Netherlands

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for the Netherlands 🇳🇱

Discover the Netherlands, a nation known for its stunning landscapes, world-class museums, and a warm, welcoming spirit.

The Netherlands is home to over 1,000 historic windmills, each with its own unique story and purpose, from grinding grain to reclaiming land from the sea. Explore the windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about their role in Dutch history and water management.

Famous for its cycling culture the Netherlands offers visitors a chance to rent a bike and explore the picturesque countryside or tour the historic cities like a local.

Enjoy your trip to the Netherlands! Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Amsterdam or biking through the countryside, there’s something for everyone in this colourful country.

Travel Immunizations for the Netherlands

What vaccines do I need for the Netherlands? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Concerns in the Netherlands / Health Canada Recommendations

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to the Netherlands

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing. 

Medical Services and Facilities in the Netherlands
  • Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.
  • Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consular Assistance in the Netherlands

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Street Address: Sophialaan 7, 2514 JP The Hague, The Netherlands

Telephone: 31 (0) 70 311-1600

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Netherlands

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

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