Is Netherlands Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Netherlands
Safety Index:
75
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
81
* Rated 81 / 100 based on 22 user reviews.

Netherlands FlagNetherlands : Safety by City

A country with, according to many, the most interesting capital in Europe, the Netherlands shares its borders with Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and France in the Caribbean.

It is known for its rich cultural heritage and its reputation as a country of painters, windmills, clogs, and flatlands.

Today, it is a contemporary European country with an international character and a liberal spirit towards everyone, which is the biggest reason tourists adore coming here, especially Amsterdam, Europe’s “capital of the free-spirited.”

The Netherlands also boasts wonderful landscapes that are comprised mostly of flatlands, as hills may be found only at the Veluwe and Southern Limburg.

In the Netherlands, industrialized farming is extremely developed: so much so, in fact, that today it is one of the largest food exporters in the world.

However, tourists expecting to see the gorgeous landscapes filled with tulips and windmills might be surprised, since areas like that do exist, but they have to be found (for example, in the Waterland and Zaan Region) and they are so secluded that even most Dutch have never been there.

Warnings & Dangers in Netherlands

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The Netherlands is generally a very safe country to travel to. Its crime rates are low, and your biggest concern in this country might be pickpockets. Use common sense and apply basic precaution measures that should minimize the chances of something going wrong.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation in the Netherlands is generally safe and reliable, but it is advised to be careful in public transportation since that's where pickpockets operate.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is risk of pickpockets, mostly in larger cities, but it shouldn't be too big of a problem if you take precaution measures, such as keeping your valuables in a safe place, not carrying all your money in the same place, and not carrying anything valuable in an easily accessible part of your outfit.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no significant threats of natural disasters in the Netherlands, but there have been reports of the Netherlands being prone to extreme flooding, which is why the Dutch invest heavily in infrastructure to prevent similar natural disasters from happening again.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Mugging or kidnapping aren't common in the Netherlands, but it is still recommendable to avoid poorly lit and deserted areas, and to not accept drinks from strange people, although drink spiking is not common either.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in the Netherland's recent history, these types of attacks shouldn't be ruled out, especially since its neighboring countries France and Belgium have been targeted, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

As in any other tourist destination, there is the risk of getting scammed. Always check your change twice, negotiate the price of every service beforehand, and ask around about the real prices of services and other goods.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Traveling alone in the Netherlands is very easy for females. The country is very safe and friendly. Just avoid poorly lit and deserted areas and walking alone at night, with a few more basic precaution rules and your trip should go smoothly.

So... How Safe Is Netherlands Really?

The Netherlands is a very safe country to travel to.

However, in larger cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and there is heightened risk that you will encounter pickpockets and other forms of petty crime such as bag snatching and bicycle theft.

Rates of violent crimes are very low but you should still avoid some parts of larger cities, such Kolenkitbuurt in Amsterdam and Morgenstond in the Hague.

Some other minor issues in the Netherlands include catching a Lyme disease when walking or camping in forests and dunes, (so be aware of ticks) and of course, diseases related to the prostitution issue in the Netherlands.

Here, prostitution has been legalized in 1988 to a certain extent, but illegal prostitution still exists and hotel personnel is obligated by law to notify the authorities if they suspect these kinds of activities in their hotel.

It is highly recommended to use protection in indulging into these practices at brothels or other locations in the Netherlands.

How Does Netherlands Compare?

CountrySafety Index
Netherlands75
Morocco54
Slovenia87
Japan83
Ghana73
Portugal57
Slovakia80
Greece73
Australia86

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

Generally, a visa is not needed for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might have to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Currency

Currency

Euro is the official currency in the Netherlands. Bear in mind that the Netherlands, much like its neighboring countries, is pretty expensive, so plan on spending between 100 and 150 euro per day, including accommodation. ATMs are widely available and credit cards accepted in most hotels but not all restaurants. Keep in mind that non-European credit cards are sometimes rejected.

Weather

Weather

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate due to influences from the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This climate is characterized by cool summers and moderate winters. Daytime temperatures vary between 2°C and 6°C during winter and between 17°C and 20°C during summer.

Airports

Airports

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, sometimes referred to as simply Schiphol, is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is located 9 km southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to the Netherlands, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Netherlands Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 4° C
Feb 3° C
Mar 6° C
Apr 9° C
May 13° C
Jun 16° C
Jul 18° C
Aug 18° C
Sep 15° C
Oct 11° C
Nov 7° C
Dec 4° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
66913172022221914106
Low
°C
1024811131311742
High
°F
434348556368727266575043
Low
°F
343236394652555552453936

Netherlands - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Amsterdam75
Eindhoven85
Rotterdam63
The Hague90

Where to Next?

