Emergency Help Abroad – Netherlands

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting The Netherlands — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• The sale of cannabis in licensed “coffeeshops” is tolerated but remains technically illegal — drug laws are strictly enforced outside this system.

• Possession, use or trafficking of hard drugs (e.g. cocaine, ecstasy) is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons, including certain knives or sprays, without lawful reason is prohibited.

• Drink-driving and cycling under the influence are offences with strict penalties.

• Bringing illegal drugs into or out of the country can result in prosecution.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• The Netherlands is generally liberal, but respectful behaviour is still expected in public spaces and residential areas.

• Littering in cities, parks or canals can attract fines.

• Vandalism, graffiti and damage to public property are criminal offences.

• Noise disturbance in residential streets, especially at night, can lead to police involvement.

• Respect local communities, including in the Red Light District; harassment or abusive behaviour is not tolerated.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can ask for identification; you must carry ID (passport or copy) by law.

• Pickpocketing and bike theft are common in busy areas and around stations — stay alert with valuables.

• Public drunkenness, disorderly conduct or aggressive behaviour may result in removal or arrest.

• Avoid involvement in protests or large demonstrations where crowd control measures may be used.

• Offering bribes to police or officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires a valid ticket or OV-chipkaart — fare evasion can lead to on-the-spot fines.

• Cyclists must follow traffic rules, use lights at night and respect traffic signals.

• Speed limits, seatbelt rules and mobile-phone restrictions while driving are strictly enforced.

• Parking violations, including unauthorised parking in resident zones, attract fines or towing.

• Overstaying Schengen limits can lead to fines or entry bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is regulated; flying near airports, crowds, or restricted areas is prohibited without permission.

• Avoid photographing military bases, secure government buildings or sensitive infrastructure.

• Some museums and historic buildings restrict or charge for photography — always check signs.

• Be respectful when photographing people, especially in residential areas or the Red Light District.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Dumping rubbish, bicycles or other items in canals is illegal.

• Swimming is only allowed in designated areas; canals and many rivers are unsafe for swimming.

• Walking on thin natural ice without checking safety is dangerous and discouraged.

• Lighting barbecues or open fires in parks may be restricted by local rules.

• Cycling or walking on railway tracks or tram lines is prohibited and dangerous.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging historic buildings, bridges or monuments is a criminal offence.

• Removing items from protected natural areas, dunes or reserves is prohibited.

• Climbing on statues, monuments or fragile structures is not allowed.

• Buying or exporting items made from protected species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels acceptable or low-key in the UK may be considered abrupt, disrespectful or inappropriate in the Netherlands.

• Don’t walk in cycle lanes, especially in cities like Amsterdam where bikes have priority and move quickly.

• Don’t stop suddenly on bridges or narrow paths for photos, blocking bikes and pedestrians behind you.

• Don’t assume cannabis is legal everywhere or in any quantity, as use is tolerated only in licensed coffeeshops under strict conditions.

• Don’t buy drugs from street dealers, which is illegal and unsafe.

• Don’t treat the Red Light District as a theme park, and avoid shouting, filming sex workers or acting disrespectfully.

• Don’t sit on canal edges with feet dangling, while distracted by phones or alcohol, as falls into canals do happen.

• Don’t throw rubbish or bottles into canals, which damages the environment and is illegal.

• Don’t cycle at night without lights, as this is dangerous and can incur fines.

• Don’t lock bikes to emergency exits, bridges or private railings, where they may be removed.

• Don’t assume everyone wants to switch to English instantly, and start interactions with a friendly greeting.

• Don’t ignore priority lanes or etiquette on trams and trains, especially seating reserved for older or disabled passengers.

• Don’t underestimate strong winds, particularly when cycling or walking along open waterfronts.

• Don’t drink alcohol in streets or parks where it’s banned, as local bylaws in some cities prohibit public drinking.

• Don’t underestimate how slippery cobblestones and tram tracks become when wet, especially in older districts.

• Don’t bring drinks or glass onto some squares or festival areas, where restrictions may apply.

• Don’t block doorways or stairwells in narrow canal houses, which often serve as both homes and businesses.

• Don’t swim in canals, which can be polluted and busy with boat traffic.

• Don’t assume card machines take all types of card, and be prepared for debit-only or specific networks in smaller places.

• Don’t ignore bike parking rules, as abandoned or incorrectly parked bikes are regularly removed.

• Don’t make loud noise late at night in quiet residential streets, where neighbours value calm.