Netherlands Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Netherlands
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated August 9, 2024
Netherlands recorded 0.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Netherlands #171 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.7 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Netherlands at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
0.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#25 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.7 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Netherlands Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Netherlands, the homicide rate for men is 2.1× higher than the rate for women — 0.9 vs 0.5 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Netherlands:
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in the Netherlands. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Netherlands.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Netherlands
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated March 03, 2023).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
Crime
While the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are often targeted by pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves and are active in and around train, tram, and metro stations in city centers; and aboard public transportation, especially to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Thieves often work in pairs: one distracts you, often by asking for directions, while the other moves in on your unguarded property. Use your hotel safe, and keep baggage locked or secured when you are away. Avoid leaving valuables in automobiles, especially electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, GPS devices, and mobile telephones. Never leave your personal items or baggage unattended. Most retailers in the Netherlands only accept a “chip and pin” card and will not accept a standard U.S. credit card containing only a magnetic strip.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 112 or 0900-8844 for non-emergency cases. See above for contact information for the U.S. Embassy The Hague and U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes in the Netherlands. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is well-regulated and rules in regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide lifesaving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Netherlands Population & Demographics
Population of 17,993,485, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Netherlands safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Netherlands at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Netherlands?
Netherlands has an intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #171 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Netherlands?
Netherlands is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Netherlands compare to other countries?
Netherlands's homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.