The Netherlands

The Netherlands (officially The Kingdom of the Netherlands) is in northwest Europe.  The Kingdom includes several Caribbean countries and islands, including Aruba, St Marten, and Curacao. The mainland country borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the north and west.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE NETHERLANDS
Find out about European Travel Insurance

The Netherlands is commonly and mistakenly referred to as ‘Holland’ and this tends to cause confusion. The Netherlands actually has twelve provinces, which include the provinces of North Holland and South Holland in the Western Netherlands. The major cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht are in the Western Netherlands and tend to attract the majority of visitors.  (Holland is a part of the Netherlands, just as England is part of Great Britain). 

The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, but the seat of government is The Hague. The people and language of the Netherlands are known as Dutch.  Dutch and Frisian are the official languages, although English is widely spoken – especially in major cities and urban areas. 

Amsterdam is perhaps best known for its lovely canals, beautiful architecture, café culture, nightlife, liberal attitude and cultural events.  Other major cities include Delft – known for its ceramics, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Maastricht.   

The Netherlands is famous for many things, including its tulips and flower fields, clogs, cheeses (Gouda, Leerdammer, Edam, etc.) and its beer, such as Heineken, Grolsch, Amstel, etc. 

The Netherlands has the reputation of being very liberal, but visitors should be aware of the current laws regarding the use of soft drugs.  Also the drinking laws and ages may differ.

Amsterdam is in North Holland and often the first stop-off for visitors arriving via the busy Schiphol airport.  The public transportation system is very good in the Netherlands with connections by high-speed rail, including the Eurostar from London.  Ferry services also operate between the UK and Holland.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to the Netherlands. Click Here

Before your visit to the Netherlands pay a visit to the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for updated and important travel advice as part of their excellent ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. The FCO advice includes many important topics and tips, including:

• Passport and visa information
• Carrying identification
• Use of drugs in the Netherlands
• Scams and street crimes to watch for
• Drink spiking and assault/rape
• Driving in the Netherlands
• Drinking, drugs, and drowning (in the canals!)
• Budget airlines flying into Schiphol (limited facilities available)
• What to do if you are arrested, and embassy contact information

In major cities such as Amsterdam (Central Station area for example), Schiphol airport, and on public transportation, bag snatching and pick pocketing are common, so protect your bags and valuables at all times.  

The European Health Insurance Card entitles the holder to emergency healthcare, but does not include many potentially costly matters, such as medical repatriation.  The EHIC should never be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance – and always check to make sure that your planned activities are covered.  (A friendly reminder: if intoxication is found to be a factor, any related claims on your travel insurance may be denied!).

Helpful website:  http://www.holland.com

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.