Netherlands FAQs

For US, Canadian and UK passport holders a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days as the Netherlands is part of the Schengen border free zone. For any other nationalities who do require a visa before arrival please make sure you have enough time to complete the process before arrival.

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

Passports 

US and Canadian passport holders will need more than 3 months left on your passport from your intended departure date. UK passport holders cannot travel if their passport is more than 10 years old, regardless of the expiry date. 

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. 

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Yes, it is always recommended to talk to your Travel Doctor before taking a trip. You should discuss your itinerary and international travel arrangements to hear any recommendations or advice they may have.

No vaccinations are required for travel to any part of the Netherlands.

Flights within Europe are usually with standard commercial airlines and airports are generally large and easy to transit. Two hours is the recommended time needed before check in for European flights. Most airlines will allow seat selection up to 48 hours prior to departure although seats are subject to change on most airlines. If you do have flights within your trip we will be sure to share the relevant ticket information with you before travel.

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive into the Netherlands. 

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

The currency in the Netherlands is the Euro and no other currency will be accepted. ATMs are generally easy to find (they will often charge a small fee for withdrawals) and credit cards are accepted widely in the main cities, towns and larger shops and restaurants. 

Towns and airports will often have a bureau de change and you can exchange US Dollars and other currencies here, you will need to show ID (typically a passport) when you exchange currency in Slovenia.

If you’re travelling to very remote areas then ATMs become less frequent so we recommend making sure you have the cash you need before leaving larger cities or towns.

As a rule tipping is not commonplace in the Netherlands, locals don’t tend to tip so as travellers we can follow suit. However, tipping is still a good way to show appreciation for good service and you can use our rough guide below to help you plan.

• In restaurants a 5-10% tip is good practice
• In bars tipping is not expected. If you start a tab you can round up at the end of the night if you are happy with the service 
• €1 or €2 is a good amount to tip taxi drivers
• €1 or €2 is a good amount to tip a porter 
• For tour guides tipping is entirely discretionary but €20 for a half day and €40 for a full day is a good guideline.

The Netherlands experiences a variable climate, although loosely speaking it will be cold in winter and warm (although relatively mild compared to more southern Europe) in summer. Layers are a good option and it is always a good idea to be prepared for rain. What you need to pack for a trip to the Netherlands will also depend greatly on the activities you’ll be taking part in. For a personally tailored packing list please speak with your travel designer or concierge who will be able to help you.

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

Taxis are easy to find in the cities and commonly used. Hotels and restaurants will be happy to help you flag down a taxi. Trains are easy to use both within cities and for day trips out of the city, and generally reasonably prompt. We don’t recommend taking buses in cities. We will include as many pre-arranged transfers in your trip as is necessary to save you having to think about the logistics of travel too much.  

The Netherlands uses the European plug types, C and F. Wifi is generally easy to find in hotels, cafes and major restaurants. Cell phone coverage can be a little patchy in remote areas. It’s recommended to speak with your cell phone provider to ask about roaming charges. If certain types of connectivity are very important to you at certain times during your trip please let your travel designer or concierge know so that they can help you to plan.