Europe

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

On 6 March 2008 the Dutch government increased their alert level from "limited" to "substantial" (http://english.nctb.nl/).  The reasons given for this were the increased international threat from terrorism, the release of a controversial short film about the Koran made by a Dutch MP, and the Dutch decision to extend their military presence in Afghanistan. There is no evidence that British nationals or interests will be particularly targeted, but you should avoid areas where demonstrations or gatherings are taking place. Dutch authorities have raised their level of security, particularly at airports and railway stations.

 

In November 2004, a prominent Dutch film maker was murdered in Amsterdam by a member of a terrorist organisation, known as the Hofstad Group.  The murderer and eight other members of the group are currently serving prison sentences.

For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

 

Crime

 

Amsterdam is a busy city and you should exercise caution particularly in central Amsterdam (especially in and around Central Station).  As in many large cities, pick-pocketing and bag snatching are commonplace.  Thieves often operate in gangs (particularly (but not exclusively) on the trains to and from Schiphol airport and Central Station as well as on the trams. While one will attempt to distract you (often by asking for directions or by banging on your window) another picks your pocket or steals your bag. Newly arrived and heavily laden passengers are a particular target for thieves. Be alert at all times. Do not lose sight of your luggage or your belongings. Sleeping passengers make particularly easy targets.

 

Opportunist thieves are also widespread and sometimes enter restaurants with the excuse of selling you something or looking for someone. Bags have been known to be stolen from between people's feet whilst they were distracted.  Ensure you keep your valuables safely with you at all times and do not leave them unattended or hanging on the back of a chair.

 

You should avoid carrying valuables and large sums of money with you, but it is important to carry copies of identification details.  If you are the victim of a theft you should contact the nearest police station and obtain a police report.  If your passport is stolen a police report is acceptable to some carriers instead of a passport but these carriers also reserve the right to refuse to take you if you do not have any other proper alternative identification.  You will need a police report as part of the process for replacing your passport.

Amsterdam Police are warning travellers of an increasing trend whereby men –usually originating from Eastern European countries – make themselves out to be plain clothed policemen.  The trend is that one man usually addresses people to find out if they are tourists.  When confirmed, two fake policemen (in plain clothes) show false police identities and pretend to be investigating counterfeit money and false credit cards.  People are asked to hand over their money and credit cards for verification – sometimes they also ask for PIN numbers.  Often people are searched for drugs.  After the ‘inspection’ the fake policemen return all the money and cards – at least that is how it seems.  Victims usually find later on that part of the money and/or credit cards are gone.

Fake policemen never wear a uniform and like to show shiny police badges.  Dutch policemen don’t have badges.  Also, Dutch police in plain clothes will rarely carry out this type of inspection.  Always ask for identity, check it thoroughly and don’t let yourself be intimidated.  Call 0900-8844 to get in touch with the nearest police station if you are not entirely happy.

 

In November 2005 a football fan was fatally stabbed in a busy part of central Amsterdam after being approached by a known drug dealer and asked to buy drugs. His friend was badly wounded. Avoid confrontation with anyone offering you drugs of any sort and stay away from quiet or dark alleys - particularly late at night. Even if you are tempted to buy, you risk arrest for doing so.

There is increasing suspicion of drinks being spiked in some locations downtown, especially for young women and those not in groups. Always be aware of your drink and don't leave it unattended. If you believe you have been the victim of a spiked drink seek medical help immediately and, if possible, inform the police. If you are in a group, ensure you leave together. For more information see Assault, Sexual Assault and Rape Overseas.

Scams

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists.  These scams can pose great financial loss to victims.  If you receive an e-mail purporting to be from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) offering a tax refund on provision of your bank details you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Netherlands Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

If you wish to drive in the Netherlands you must have a valid full UK driving licence, insurance, vehicle documents and identification.  If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you then written permission from the registered owner may also be requested. You are not allowed to drive on a provisional license.

In 2007 there were 709 road deaths in the Netherlands (source: DfT). This equates to 4.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

Traffic regulations in the Netherlands are very similar to those of other countries in continental Europe.  Roads are good and well sign posted, but are overcrowded.  Long traffic jams can be expected on motorways, particularly near the major cities.  Traffic offences can carry heavy, often on-the-spot fines.  Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and carries a heavy fine, and drivers are encouraged to use "hands free" equipment.  If you are fined, you should always ask for a receipt.

 

The Dutch drive on the right and give priority to the right, unless otherwise indicated.  They drive "assertively" and do not practice road courtesy.  Be particularly careful when using roundabouts: on some you have the right of way when on them but on others right of way must be given to vehicles entering.

 

Be extra vigilant for trams; they have priority over other traffic and are well known to exercise that right.  If a tram or a bus stops in the middle of the road to allow passengers on and off, you must stop.

 

Speed cameras, speed traps and unmarked vehicles are widely used to monitor speeding; exceeding the maximum speed limit can incur heavy penalties including substantial fines.  Be vigilant on motorways where the maximum speed can vary.  Overhead illuminated lane indicators - when in use - are mandatory.  Never exceed the indicated speed limit.

 

Most cities have a policy of reducing non-essential traffic flows within their boundaries.  Narrowing roads, obstacles, traffic lights and speed cameras are often in place to achieve this.  Paid parking is the norm.  It is expensive and there are insufficient parking spaces to meet demand.  Clamping and towing vehicles away are commonplace and the fines are high.

 

Motorists must use dipped lights after dark and in misty conditions.  If safety belts are fitted, they must be used.  A warning triangle must be carried and, in the event of a breakdown, placed 30 metres behind the vehicles.  To comply with EU legislation, children under 1.35m in height must now be carried in a proper child seat in the rear of the car.

 

Pedestrians should be extremely careful when crossing roads, especially on zebra crossings.  Look out for cycles and mopeds, which enjoy right of way over motor vehicles and often ignore road traffic rules as well as red lights.  In Amsterdam in particular, be aware that many cyclists do not use lights at night and are therefore very difficult to see.  Dedicated cycle tracks are common but can also be used by invalid vehicles and mopeds, which often reach high speeds.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Amsterdam Canals

 

Several deaths (of all nationalities) occur each year due to drowning in the canals of Amsterdam.  The majority of these happen as a result of celebrations that include drinking heavily and/or smoking cannabis.  Particular care should be taken when travelling beside canals.

 

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in the Netherlands.  For more general information see Airline Security.

All budget airlines travelling into Schiphol are now directed to the new 'H' Pier.  This is a brand new building with no retail or catering facilities and only a limited number of toilets.  This has led to complaints from some passengers.  You should be aware that once you pass through final security and passport control to enter the H Pier you will have a long walk.  You will also have to descend stairs to the final departure area.  Elderly and infirm passengers or those travelling with young children may wish to bear this in mind.