Local Rules for Travellers
The Netherlands has a reputation for being relaxed about cannabis, but the real rules are stricter than many visitors think: drugs are officially illegal and only tolerated in coffee shops, and Amsterdam fines people for smoking cannabis or drinking in parts of the old centre. These are the rules worth knowing, each checked against an official Dutch government or Amsterdam source.
It is against the law in the Netherlands to possess, sell or produce drugs. Under the toleration policy, the police generally do not act against personal possession of no more than 5 grams of cannabis, but hard drugs are not tolerated.
Source: Government of the Netherlands ↗
Since 2023 it has been illegal for visitors and residents alike to use soft drugs on the street in Amsterdam's old centre, including the Red Light District, Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. Enforcers can issue fines of €100.
Coffee shops may only serve customers aged 18 or over, may not sell hard drugs or more than 5 grams per sale, and do not serve alcohol. National rules since 2013 say only residents of the Netherlands may buy there, but the government notes that enforcement differs between municipalities (Amsterdam's coffee shops still serve visitors).
Source: Government of the Netherlands ↗
Medicines that fall under the Dutch Opium Act (for example strong painkillers, some sleeping pills and ADHD medicines) need a medical certificate when you travel with them. For Dutch residents it is a Schengen or English-language certificate issued through the CAK; check with your own country's health authority what document you need.
Source: Government of the Netherlands ↗
Drinking alcohol is prohibited in most public places in Amsterdam, especially in the city centre. Bars and terraces are not affected.
Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, in the hospitality sector (bars, cafés, restaurants) and in workplaces.
Source: Government of the Netherlands ↗
Amsterdam issues on-the-spot fines for nuisance: €150 for noise, €150 for littering, €150 for urinating in public and €100 for public intoxication.
Official guided tours of the Red Light District are not allowed. At weekends, bars and other venues in the district must close at 2:00.
Visitors are asked to be respectful in the Red Light District and not to take photos or videos of the sex workers or their windows.
Anyone flying a drone in the Netherlands, for fun or for work, must follow the European drone rules. Flights in the 'specific' and 'certified' categories need permission from the Dutch aviation authority.
Source: Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) ↗
Every rule on this page is labelled, so you can tell what is enforced by law from what is simply polite.
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the source.