Netherlands
Travel Destination – Netherlands
The Netherlands is renowned for its iconic windmills and canals, vibrant cycling culture, and forward-thinking society, all set within a compact and highly accessible landscape. Travellers are drawn to the canals and museums of Amsterdam, the political centre of the Hague, the contemporary architecture of Rotterdam, and the tulip fields that bloom each spring across the countryside.
With excellent sanitation, safe drinking water, and a high-standard healthcare system, the Netherlands presents relatively low health risks for travellers, though simple precautions can be made to reduce the risk of common respiratory viruses, seasonal influenza, and long-haul travel-related concerns.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Although the Netherlands has an advanced healthcare system, pre-travel medical planning remains important. Booking a consultation with a travel doctor six to eight weeks before departure allows time to review your vaccination history and booster vaccinations if recommended. Even if travel is imminent, a consultation is helpful for checking vaccination status, renewing prescription medications, and discussing essential travel health advice. A travel doctor can assess any underlying medical conditions and provide itinerary-specific advice, whether you are planning museum visits, cycling holidays, river cruises, festivals, or multi-country European travel.
Food and water hygiene
Food safety and water quality standards in the Netherlands are high, with safe tap water and strict food-handling regulations. However, gastrointestinal illness can still occur.
Sensible precautions help minimise risk. Before eating, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Choose meals that are freshly prepared and served hot, and take care with buffet-style dining where food may sit at room temperature for extended periods. Ensure cold foods such as salads, seafood, and dairy products are properly chilled. When purchasing takeaway or street food, select busy vendors with high turnover, as this generally indicates fresher preparation. Store perishable foods in a refrigerator promptly and observe use-by dates carefully. Be mindful that warmer temperatures in summer months can increase the risk of food spoilage.
Insect avoidance
In the Netherlands, mosquito and insect bites often cause itching or allergic reactions, but can sometimes transmit diseases like Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis. The risk to short-term urban travellers is low, but it may be higher for those spending extended time outdoors, particularly near waterways, parks, and wetlands.
Travellers planning outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, or camping should use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear long sleeves and long pants in outdoor areas, and perform careful tick checks. Prompt removal of attached ticks reduces the risk of disease transmission and helps ensure you can continue to enjoy countryside excursions without interruption.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for the Netherlands?
Measles
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Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a characteristic red rash. Outbreaks continue to occur internationally, including in the Netherlands. Travellers may be exposed in crowded settings such as airports, public transport, festivals, and other public events. All travellers should ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles. Those born during or since 1966 are advised to confirm documentation of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine prior to travel.
Influenza
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Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, which can lead to fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Influenza circulates seasonally in the Netherlands, typically peaking during the European winter months of December to February. As Australia’s influenza season occurs at a different time of year, travellers may have reduced natural immunity when visiting during northern hemisphere winter months. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and over, particularly older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19
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COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, including in the Netherlands. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can range from mild symptoms such as cough and fatigue to severe respiratory complications requiring hospitalisation. International travel, busy airports, and crowded indoor venues increase exposure risk. Travellers are advised to remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations in line with Australian public health guidance, including booster doses six-monthly for those over 75, and annually for those aged 65 to 74. A travel doctor can recommend whether booster doses are recommended for you, especially if you have additional health conditions.
Routine vaccinations
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Before travelling to the Netherlands, confirm that routine immunisations are current. Vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and measles-mumps-rubella form the foundation of travel health protection. A travel health consultation can identify whether any boosters are required based on your age, medical history, occupation, or planned activities. Depending on risk factors, vaccinations for hepatitis B, chickenpox or shingles may be advised.
Netherlands
Other health risks in the Netherlands
Gastroenteritis
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Although food and water standards in the Netherlands are generally excellent, travellers can still experience gastroenteritis, which can be caused by food and water contaminated with bacteria. These infections are typically contracted through undercooked or poorly stored food, contaminated surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals in the case of a viral infection. Symptoms usually include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever, typically appearing within one to three days of exposure.
Treatment focuses on maintaining adequate hydration, with oral rehydration solutions to replace fluid and electrolytes. Most people recover on their own after a few days. Medical attention is advised for severe, prolonged, or atypical symptoms, and antibiotics are usually reserved for severe conditions or those with additional risk factors.
Preventative measures remain the most effective way to avoid gastroenteritis. To reduce risk, practise good hand hygiene, wash fruits and vegetables, ensure meat and seafood are thoroughly cooked, and avoid foods that have been left at unsafe temperatures.
Lyme disease
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In the Netherlands, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected ticks found in forested, grassy, or dune areas. The risk is higher for travellers spending extended time outdoors, such as hiking, cycling, or camping.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a characteristic expanding red rash, fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint aches. If left untreated, the infection may progress to more serious complications affecting the joints, heart, or nervous system.
Prevention focuses on avoiding tick bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. Prompt removal of attached ticks reduces the likelihood of infection. Travellers who develop symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease should seek medical attention immediately, as early antibiotic treatment is highly effective.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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For many Australians, travel to the Netherlands involves long-haul flights. Prolonged immobility during flights increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs.
To reduce risk, move regularly during flights, perform calf exercises while seated, remain well hydrated, and avoid excessive alcohol intake. Travellers with additional risk factors should discuss personalised prevention strategies with their doctor before departure.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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The Netherlands has an excellent road network with extensive cycling infrastructures. Cyclists have priority in many areas, and dedicated bike lanes are common. If hiring a bicycle, ensure you understand local road rules and wear appropriate safety gear. When driving, follow local regulations carefully and be mindful of trams and cyclists in urban environments.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, hospital care, and medical evacuation is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Crime and unrest
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The Netherlands is considered a low-risk destination for most travellers. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in busy tourist areas, particularly in central Amsterdam and around major transport hubs. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, secure valuables, and avoid displaying expensive items openly.
Monitor the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for updates before and during travel.