Allowed or banned: the table
| Topic | In Amsterdam | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis | Sale tolerated in licensed coffee shops, from age 18, 5 g at most per purchase, no tobacco inside; smoking cannabis in the street is banned in the Red Light District, on the Dam, the Damrak and the Nieuwmarkt (€100 fine) | Coffee shops: the rules |
| Alcohol in the street | Banned in 42 zones including almost the whole historic centre, even with an open can in your hand (€110 fine); café and restaurant terraces are not affected; age 18 to buy | Alcohol and cannabis in the street |
| Red Light District | No photos or videos of the windows; bars closed at 2 am on weekend nights (until 31 March 2027); no group guided tours in front of the windows | Red Light District rules |
| Urinating and dropping litter in the street | Urinating outdoors: €140 (police fine) or €160 (city fine); dropping a can or litter on the ground: €280 | Alcohol and cannabis in the street, toilets in Amsterdam |
| Cycling | Lights compulsory at night, no phone in hand, bike lanes to respect, no cycling on the pavement; fines from €50 to €170 | Cycling in Amsterdam |
What if you fall ill or have an accident? Once the formalities are sorted, one surprise remains that nobody plans: a health problem on the spot. Visitors from outside the European Union pay for care at full price, and even the European Health Insurance Card does not cover repatriation. A health and repatriation insurance (SafetyWing, taken out online, for the length of your trip) covers care and the trip back home. See our travel insurance guide.
Safety: what to know
Amsterdam is safe for visitors, but pickpockets are active at the central station, on the Dam, in crowded trams and in the Red Light District in the evening, and street dealers sometimes sell adulterated products. The first physical danger is not crime, though: it is bikes, which distracted pedestrians do not see. Read scams and safety in Amsterdam and getting home at night in Amsterdam. In a life-threatening emergency: 112. For the official safety situation in the Netherlands, consult your own government's travel advice, the city of Amsterdam's website (amsterdam.nl) and the official tourist office (iamsterdam.com).
Entry requirements
- Documents: citizens of the European Union enter with a valid ID card or passport; other travellers should check whether they need a visa with the Dutch immigration service (IND, ind.nl). Details in entering the Netherlands.
- EES: the EU Entry/Exit System, which registers non-EU travellers at the external borders of the Schengen area, is described as in operation since spring 2026; check the official EU website (travel-europe.europa.eu) for what applies on your arrival.
- ETIAS: the €20 travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers was not yet in service at our last check, and its launch date is not confirmed. Never pay on an unofficial site: rely only on the official EU website.
- Check date: these rules evolve, so confirm them the week you leave.
Health, money, phone
- Health insurance: if you are European, bring your European Health Insurance Card; otherwise travel insurance is advisable. Emergencies and care: health in Amsterdam.
- Payment: a bank card is the default way to pay and some places refuse cash; tipping is never compulsory: see money, card payment and tipping.
- Phone: an eSIM or SIM card avoids roaming fees outside the European Union; see internet and SIM card in Amsterdam.
Departure checklist
- Valid passport or ID card, and a visa if needed.
- Health and travel insurance; European card if you are entitled to it.
- Bank card without foreign fees, plus a little cash.
- eSIM or suitable plan.
- Booking of accommodation (where to stay in Amsterdam for a first visit), museums and timed excursions (day trips from Amsterdam).
- Transport: transport in Amsterdam.
- Read mistakes to avoid in Amsterdam.
Preparing your stay
You can book tours and activities in Amsterdam on the GetYourGuide city page and compare hotels on Booking (box below). This page contains partner links: we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
