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.
Do I Need Vaccines for Netherlands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Netherlands. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Netherlands: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products –
Limited cases since 2016 throughout the country. - 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 & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products | Limited cases since 2016 throughout the country. |
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?
Travelers 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 U.S. State Department
If you are visiting more than one European country, be sure to makes sure your passport meets all relevant validity 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 mid-30’s in the winter and tend to sit at around the mid-60’s 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 travelers. Travelers 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 traveling out at night. They will be the best source of information on a day-to-day basis.
Art Museums in the Netherlands
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
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 traveling during winter months.
- Sunscreen and Hat – If traveling during summer months.
U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands
If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Netherlands, there is a U.S. embassy at The Hague.
U.S. Embassy The Hague
John Adams Park 1
2244 BZ Wassenaar
Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310 2209
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +31 (0) 70 310 2209
Fax: +(31) (0) 70 310 2207
If you have any questions about traveling 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
Overall rating: 5 stars – 7 reviews
★★★★★
“Information & Immunization Visit“
“My experience with Passport Health was very helpful and educational. I received the immunization I needed and the prescriptions required for my travel to the Netherlands. I also got some useful information regarding how to dress and stay healthy while there.”
Submitted by: Dorothy
★★★★★
“Good advice, documents, and equipment“
“I appreciated the good direct advice for my travel to the Netherlands, and substantial up-to-date documentation and supplies/medicine provided.”
Submitted by: David
★★★★★
“Good Experience“
“Passport Health was able to take me with a last minute request before I headed out to the Netherlands the very next day. I arrived at my appointment on time and was taken in immediately. The nurse there clearly explained what was needed, was kind and considerate, and I was on my way shortly thereafter.”
Submitted by: Jeff
★★★★★
“Easy and comprehensive“
“I used Passport Health to get vaccinations before a trip to the Netherlands. The staff researched what I needed and made intelligent recommendations. I found the attention to detail excellent. Lots of good advice. And followup appointment for multi-part vaccinations were easy to schedule to ensure protection.”
Submitted by: Anne
★★★★★
“Great service“
“It has been so easy to get the shots needed for my trip to the Netherlands. Easy to schedule, easy to get in and out.”
Submitted by: Moira
★★★★★
“Great Help!“
“I had a great experience with Passport Health. I was well informed about my immunization vaccines and felt comfortable enough to ask further questions, which were all thoroughly answered. Lastly, I really appreciated their efforts into putting a nice little booklet for me that included all relative information I will need for my trip to the Netherlands.”
Submitted by: Karin
★★★★★
“Wonderful Service“
“Getting my first round of shots for my upcoming trip to the Netherlands was an incredibly positive experience.”
Submitted by: Jonathan
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?
U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands
“My experience with Passport Health was very helpful and educational. I received the immunization I needed and the prescriptions required for my travel to the Netherlands. I also got some useful information regarding how to dress and stay healthy while there.”
“I appreciated the good direct advice for my travel to the Netherlands, and substantial up-to-date documentation and supplies/medicine provided.”
“Passport Health was able to take me with a last minute request before I headed out to the Netherlands the very next day. I arrived at my appointment on time and was taken in immediately. The nurse there clearly explained what was needed, was kind and considerate, and I was on my way shortly thereafter.”
“I used Passport Health to get vaccinations before a trip to the Netherlands. The staff researched what I needed and made intelligent recommendations. I found the attention to detail excellent. Lots of good advice. And followup appointment for multi-part vaccinations were easy to schedule to ensure protection.”
“It has been so easy to get the shots needed for my trip to the Netherlands. Easy to schedule, easy to get in and out.”
“I had a great experience with Passport Health. I was well informed about my immunization vaccines and felt comfortable enough to ask further questions, which were all thoroughly answered. Lastly, I really appreciated their efforts into putting a nice little booklet for me that included all relative information I will need for my trip to the Netherlands.”
“Getting my first round of shots for my upcoming trip to the Netherlands was an incredibly positive experience.”
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?
U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands
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