Netherlands travel guide for Americans

US citizens do not need a visa for the Netherlands for stays up to 90 days in any 180‑day period, as part of the Schengen area. From 2026, you must have an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area.

For longer stays, study, work or residence, you need a different permit. Start with the Dutch immigration service (IND) and the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate.

As a US citizen, you can enter the Netherlands without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. This is the Schengen rule, so the same 90 days cover all Schengen countries together. Count your days carefully if you visit multiple European countries.

From 2026, you must apply for ETIAS before travelling. It is an online authorisation, not a visa, and is valid for multiple entries over three years. You also need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay and proof of funds and return travel.

The US Embassy is in The Hague, at Lange Voorhout 102. For consular services like passport renewal, emergency help, or notarial services, contact them by phone or email first. In an emergency involving a US citizen, call the embassy's emergency line.

For visa questions about the Netherlands, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) is the authority, not the US embassy.

A typical trip to the Netherlands costs around $110–165 per day for one person, depending on your style. Budget travellers can manage on $70–90 a day with hostels and supermarket meals; mid‑range travellers spend $150–250; luxury can exceed $400. Amsterdam is the most expensive city; smaller towns are cheaper.

These are 2026 estimates. Use the travel costs page for a detailed breakdown.

Direct flights from New York (JFK, Newark) to Amsterdam Schiphol take about 7–8 hours. From Chicago, Los Angeles and other major US cities, expect 9–11 hours with a possible connection. Schiphol is the main international airport; Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Eindhoven have limited flights.

Use the flight‑time planner to see exact times from your home city.

The Netherlands uses types C and F plugs, standard in continental Europe, with a voltage of 230 V and frequency 50 Hz. US devices with 110 V plugs need a converter and an adapter. Most modern chargers handle 100–240 V, so you may only need a plug adapter.

Tipping is optional in the Netherlands. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10 % for good service is appreciated but not expected. In bars and taxis, rounding up is fine. Service charges are usually included in the bill.

For police, fire, or ambulance, call 112. For non‑urgent police matters, call 0900‑8844. The US Embassy in The Hague can help US citizens in distress; their emergency line is +31 70 310 2209.