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Practical information for traveling this summer

Travelling abroad 

Planning to travel abroad for your holidays? Before you set off, ensure you have the correct and up-to-date travel documents for the country you’re visiting. 

For those of you with a non-EU nationality it is important to ensure your Dutch residence permit card is valid until after you return to the Netherlands. If your permit expires while you’re away, you may need to apply for a return visa with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) before your departure. 

More information on travelling with a Dutch residence permit or return visa can be found here. If you are travelling within the Schengen area, a Dutch residence permit will allow you to travel and stay in other Schengen countries for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. Read more information on travelling within the Schengen area here. Not sure which countries are included in the Schengen area? Double check to make sure. 

 

Can you take your child out of school earlier?

We understand that many of you have booked your holidays to go back home or to explore a new location abroad months in advance, however in the Netherlands the system is quite strict. Make sure to request permission from the school if you plan on travelling outside of the official holiday dates. More information on this can be found here.

Travel Insurance 

To help ensure peace of mind while traveling, we strongly recommend having travel insurance in place. Coverage can vary—some people may already be protected through their existing insurance package, while others might need to arrange separate holiday insurance. Before purchasing a new policy, check here whether your current plan already covers you abroad. For more details, visit this website.  

Payments in other currency

When traveling abroad, make sure to adjust your debit card’s settings from NL to Europe or World. This can be done in your bank app and comes into effect immediately. It is common to have a commission on your transactions when paying with a Dutch bank card outside of the Netherlands. To check the exact costs, click here.

Travelling through Europe by car 

If you're planning to travel through Europe by car this summer, a bit of preparation can make all the difference. Start by having your vehicle checked: tyres, oil, brakes, and lights should all be in good condition before you set off. It’s also wise to ensure your roadside assistance is in order. Organisations like the ANWB offer reliable support across Europe, and their app includes navigation, accident alerts, and a location-sharing feature in case of breakdowns.

Before you go, visit the ANWB website for summer travel tips. You’ll find useful information such as:

  • Whether you need a vignette or emissions sticker to drive in certain countries or cities—these can often be purchased online or in ANWB shops.
  • A country-by-country checklist (Reiswijzer) to help you prepare for local rules and requirements.
  • A guide to fuel labelling across the EU, so you don’t accidentally fill up with the wrong type of fuel. Look for standardised labels like E5 or B7 on pumps and your fuel cap.
  • A traffic calendar showing the busiest travel days in Europe, including the Zwarte Zaterdagen (Black Saturdays), when roads to popular destinations like Belgium and France are especially congested. Check out congestion information per country here.

Looking ahead to later this year, be aware of the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES). Expected to launch in October 2025, this new EU border control system will apply to non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. It will replace passport stamps with digital records and requires biometric data such as fingerprints or facial images. For more details, visit the European EES page.

With the right planning, your trip can be smooth, safe, and enjoyable. Safe travels!