Traveling to Amsterdam in 2025? Here’s What to Know

Amsterdam sees millions of tourists from all over the world each and every year.

After all, it is a city with an elaborate history, iconic architecture, and countless things to see and do.

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe (and even the world), there are a few things that you should know about the city before you begin your adventure.

Amsterdam has a tourist tax

Many European cities charge a tourist tax (sometimes called a city tax), and Amsterdam isn't excluded.

Visitors staying the night in Amsterdam will need to pay a nightly tax.

In comparison to other European cities, Amsterdam has a high tourist tax.

The current rates are:

Hotel stays: 12.5%

Holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts: 12.5%

Campsites: 12.5%

If you're staying with someone you know in Amsterdam (such as a friend or family member), you do not have to pay the tourist tax.

The tax may not be included in the nightly cost

Depending on where you are staying or how you are booking, the tourist tax may not be included in the nightly cost that you're seeing.

Make sure that you find a breakdown of the price so you know whether or not the tourist tax has been calculated in, or if it will be an additional charge.

How to pay the Amsterdam tourist tax

Your lodging is responsible for collecting the tax, so there is nothing special or different that you need to unprompted.

How the tax is collected will depend on where you are staying and how the booking is made. If you're using an online service (like Airbnb, for example), the tax may be collected through the booking site when payment is made.

If you're staying at a hotel, they may collect it before or after your stay. It depends.

Either way, they will let you know when it is time to pay the tourist tax, and they will calculate how much you owe.

You might have to pay it in cash

Some hotels may require you to pay the tourist tax in cash. If you're unsure, you can ask in advance.

Oftentimes, hotel staff will be able to point you to the nearest ATM if you need to make a withdrawal.

There's a tax for cruise goers

If you're taking a cruise that stops in Amsterdam, you will also need to pay a tourist tax (it's a port tax in this case).

Cities all over the world tax visitors from cruise ships and Amsterdam is one of them.

This "day tripper" tax is €14.50 per person.

Keep in mind that this is only for Amsterdam. Other stops may have other taxes.

Pre-authorization will soon be required

While its launch date has been pushed back a couple of times, the change is inevitable.

Soon (2026), travelers who don't need visas to travel to the Netherlands (thus, Amsterdam) will need to apply for pre-travel authorization. This includes US and UK citizens.

While that sounds quite technical, it's actually a very straightforward process that is entirely online.

The new authorization is called ETIAS and you can think of it like letting a country know that you will be visiting (though, you do have to get approval).

You can learn everything you need to know about ETIAS for the Netherlands here.

There are passport requirements

To travel to Amsterdam, your passport needs to meet a couple of requirements.

• Your passport needs to have been issued in the past 10 years.
• Your passport needs to have 3 months of remaining validity beyond your intended stay in the Netherlands.
• You must have at least 2 blank pages remaining (for passport stamps).

If your current passport doesn't meet these requirements, you should renew it before you travel to the Netherlands.

Your US or UK driver's license is recognized

If you have a valid driver's license from the US or UK, you are able to drive in the Netherlands while visiting.

Many European countries require tourists to obtain an international driving permit (also called an IDP) before operating a vehicle there, but the Netherlands does not.

Because requirements and policies can (and do) change, make sure you always double check them on official government websites.

How travelers can prepare

Amsterdam is an incredible city. With canal boat rides, the famous Van Gogh Museum, incredible food, and more, it's a once in a lifetime destination for many.

If you're traveling there, make sure that you keep an eye out for the most recent updates and changes.

When it comes to taxes and day tripper fees, make sure you check with your hotel/accommodations before booking so you know what to expect.

Make sure you're following Insurte so you know the most recent travel regulations, policies, and requirements. We're here to keep you informed.