large sums of money. Do not leave baggage or personal belongings unattended in vehicles at any time.<\/p>\n Dial 112 for emergency assistance.<\/p>\n Tourist Assistance Services (TAS) offer help to travellers in difficulty. Dial 020-625-3246 to reach the TAS in Amsterdam, and dial 070-42-44-000 or email TAS-HOLLAND@hotmail.com<\/a> for the TAS in The Hague.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Dutch authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Royal Netherlands Embassy<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of their expected departure from the Schengen area. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.<\/p>\n Customs officials will ask you to show them a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.<\/p>\n In certain countries, dual citizenship may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. You should travel using your Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. Consult our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*<\/p>\n Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*<\/p>\n Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*<\/p>\n * The 90 days begin upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area.<\/p>\n \n The following 26 countries comprise the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.<\/p>\n The Schengen area has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders:<\/p>\n You do not need visas for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Your stays are cumulative, and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. Some countries require that you register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival.<\/p>\n It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area.<\/p>\n After 90 days of stay in the Schengen area, you must leave for another 90 days before you can re-enter.<\/p>\n If you overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a long-stay national visa. <\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Demonstrations<\/h3>\n
General safety measures<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Dual citizenship<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
\nSchengen area <\/h3>\n
\nChildren and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>