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Tourists from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and most of Europe only need a valid passport - no visa - for a stay of up to three months. EU nationals can enter for a stay of three months with just their national identity card or a passport expired less than five years ago.
If you have a Schengen visa for one of the countries that is a member of the Schengen Agreement, it may be valid for the Netherlands also. Double-check with the embassies or consulates of the countries you're visiting though, to make sure the Schengen visa conditions still apply.
Tourist visas can be extended for another three months maximum, but you'll need a good reason and the extension will only be valid for the Netherlands, not the Schengen Agreement areas.
A three-month Dutch visa can take a little while to process, so don't leave it until the last moment; fees vary depending on the country in which you apply, but expect to pay around EUR 35.00 . Most types of visas also require that you show sufficient means to support yourself during your stay.
Amsterdam peaks with people around Easter and July-August but both of these times have their pros. April to May sees daffodils and tulips come to life through the cracks in the crowds. The beautiful summers are a great time to grab a bite and a drink alongside a canal. While winter can be a bit bleak it's rarely extremely cold, and sheltering in the cosy-hearthed pubs will give you a chance to meet 'real' Dutch. Also around this time accommodation is cheaper (except around New Year) and the best sights are all but deserted.
EU nationals can bring virtually anything they like into the Netherlands, provided it's for personal use and local tax in an EU country has been paid. Residents of non-EU European countries can bring 200 cigarettes or 250g (8.75oz) of tobacco, 2L (0.5 gallons) of wine plus 1L (0.25 gallons) of spirits or 2L (0.5 gallons) of sparkling or fortified wine, such as sherry or port, 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
European plug with two circular metal pins
| Electricity voltage | 220-240V |
| Electricity Hz | 50Hz |
