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Recent security incidents have shown that even peaceful demonstrations can result in confrontations with police authorities and the public. In light of these events and the current potential for civil unrest, Dutch authorities have raised their level of alert across the country. Security measures have been stepped up at key locations across the country, including airports, railway stations, government buildings and public areas. Canadian citizens should maintain a high level of personal security awareness in public areas, monitor local news reports, and avoid demonstrations and other large gatherings.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Violent crime rarely occurs. However, tourists are frequently victims of robbery. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs in larger cities, particularly in Amsterdam where it is a major problem. Do not carry valuables or large sums of money. Do not leave baggage or personal belongings unattended in vehicles at any time. Passports and other valuable documents are often stolen from youth hostels in Amsterdam.

Pay particular attention while on trains to and from Schiphol Airport. Robberies by gangs have occurred. One gang member distracts the victim, often asking for directions, while another grabs the victim's belongings. Thefts are timed to coincide with train stops, for a quick exit. Victims who resist have been physically assaulted. Thieves are also active in Amsterdam, in and around Central Station, the red light district, in restaurants, and on public transportation, especially Trams 1 and 5, between Central Station and the museum district.

The Amsterdam Tourist Assistance Service (ATAS) can help travellers who experience difficulties: Nieuwezijdsvoorburgwal 114-118, 1012 SH (tel.: 020-652-3246). In The Hague, the Tourist Assistance Service (TAS) can be contacted at: Politiebureau Zuiderpark, Mr. P. Droogleever Fortuynweg 111, 2533 SP Den Haag, (tel.: 070-42-44-000, email: TAS-HOLLAND@hotmail.com).

Police, fire, or ambulance services can be contacted by calling 112 from any location.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Dutch authorities and was valid on June 28, 2007. Entry and exit requirements may be different for ARUBA, BONAIRE, CURACAO and SINT MAARTEN. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Royal Netherlands Embassy and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Netherlands. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date of the expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a return airline ticket and proof of sufficient funds. A travel health insurance is recommended.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days within a 6-month period)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days within a 6-month period)
Student Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days within a 6-month period)

For stays of more than three months, Canadians should contact the nearest Dutch Embassy or Consulate to get more information on entry requirements as they may depend on the purpose of their stay.

Schengen Area

The member states of the European Union (EU) (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland) along with Norway and Iceland make up the Schengen Area, which aims for common rules regarding visas, asylum rights and controls at the external borders.

In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days), but some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen Area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities. It is important to confirm the up-to-date entry requirements with each embassy and/or high commission of your destination(s) before departure.

Countries that have implemented the Schengen Agreement – border controls abolished and one single external frontier
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, along with Norway and Iceland

Countries that are not yet fully part of the Schengen Agreement – visa requirements were adjusted to comply with the EU’s common visa policy, but controls are still in place at the borders as the EU's external frontiers do not include them yet
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Note: Although Switzerland signed an association agreement to become part of the Schengen Area in 2004, the principles don’t apply yet. Implementation is expected in 2008.

Countries that are not part of the Schengen Area, but might have special arrangements with neighbouring countries
Andorra, Holy See, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

A new EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried has been implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult http://ec.europa.eu/eucashcontrols.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Netherlands - THE HAGUE, Embassy of Canada
Address: Sophialaan 7, 2514 JP The Hague
Postal Address: P.O. Box 30820, The Hague, 2500 GV
Tel.: 31 (70) 311-1600
Fax: 31 (70) 311-1620
E-Mail: hague@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.nl

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in The Hague and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 00-800-2326-6831.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and the Netherlands are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in the Netherlands to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Dutch authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Since January 1, 2005, the law requires that everyone over the age of 14 is able to show valid identification to law enforcement authorities at all times, upon request. Valid passports, Dutch residence permits, and driving licences issued in the Netherlands or elsewhere in the European Union or European Economic Area are considered acceptable. Anyone failing to produce appropriate identification upon request may be fined 50 Euros (25 Euros for persons aged 14 to 16). You should report the loss or theft of identification documents immediately to the nearest police station. Obtain a copy of the police report, keep it on your person, and apply for a replacement document as soon as possible.

The possession, use, and sale by licensed "coffee shops" of small amounts of marijuana and hashish have been decriminalized and are unlikely to lead to criminal charges. However, drug possession and trafficking remain illegal. Penalties may include jail sentences and heavy fines.

Same sex marriage is legal.

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7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Roads and public transportation are excellent. Trams and cyclists have priority over other traffic. Motorists and pedestrians must pay attention to cyclists and cycle paths. Centre lanes of many urban two-way streets are reserved for buses, trams, and taxis. There is a chronic lack of parking space for automobiles across the country, and fines for illegal parking are severe. Road congestion is frequent in areas around Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, where rail is a convenient alternative. Rail network information is available at www.ns.nl. Train passengers should be cautious as theft and robberies have been reported. Taxi service is generally safe but expensive. The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

The currency is the euro (EUR). Credit cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted.Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine (ABM) services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Flooding is a threat on coastal lands protected from the sea by dikes.

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9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Excellent medical facilities are widely available.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

As of January 23, 2007, new entry requirements to the United States will affect all Canadian citizens transiting the United States when travelling to and from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten by air. For more information, see our Current Issues page.

ARUBA

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Current Issues on the hurricane season.

