The Netherlands is known for its open and tolerant character, which can be seen by its hospitality towards foreigners. Although Dutch is the official language, most people speak very good English and some German and French. As any visitor to this country can attest, the Dutch truly enjoy contact with people from abroad and will make you feel at home in no time at all.

Free flow of participants

As a member state of the European Union, travel for all participants from other EU countries is extremely easy. Entry to the country is furthermore guaranteed to all foreign individuals participating, regardless of their nationality. Participants must, of course, meet the normal requirements. They must carry travel documents valid for an adequate period of time, have sufficient means of support and may not be considered to be a threat to the public peace, public order or national safety. You will find more information about visas and travel requirements later on in this bid book. For the latest information we invite you to visit this website.

The Netherlands is generally a safe country to travel to. It is ranked first on the BHTP’s list of safest nations and twenty-first on the Global Peace Index (GPI), which means it is a destination where you may travel without worrying. The crime rates are relatively low, and your biggest concern in our country might be pickpockets. Using common sense and applying basic precaution measures should minimise the chances of something going wrong.

LGBTQ+ safety

The Netherlands is a progressive and tolerant place. It was the first country to allow same-sex marriage, and promotes a culture where anybody can be who they want to be, wherever they are.

• One of the largest gay scenes in Europe.
• LGBTQ+ spots in every major city.
• Every June, Utrecht organises Utrecht Pride Week with a boat parade.

Participants generally do not need to worry about negative reactions from locals at or around the venue, accommodation or social locations.

From a non-EU country:
If you are bringing € 10,000 or more from a non-EU country, you must declare that money to Customs.

From an EU country:
If you are entering The Netherlands coming from another EU country, you may bring in cash of an unlimited value.

Taxes/Value Added Tax (VAT)
The value added tax system in The Netherlands corresponds with that currently used by all other EU-states. The following transactions are subject to VAT:

• The provision of goods and services by business within The Netherlands
• Intra-Community purchases of goods in The Netherlands in the course of business operations by entrepreneurs and corporations
• Intra-Community acquisitions of new means of transport
• Imports of goods from outside the EU

For the latest information we invite you to visit this website.