Rules and regulations
Amsterdam is for everyone
Amsterdam is for everybody, regardless of race, religion, gender identification, political beliefs or sexual preference. Visitors and residents are free to be who they want to be, and have their views and choices respected. Hate crimes against members of any community or minority will never, ever be tolerated.
Public nuisance
Amsterdam is an open, creative, innovative, and tolerant city where much is possible and allowed. The city is known worldwide for its freedom, which arose under an essential condition: respect for each other. Keep in mind the locals, and they will welcome you with open arms.
Amsterdammers live in every neighbourhood, including the Red Light District, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Limit noise and drunkenness, clean up your trash and don't pee in the canals. Return plastic bottles and cans to supermarkets for a deposit.
Please be aware of the local laws, and the on-the-spot fines for unacceptable behaviour:
- €150 for noise pollution
- €150 for littering
- €150 for public urination
- €100 for public intoxication
Alcohol and drugs
The consumption of alcohol and soft drugs is forbidden in the majority of public places in the city centre. You are, of course, welcome to visit one of Amsterdam’s many bars and coffee shops. Never combine alcohol and drugs.
Cannabis and coffeeshops
When it comes to soft drugs such as cannabis, a tolerance policy ("gedoogbeleid") is applied in the Netherlands. This means that although the possession and buying of soft drugs are recognised as a violation of the law, you will not be prosecuted if it concerns a maximum amount of five grams of cannabis.
To enter a coffeeshop, you must be 18 years of age – your ID will be checked. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffeeshops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises. In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in most clubs or bars, even in smoking areas. Find out more about the policy on coffeeshops and drug safety here.
From 25 May 2023, it's illegal for both visitors and Amsterdam residents to use soft drugs in the old city centre (Red Light District, Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. These areas are marked with signs saying ‘No smoking cannabis in public’. Officers and enforcers can issue possible fines of €100. Never buy weed from any place that isn’t a coffeeshop.
Hard drugs
As in the rest of the world, drugs are officially illegal in the Netherlands. Possession, dealing, selling, production and most other acts involving any drug are punishable by law. Bringing drugs into a club, bar or festival is prohibited. Drugs in Amsterdam often have higher dosages than in other countries, so be wary. If you choose to use drugs, it’s good to be aware of the risks.
For serious drug and alcohol-related emergencies, seek immediate medical assistance. If someone is not feeling well, don’t be afraid to ask for help or call medical services at 112. In the Netherlands, you cannot be prosecuted for offences related to taking drugs subsequent to visiting the emergency department.
Find a number of useful tips and information on our dedicated Be smart, be safe page.
Sex workers and the Red Light District
Window brothels, sex clubs and escort agencies can operate legally if they have been granted the relevant permits by the City of Amsterdam. Everyone is welcome to visit the Red Light District, although if touring the area, be respectful and don’t take photographs or record videos. If you decide to visit a sex worker, practise safe sex and never deal with sex workers under 21 years of age.
Forced sex work is an extremely serious crime. Remain vigilant to indications of forced sex work (such as anxiety, bruises or willingness to have intercourse without a condom) and report any suspicions to the police by calling 0900-8844 /+31 343 578 844 or anonymously on 0800-7000 (from a Dutch phone).
Traffic and road safety
Amsterdam's narrow 17th-century streets and canals were not built with cars in mind. In the popular districts, crowds of pedestrians and cyclists also make driving conditions difficult for those new to the city. It is recommended to make use of the parking garages and park & ride facilities outside of the city centre, which offer excellent public transport connections. Read more about parking your car in Amsterdam and be sure to stay on the right side of the road.
Cycling
Put together, Amsterdammers own about 850,000 bicycles and cycle an impressive two million kilometres a day. There are a number of policies and measures in place – such as new bike paths and bicycle parking solutions – that are designed to maintain Amsterdam’s reputation as one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities. Read more about the City’s policies here.
Walking
As a pedestrian in Amsterdam, it is apparently tempting to walk on public roads. This is especially common in the city centre neighbourhoods. Despite the narrow streets and pavements in the city, this is obviously dangerous and not desirable. A bell-ringing cyclist or (worse) tram driver will likely let you know sooner rather than later that you are in the way.
Stay on the pavement as much as possible. Give wheelchair users or rollators space and look carefully to make sure no traffic is coming when you step or cross the street. Bear in mind that in the Netherlands people drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Sleeping in cars
Sleeping in a vehicle is not permitted in Amsterdam for your own safety. A fine of € 140 can be imposed.
Valid proof of identity
Every resident of the Netherlands must be able to provide proof of identity to police or other officials on request. So when you’re out and about in Amsterdam, don’t forget to take valid identification with you.
Which documents count as valid identification depends on where you’re from. For EU or EEA citizens, a passport or driving licence is a valid proof of identity. If you come from a country outside the EU or EEA, you have to present your residence permit (verblijfsvergunning or verblijfsdocument).
The requirement to present identification applies to residents of the Netherlands that are over 13 years old. Police and other officials (such as traffic wardens or customs officials) may ask for it and if you fail to present the right documents you risk having to pay a fine.
VISA
The majority of foreign nationals wishing to stay in the Netherlands for up to three months require a short stay visa or Schengen visa (Schengenvisum). Foreign nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland as well as some other countries are exempt from the visa requirement. Read more about the visa specifications on our dedicated visa requirement page.
