The Netherlands is usually associated with tulips, windmills and the myth of legal drugs in the country however the Netherlands boasts so much more than these. Dutch towns and cities allow visitors to witness the incredible architecture particularly in old parts of Amsterdam, Haga, Rotterdam or Maastricht. The Netherlands is considered one of the most liberal nations of Europe being the first to legalize same-sex marriage and one of the leading nations in the world for human rights. The Netherlands certainly attract for many reasons but risk and hazards tag along and visitors should beware of them.

Traveling info

Because the Netherlands is a member of the Schengen convention all members of this agreement may move freely to the Netherlands for tourist, business, starting a new life or any other purpose without the requirement to obtain any sort of a visa document. The only document required to cross the border is an ID card. There are several countries who are outside of the European Union however they are a part of the Schengen convention. These are Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland. Nationals of countries which are not part of this convention are required to obtain a Schengen visa that will allow them to move freely within the boundaries of the Schengen convention nations. (list of countries in sources). Schengen visa is normally admitted once per half a year for a duration of 90 days. Schengen visa holders can not work or study during their stay within the Schengen boundaries. Visitors who decide to use a rental or a private vehicle to drive in the Netherlands should carry their domestic driving license, vehicle registration and certificate of insurance at all time whilst driving. Citizens of the EU may drive in the country without the requirement of an international driving permit. Most nationals who are not citizens of EU nations may also drive in the Netherlands as long as they possess a Visa. This however only allows driving for up to 6 months in the Netherlands. After the 6 months period has passed a permit from any EU country is required. This applies to all except for the Swiss who must obtain an IDP in order to drive. Drivers from countries which use non-roman scripture such as Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, etc. must have an international driving permit with them at all times whilst driving. An IDP, however, does not replace the domestic permit which must be carried along with the IDP while driving. An international driving permit may only be issued by the driving department of the citizens country of origin.

Traveling hazards

The Netherlands provides a variety of excellent means of communication. There is an extensive network of highways, secondary roads and bike paths around the whole country. Public transportation provides bus lines all over the country and railways that connect to all cities in the Netherlands and to other major European cities. Road safety is on a very high standard in the country. Roads are very well maintained, signed and marked. The road accident rate is below the European average making Netherlands one of the safest countries to drive in.

Environmental hazards

There are only two land animals that could pose a threat to humans. The common European viper is the only venomous snake and one of 5 species inhabiting the Netherlands. Although European viper bites are rarely fatal, an untreated bite might result in death or lengthy rehabilitation. Ticks are small parasites hiding in the grass. Ticks often carry Lyme disease which is very dangerous for humans. Lyme disease may affect any organ in the body including the brain and the nervous system. It also damages joints. Death from Lyme disease occurs usually within 10 years of its contraction. Although early stages may be cured it is very difficult to cure the disease in later stages. If being bitten by a tick, remove it and submit it to a laboratory for Lyme disease tests. The quicker the disease is discovered the higher the chances for curing it. Swimming on the Dutch coast is safe however it is advised to stick to designated beaches with lifeguards. There are no recorded shark attacks off the Dutch coast.
The Netherlands is considered the most vulnerable country in Europe to live in. This is because large parts of the Netherlands are below the sea level. Although the Dutch constantly prepare and maintain their defenses against flooding high sea levels, extensive rains and storms can cause serious disasters in the country.

Health hazards

There are no outbreaks of any diseases nor are there any required vaccinations in order to enter the country. There are however several vaccines which are recommended to ensure safety and healthy travel. These are the routine vaccines, hepatitis A and B and the rabies vaccine. The Dutch healthcare is on a very high level. Both public and private sector will deliver very high-quality services to citizens and visitors. The public system provides free healthcare for the citizens of the Netherlands however expats are expected to pay for their services. Citizens of countries who are part of the EU or the EEA and possess the European health insurance card are eligible for free service provided by the Dutch national healthcare. For those who can not apply for an EHIC or are not citizens of EU or EEA countries, health insurance is an alternative way of avoiding expensive services from local healthcare facilities.
In case of an emergency dial 112.

Crime

The Netherlands is currently prone to the risk of terrorist attacks. Dutch intelligence prevented 4 possible attacks from taking place since 2011. Due to the many Muslim terrorist attacks across western Europe, the Netherlands has also like its neighbors increased the capabilities of local police and army by increasing their numbers in the streets. Violent crime is a rare however petty crime like anywhere else in the world is present. Forms of theft such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and stealing unattended goods are common. Although it is difficult to predict where a terrorist attack might occur, it is easy to reduce the risk of falling a victim of petty crime. Common sense, being aware of surroundings and not exposing wealth by wearing overly expensive clothes or jewelry certainly reduces the attention of potential thieves. Wearing money belts is a smart and a discreet way to avoid pickpockets and to keep important documents like passports, IDs, driving permits, etc and of course money out of the reach of potential criminals. There is a widespread misconception about the drug laws in the Netherlands ranging from all drugs are legal to cannabis is legal. Well to burst most peoples bubbles drugs are not legal in the Netherlands. The only tolerated soft drug in the Netherlands is cannabis. It is legal to possess up to 5 grams of cannabis or hash and to use it recreationally either at home or in a coffee shop. Smoking cannabis or hash in public is illegal. Possession of more than 5 grams is also illegal. Cultivation is illegal however growing up to 5 plants is not considered a criminal offense and results in mere confiscation. Coffee shops will also sell only 5 gram to a single person a day. The new law introduced in 2013 states that Coffee shops are only allowed to sell the product to the residents of the Netherlands however many owners overlook that law.

Summary

The Netherlands is certainly a place to go. The incredible culture and attractions of the country among which is the ability to safely try edible cannabis in forms of cookies and cakes which by the way almost 50% of visitors have tried is certainly something unique in Europe. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/netherlands-visa/
https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/entering-the-netherlands-without-a-visa
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/netherlands
(Drug policy)
https://www.government.nl/topics/drugs/toleration-policy-regarding-soft-drugs-and-coffee-shops