Netherlands Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to terrorism.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the Netherlands. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Possible targets include:

• Tourist locations
• Transportation hubs and airports
• Markets and shopping malls
• Local government facilities
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Parks
• Major sporting and cultural events
• Educational institutions
• Other public areas

Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse snatching, and passport theft, is common in tourist areas. Criminals target tourists in popular locations. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. Tourists should be aware of overcharging and scams. Stay aware of your surroundings.

• Review our Travel Guidance for the Netherlands to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Check separate travel advice pages for advice on travel to the constituent countries and special municipalities in the Dutch Caribbean.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Netherlands

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Netherlands.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common, particularly in central Amsterdam and around Amsterdam Central Station. Thieves often operate in gangs on the trains and trams to and from Schiphol airport and Central Station. One thief distracts you while another steals your bag. Sleeping on trains can make you an easy target.

Thieves enter restaurants on the pretext of selling something or looking for someone. They steal bags while people are distracted.

You should:

• keep sight of your luggage and belongings – especially when checking into hotels
• keep valuables securely on your person
• avoid hanging bags or jackets on the back of a chair in restaurants
• avoid falling asleep in public or on public transport

Fake police scams

Amsterdam police have warned of criminals using false police identities to trick tourists into handing over cash and credit cards. They will usually say that it is part of an investigation into counterfeit money or false credit cards. Be very cautious about any approaches.

Genuine plain-clothes police will rarely carry out this type of inspection. Dutch police do not have shiny badges, which the fake police sometimes present as ID.

Call 0900 8844 to contact the nearest police station if you are unsure whether a police person is genuine.

Drug sellers

Avoid confrontation with anyone offering you drugs. Stay away from quiet or dark alleys, particularly late at night.

Drink spiking

There is a risk of drink spiking, particularly for young women and solo travellers. Do not leave your drink unattended. If you are in a group, make sure you stay together.

If you think your drink has been spiked, seek immediate medical help and contact the police.

Organised crime

There are regular incidents of violent crime among organised crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, particularly in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and other large cities. Confrontations between rival gangs have led to violent incidents including shootings, stabbings, and use of homemade explosives.

The risk mostly affects those involved in drug crime, but there is always the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Remain vigilant if you suspect illegal activity. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Risk level

Netherlands - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Netherlands due to the threat of terrorism.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Attacks in the Netherlands cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Dutch government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for the Netherlands is level 4 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5.

Terrorist Threat Assessment Netherlands – National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security

荷兰风险等级为蓝色（低风险）