Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 7 March 2022, 11:20 NZDT
- Still current at: 7 March 2022
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If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.
Exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to the threat of terrorism.
The Netherlands
Terrorism
Terrorist groups, including those based in Syria and Iraq, continue to make threats to conduct attacks across Europe. There is also a threat from domestic-based extremists, including plots that may involve foreign terrorist fighters returning to the Netherlands and other countries in Europe from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
On 25 November 2019, Dutch police arrested two individuals allegedly planning a jihadist terrorist attack.
On 18 March 2019, three people were killed and three seriously wounded in a shooting incident on a tram in Utrecht.
On 31 August 2018, two foreign tourists were seriously injured in a knife attack at Amsterdam Central Station.
The Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counter-terrorism (NCTV) maintains a national terrorism threat level for the Netherlands. The national terrorism threat level is significant – level 3 of 5. This means an attack is possible. The level was lowered from 4 of 5 (substantial) on 9 December 2019.
New Zealanders in the Netherlands are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the Dutch authorities and exercising a high degree of vigilance in public places, particularly at large public gatherings, government buildings, tourist sites and transport hubs (such as airports and railway stations).
Civil unrest
Demonstrations and protests occur from time to time in the Netherlands but they generally remain peaceful. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations and protests as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Crime
Whilst the crime rate in the Netherlands is low, petty crime (such as pickpocketing and bag snatching) occurs in larger cities, in particular Amsterdam. Be particularly alert of your surroundings and aware of your belongings around train, tram and metro stations.
General travel advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in the Netherlands should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
New Zealanders in the Netherlands are encouraged to register their details here with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Travel tips
The New Zealand Embassy The Hague, The Netherlands
Street Address Eisenhowerlaan 77N, 2517 KK The Hague The Netherlands Telephone +31 70 346 9324 Fax +31 70 363 2983 Email hague.info@mfat.govt.nz Web Site www.facebook.com/NZthehague/ Hours Mon – Fri 0900 – 1230 hrs, 1330 – 1700 hrs Note http://www.mfat.govt.nz/netherlands
See our regional advice for Europe
