Group trips to the Netherlands

Find out the entry requirements for Netherlands, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Netherlands – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

The Netherlands is in the Central European Time zone (CET), which is UTC+1. They observe daylight saving time, so from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, they switch to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.

• If it's 12pm in the UK, it'll be 1pm in the Netherlands during standard time, and 2pm during daylight saving time.
• If it's 12pm on the East Coast of the USA, it'll be 6pm in the Netherlands during standard time and 7pm during daylight saving time.

The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). As of the latest rates:

• 1 GBP equals about 1.15 EUR
• 1 USD is roughly 0.95 EUR
• 1 EUR is equivalent to 1 EUR—no conversion needed if you're coming from a Euro-using country.

You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels across the country. Remember to compare rates and fees to get the best deal.

In the Netherlands, you can easily pay using credit and debit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard. Contactless payments are widely accepted too. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets that may not accept cards. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw Euros using your card. Also, mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming more popular and accepted in many places.

In the Netherlands, tipping is not obligatory, as service charges are typically included in the bill. However, it's appreciated if you receive exceptional service. For restaurants and cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip of about 5 to 10 percent is common. In taxis, you can round up to the nearest euro. In hotels, tipping a couple of euros for exceptional service is a nice gesture. Remember, tipping is always at your discretion based on the service you receive.

In the Netherlands, internet connectivity is excellent, and you'll find Wi-Fi widely available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public areas, making it easy to stay connected without buying a SIM card. Since the Netherlands is in the Schengen area, if you have a SIM card from another European country, you can use roaming at no extra cost.

However, if you prefer a local option, you can purchase a Dutch SIM card or an e-SIM data plan from providers like KPN, Vodafone, or T-Mobile. These typically offer good coverage and competitive data plans.

In the Netherlands, Dutch is the official language. While many people also speak English, it's always nice to know a few Dutch phrases. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Thank you: Dank je
• Please: Alsjeblieft
• Good morning: Goedemorgen
• Goodbye: Tot ziens
• Yes: Ja
• No: Nee

Picking up a few local phrases can make your trip more enjoyable.

In the Netherlands, the plugs used are Type C and Type F. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we recommend you bring a universal adapter. Most European devices should work without issue, but it's always a good idea to check your device's voltage compatibility.

The Netherlands is a predominantly secular country, with no official state religion. However, Christianity is the largest religion, with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism being the main branches. You will also find a growing number of people identifying as non-religious or atheists. While the major religion is Christianity, the country is known for its religious tolerance and diversity. Important religious holidays include Christmas and Easter, which are widely celebrated.

Packing for the Netherlands means being ready for a mix of weather conditions, especially if you're visiting during spring or fall. Here's a handy list to help you pack your backpack:

Clothing:

• Lightweight rain jacket
• Sweaters or hoodies
• T-shirts
• Jeans or comfortable pants
• Warm socks

Shoes:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof boots
• Casual sneakers

Accessories and Technology:

• Umbrella
• Power bank
• Universal travel adapter
• Smartphone with a good camera

Toiletries and Medication:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Travel-sized shampoo and soap
• Moisturizer
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Motion sickness tablets if needed

The weather can be quite unpredictable, so layering is key. You'll be ready for anything the Dutch weather throws your way.

The weather in the Netherlands can vary quite a bit depending on the season and region. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures with occasional rain showers. It's a great time to see the tulip fields in bloom.
• Summer (June to August): Generally warm with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). It's the perfect time for cycling and outdoor activities.
• Autumn (September to November): Cooler and wetter, with temperatures dropping and more frequent rain.
• Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures often around 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F), and the possibility of snow.

The best time to visit the Netherlands is typically late spring or early summer when the weather is mild and flowers are in full bloom.