22 Reviews on Netherlands

  1. j
    jeffrey says:

    idk i guess it was helpful

  2. Very Helpful

    This is really helpful for school, thanks!

    1. Is it really, how so if I may ask. I have been selected to work in the Netherlands. To whom are these racism guilted toward?

      1. Reply

        I hope you’re enjoying the Netherlands. Honestly, The Netherlands is known for its tolerance and is very multicultured. That is one of my favourite things about this country. I would not worry too much about what Al Walid is saying.

      2. It’s not very racist, at least, not towards ‘black’ people, more towards like ‘slightly toned’ people, but I think it’s more about religion than about skin color (not that that is any better). Some people can be very rude, if not to your face, behind your back. They often don’t care about who you are, if you look ‘different’ they’ll assume the worst.
        But I think most of the people in the Netherlands are generally accepting. Kind of.

      3. Our behavior

        I live in the Netherlands, some cities are more tolerant towards foreigners than others. As far as attitude goes, yes we are very direct, which can come off rude, but we don’t necessarily mean it in a bad way, we just don’t like to beat around the bush, that’s just our culture. We have a lot of foreigners, mainly in the “randstad” but Amsterdam is most tolerable in my opinion and will welcome you with open arms, it’s also my favorite (I’m from the south, we are a bit less tolerable here but it really depends on the city/area).

    2. C
      Common Sense says:

      Immigrants are the problem. EVERYWHERE.

      It isn’t racist to point out that immigrants of color commit disproportionate amounts of crime. Don’t like it being pointed out? Then do something about these criminals.

      The truth hurts. Cry about it.

      1. Do I get it correctly? Do you say that immigrants are rightfully pointed out because some criminals are other immigrants and it is the immigrants who should do something about it? If you are a native Dutch person do you feel obligated to apologise for crimes committed by other native Dutch citizens? I would think that immigration is a very complex issue and an immigrant who accepts Dutch values, customs and laws has done what he/she should. If an immigrant commits a crime, it’s not the other immigrants but the police and maybe some other parties like social services, maybe IND etc. are the ones who should do something about it. Why should immigrants feel some kind of original sin for crimes committed by other immigrants?

  3. I love The Netherlands! There’s cheese and bikes everywhere though aha

  4. safe

    i want to live in the Netherlands is it safe.

    1. Yes, it’s very safe, and the police is quite reliable. Also you don’t have to be able to speak Dutch right away, since most Dutch people can speak English.

  5. The Hague is safe

    I’d say there is nothing wrong with Morgenstond in The Hague. If you leave your bike completely unlocked maybe it’s more likely that it gets stolen compared to some better
    parts of the town, but otherwise I feel myself very safe whenever I happen to be there regardless whether it’s daytime or the middle of the night. On the other hand I see not too many reasons for tourist to visit Morgenstond at all. There are no historical monuments, tourist attractions or whatsoever. It’s well out of the city center, most houses are relatively uniform and new, it’s just locals living, working and shopping there.

  6. T
    The Truth! says:

    Too many people...

    Crowded country!
    I would go to Sweden or Norway (less people) or other bigger countries…

  7. T
    The bad guy says:

    75 for the Netherlands safety index? More like 87.

    The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world. I’ve been to the country and i felt much safer than where i originally was (Ukraine) because of Ukrainian invasion. Back then i felt a lot safer. I’m planning to visit the Netherlands next time.

  8. Very safe

    I’ve lived in the NL for 13 years and it’s is a very safe country. Amsterdam is very safe during both the day and night although at night you might run into some unpleasant people who are intoxicated but the best thing to do is to avoid them. The people are nice as well and a lot of them speak English.

  9. not really safe..

    It’s a very safe country, but do be careful because people ride each other dead almost every day. so stay safe and look very good when crossing a road!

  10. R
    Root The Lucario says:

    Never been there but i guess it would be nice to visit or move

    I guess there are nice people there

  11. It’s v beautiful country however my experience in netherland is v bad and horrible as a tourist I went there and my bag was stolen in which my passport was and most funny thing is police says it’s common thing here it means they accept they failed to provide security to tourist and especially in schople airport station .even they don’t have cctv cameras in trains v absord. Police is not helpful i am disappointed. I will never go again netherland .

  12. R
    Root Thelucario says:

    I guess i could go there

    I have an internet friend who i’ve been dying to meet. He is from and still live in The Netherlands. Hope i can visit someday

Netherlands Rated 4.05 / 5 based on 22 user reviews.

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