Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Netherlands
Known for its windmills, clogs, and talented artists, the Netherlands remains a tourist staple.
If you’re looking to be on the move, be sure to invest in a bicycle. It is the cheapest and quickest way to get around the Netherlands. The majority of Dutch citizens do not own an automobile.
Amsterdam has incredible architecture, gorgeous canals, and museums like that of Vincent vanGogh. The city is known as “The Venice of the North” due to the canals that traverse the city. It has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with streets that have remained unchanged since the 1800’s.
The country is also famous for its beautiful, flat countryside. The area is populated with windmills and tulips and other authentically Dutch things. Rent a bike, grab a Dutch phrasebook and plan a trip out into the tulip fields.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Netherlands?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for the Netherlands?
What is the Climate Like in the Netherlands?
How Safe is the Netherlands?
Art Museums in the Netherlands
What Should I Take To the Netherlands?
Canadian Embassy in the Netherlands
Do I Need Vaccines for Netherlands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Netherlands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Netherlands: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Netherlands |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Routine Vaccinations for Netherlands |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Make sure you are up-to-date on your routine immunizations. Some European countries have had outbreaks of infections like measles and mumps in the past few years. Vaccination will keep you protected if such an outbreak occurs.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for the Netherlands?
Travellers to the Netherlands only need a valid passport for stays under 90-days. This is true for the majority of Western Europe.
Netherlands Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Netherlands? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Netherlands and Canadian Travel and Tourism
If you are visiting more than one European country, be sure to makes sure your passport meets all relevant validity requirements.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in the Netherlands?
Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate. Due to its small size, there is like variation in climate from region to region. Temperatures can drop as low as 2 degrees in the winter and tend to sit at around the 18 degrees in summer.
Due to the country’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, fall and winter can bring bad storms. The Netherlands as a whole is relatively flat. High winds tend to have a greater effect than they normal. The summers are warm and dry, the winters cold but not too wet.
How Safe is the Netherlands?
The Netherlands as a whole is quite safe for travellers. Travellers should still look out for pickpockets and make sure to lock up their bikes, as bicycle theft is a risk. But, the violent crime rate is low.
There are certain parts of certain cities that may be unsafe to visit once the sun sets. These include Osdorp in Amsterdam and Morgenstond in the Hague. But, the best course of action is to consult with locals before travelling out at night. They will be the best source of information on a day-to-day basis.
Art Museums in the Netherlands
Netherlands has produced some of the world’s most famous painters, including Rembrandt and vanGogh. The country saw a period of great prosperity in the late Renaissance. It was during this time that many of the country’s most recognizable works were created. While many of the famous pieces created by Dutch artists hang on walls across the world.
Consider visiting the Museum Quarter in Amsterdam. Here you will be in walking distance of the Rijksmuseum, the vanGogh museum, and the Stedelijk museum. If you have a particular inclination towards drawings, be sure to stop by the Museum Boijmans in Rotterdam. At this museum, you can see early drawings from some of the most recognizable names in art.
What Should I Take To the Netherlands?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Netherlands:
- Good Walking Shoes – You will most likely be doing quite a bit of walking or biking. These are the most popular modes of transportation in the Netherlands.
- Rain jacket – It can get pretty wet in the Netherlands. Be sure to pack a rain jacket or windbreaker, especially if visiting in fall months.
- Backpack – An essential item, especially if you are considering hiking.
- Heavy Jacket – If travelling during winter months.
- Sunscreen and Hat – If travelling during summer months.
Canadian Embassy in the Netherlands
If you find yourself in need of help while travelling in Netherlands, there is a Canadian Embassy at The Hague.
Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands
Sophialaan 7
2514 JP The Hague
The Netherlands
Telephone: 31 (0) 70 311-1600
If you have any questions about travelling to the Netherlands or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Netherlands
“The first thing I noticed when I walked into the office was that it was a very clean and tidy space, beautifully decorated, and very different from the atmosphere of regular clinics. The person who advised me was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. She took time to explain each of the recommendations for the Netherlands in detail and was to the point. Overall, a very pleasant experience.”
“Very good experience. The nurse was extremely thorough and knowledgeable about the Netherlands.”
“Such a professional and efficient service. The staff is very knowledgeable and you are not rushed out of your appt. Highly recommended.”
“Had a good experience at the Toronto clinic. I didn’t feel like they pushed unnecessary products on us at all and they were very knowledgeable about everything I’d want or need for the Netherlands.”