Aruba

Most Canadian travellers to Aruba do not experience problems.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

Petty crime can occur. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secured. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are patrolled. Vehicle theft occurs frequently.

A Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Aruba, it must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Aruba. If travelling to Aruba for one week or less, it is only required to be in possession of valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Curaçao - CURACAO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Maduro and Curiel's Bank, N.V., Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4, Willemstad (Punda), Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Postal Address: P.O. Box 305, Willemstad,
Tel.: 599 (9) 466-1115 or 466-1121
Fax: 599 (9) 466-1122 or 466-1130

The Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, has consular responsibility for Aruba.

Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
Address: Consular Section, Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur Altamira, Altamira
Postal Address: Caracas, 1060
Tel.: 58 (212) 600-3000, 600-3042, or 600-3043
Fax: 58 (212) 263-4981
E-Mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.caracas.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

Dual nationals may be subject to national obligations such as taxes. Those affected should inquire at a Dutch embassy or consulate regarding their status. Dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in this country before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

Although same sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands, it is not recognized in Aruba.

Major roads are in good condition, but road signs are rare. Wandering animals are a hazard. Turning right on red lights is prohibited. Public transportation is safe and inexpensive. Taxis do not have meters. Agree on a fare prior to departure. Purchase insurance when renting motorboats, jet skis, and vehicles. Ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability.An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

The currency is the Aruba Guilder. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted.

BONAIRE

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Current Issues on the hurricane season.

Bonaire

Most Canadian travellers to Bonaire do not experience problems.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

Petty crime can occur. Ensure personal belongings, passports and travel documents are secured at all times. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to find out which beaches are patrolled. Vehicle theft occurs frequently.

A Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Bonaire, it must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Bonaire. If travelling to Bonaire for one week or less, it is only required to be in possession of valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if arriving from infected areas. An airport tax may be charged upon departure.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Curaçao - CURACAO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Maduro and Curiel's Bank, N.V., Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4, Willemstad (Punda), Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Postal Address: P.O. Box 305, Willemstad,
Tel.: 599 (9) 466-1115 or 466-1121
Fax: 599 (9) 466-1122 or 466-1130

The Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, has consular responsibility for Bonaire.

Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
Address: Consular Section, Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur Altamira, Altamira
Postal Address: Caracas, 1060
Tel.: 58 (212) 600-3000, 600-3042, or 600-3043
Fax: 58 (212) 263-4981
E-Mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.caracas.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

Dual nationals may be subject to national obligations such as taxes. Those affected should inquire at a Dutch embassy or consulate regarding their status. Dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.

Persons violating Netherlands Antilles law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Gun control and penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. It is strictly prohibited to export pieces of coral or seashells.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in this country before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

Although same sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands, it is not recognized in the Netherlands Antilles.

Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive. Taxis are expensive and do not have meters. Agree on a fare prior to departure. Vehicles tend to follow closely and have a tendency to drift over the centre line. Right turns at red lights are prohibited. Main roads are in good condition and well lit. Purchase insurance when renting motorboats or vehicles and ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

The currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (ANG). U.S. dollars, traveller's cheques, and credit cards are widely accepted.

CURACAO

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Current Issues on the hurricane season.

Curaçao

Most Canadian travellers to Curaçao do not experience problems.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

Petty crime can occur. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.

A Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Curaçao, it must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Curaçao. Canadian citizens going to Curaçao for one week or less are only required to be in possession of valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

An airport tax may be charged upon departure.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Curaçao - CURACAO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Maduro and Curiel's Bank, N.V., Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4, Willemstad (Punda), Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Postal Address: P.O. Box 305, Willemstad,
Tel.: 599 (9) 466-1115 or 466-1121
Fax: 599 (9) 466-1122 or 466-1130

The Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, has consular responsibility for Curaçao.

Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
Address: Consular Section, Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur Altamira, Altamira
Postal Address: Caracas, 1060
Tel.: 58 (212) 600-3000, 600-3042, or 600-3043
Fax: 58 (212) 263-4981
E-Mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.caracas.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

Dual nationals may be subject to national obligations such as taxes. Those affected should inquire at a Dutch embassy or consulate regarding their status. Dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.

Persons violating Netherlands Antilles law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Gun control and penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.

It is strictly prohibited to export pieces of coral or seashells.

Travellers are allowed to purchase a maximum of $600 worth of duty-free merchandise based on the retail value. For further information, please contact the Embassy or the Consulates of the Royal Netherlands (see above).

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Caribbean before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

Although same sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands, it is not recognized in the Netherlands Antilles.

Vehicles tend to follow closely and have a tendency to drift over the centre line. Right turns at red lights are prohibited. Main roads are in good condition and well lit. Purchase insurance when renting motorboats or vehicles and ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability.

Exercise caution when renting motorized vehicles and jet skis and arranging for insurance and liability coverage. Obtain detailed written information of your personal responsibilities before finalizing any rental arrangements. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive. Taxis are expensive and do not have meters. Agree on a fare prior to departure.

The currency is the Netherlands Antilles guilder (ANG). U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

Medical care is generally good. Hospitals offer several classes of service. Patients are accommodated according to the level of their insurance coverage. Several private clinics provide good to excellent medical service.

SINT MAARTEN

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Current Issues on the hurricane season.

Sint Maarten