The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, consisting of twelve provinces in Western Europe and three islands in the Caribbean Sea. The European part of the Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, bordering Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The country is an organized parliamentary democracy, as a unitary state. The capital of the Netherlands, mandated by the Constitution, is Amsterdam, however, the seat of government is in The Hague.
The Netherlands as a whole is often referred to as the Netherlands, which in strict use refers only to North and South Holland, two of its provinces, however old use is generally accepted.

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Visitors resident in the countries of the European Union do not need a tourist visa or passport, simply the national identification card of the country of residence.
All others must have:

Passport: Passport must be presented for at least six months from the date of boarding.
Visa: For visitors from some non-EU countries they do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands as long as their stay cannot exceed the three-month limit on French territory or from the European Union signatory countries of the Schengen Convention (Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, France, Denmark, Iceland and Luxembourg).
Note: Visitors from overseas territories and travel longer than 90 days require a visa.
Health Insurance: You must be covered by an internationally recognized health and repatriation insurance of at least 30,000 euros, valid for the entire Schengen territory. Insurance can be purchased over the internet or at travel agencies; Some credit cards offer you free of charge.
Lodging: For private, family or tourist visits, proof of hotel reservation or certificate of reception is requested (this must be requested from the police station by the person who will offer the accommodation; the original must be signed by the chief of police that granted and endorsed by the Consulate General's visa service). Foreigners on a humanitarian or cultural trip, in the context of a medical emergency, visiting a funeral for a close person, spouses and children of Dutch or European Community citizens are exempt.

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The Netherlands is a land of two distinct scenarios, both equally attractive and already part of the imagination of those preparing to know the country.
The capital, Amsterdam, is the symbol of progressive thinking and tolerance. It represents a pragmatic vision of a people that in the past conquered territories in great navigations, leaving important marks in the world. From Amsterdam, you can take day trips to an idyllic and pastoral world.
Be sure to include a visit to the Kinderdijk set of mills, Keukenhof's tulip park (and thousands of other flowers) - if it is spring - and Delft, home of the famous porcelain and painter Jan Vermeer. One of the best art collections in the country is in The Hague, the government headquarters.
Mauritshuis, or Mauritius House of Nassau, houses works by Rembrandt and Frans Hals, among other masters. By the way, if you want to see the best of the latter's production, go to Haarlem and visit the fantastic museum that bears his name.
Speaking of art, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, two of the best in the world and best of all, are almost neighbors in Amsterdam's beautiful Museumplein. And enjoy the time you stay in cosmopolitan Amsterdam to meander through the canals - the city is built on a dam with an elaborate dike system and lets you get drunk on the beautiful beauty of architecture and taste delights like stroopwaffle, a richly-filled cookie of caramel, and the matured gouda cheese.
Most people who travel to Europe end up in the Netherlands on a first or second chance. And when we say Holland, we usually stay two or three nights in Amsterdam. This is really an acceptable time to visit the capital's museums, parks and tours, but be sure to explore other regions of the country. Add two days to see cities near the capital, such as Haarlem, Volendam (with typical houses), Leiden (Rembrandt's birthplace) or Lisse (where is the De Keukenhof flower park); a day to split between The Hague and Delft and another to see the Kinderdijk mills and dinner in Rotterdam. With more time, devote your time to Utrecht and the east of the country in historic cities such as Arnhem and Oosterbeek.

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Well, let's face it, nobody goes to the Netherlands to have memorable dinners. Cheeses such as nationals Edam and Gouda are wonderful, stroopwaffle stuffed biscuits are divine, and smoked herring and eels have fans across Europe. Not to forget the great local beers, which make the holiday of tourists. But there are lots of potatoes and the ubiquitous broodjes, the sandwiches they love so much at lunchtime. Best option then are the many ethnic restaurants in the country. In a small street in Noordwijk aan Zee, on the coast, restaurants are located side by side, specializing in Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Greek, grilled, international, French and ice cream shops, bars in the Pub style and cafes.
We often see here and there shoarma plates in flashy letters, which is nothing more than our old well-known Greek barbecue. Another good option is Indonesian houses, opened by immigrants from this former Dutch colony.

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The Netherlands, with its long North Sea coast, has a moderate maritime climate. The influence of the sea ensures that the country is not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer and that there is always enough humidity in the air for light rain.
Summers are mild with peaks of 25 ° C and winters are cold with frequent frosts and mists, but not harsh with minimum temperatures around 0 ° C. Amsterdam has a mild climate, but the weather is very variable, even in summer.
Rainfall is constant every month of the year. The Netherlands has an average of 184 rainy days per year, ranging from 18 rainy days in November to 13 rainy days in April. The snow falls between November and April. On average the Netherlands has 25 snow days a year. January and February are the months with the most snow days. These months have about 6 snow days.

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Security conditions are good. There are no specific security issues in the Netherlands. It is a well-policed ​​country with well-rooted security habits and attitudes. There is however a system of terrorist risk assessment at progressive levels.
The use, possession and trade of narcotic drugs (including mild drugs) are prohibited and punished by Dutch law. The consumption of small quantities (up to 5gr) of light drugs, under strict conditions, namely in the so-called "coffeshops" is tolerated, but the export of any quantity is prohibited and punishable. Buying drugs of any kind from street vendors is extremely risky.

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The sanitary conditions and the hospital network are excellent.
Citizens should apply for the European Health Insurance Card, a document that ensures the provision of health care that becomes clinically necessary during their stay in the territory of another Member State. The card does not cover situations where a person travels to another state for medical treatment.
Where medical assistance is required on holiday in EU countries, nationals are entitled to medical benefits provided for in the legislation of the destination / host country. Reimbursement for medical and dental treatment at health insurance accredited establishments, as well as for medicines, will be made in accordance with different national systems.
Any Portuguese citizen can be assisted in case of medical emergency in all hospitals in the Netherlands. The invoice will then be sent to your home address.

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Mobile Phones
Mobile use can be used if you have roaming enabled, however, pay attention to very high roaming charges.

Internet
The Netherlands is well served by internet services, there are several cyber cafes with high speed connections.
In case you have a laptop or notebook, there are numerous cafes that offer the free wifi connection.

Electricity
The electricity is 220 Volt 50 Hz and with two-pin plugs.
It is advisable to have a plug adapter kit.

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