Safety and emergency numbers in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a well-organised country with clear emergency systems, and most residents never need more than the numbers below. Still, the US State Department rates it Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, and it pays to know which number to call for what, how to reach the US consulate outside office hours, and how to get alerts. Save the numbers in your phone on your first day.

Every number on this page comes from the Dutch government, the Dutch police and the US Mission to the Netherlands, checked on the date shown on this page.

The numbers to save

112: life-threatening emergencies. Government.nl says to call 112 for urgent assistance in life-threatening situations or if you witness a crime: a road accident, a fire, an intruder, anything where every second counts. The call is free. The operator alerts the fire brigade, police or ambulance service. The same number works in all EU member states.

0900-8844: police, non-emergency. The Netherlands Police list this number for questions and appointments, for example to report a crime that is no longer in progress. The police state that calls cost 2 cents per minute plus your phone company's access charge. From outside the Netherlands, the police give +31-343 57 8844.

0800-7000: report crime anonymously. Free of charge, according to the police contact page.

113: suicide prevention. The US Mission lists 113 for suicide prevention services in English. The 113 foundation says it can be called free of charge, or reached by online chat, day and night, and that anyone in immediate danger should call 112.

The Dutch police add that they have no email addresses for the public. Use the phone, a station visit or their online contact form.

Reaching the US government

All consular services for US citizens in the Netherlands are provided by the US Consulate General in Amsterdam, at Museumplein 19. There is no consular section at the Embassy in The Hague.

For an emergency involving a US citizen, the US Mission lists:

• +31 (0)70 310-2209, then press 3 for emergency support.
• +1 301 985 8808 as an alternate US number.
• The State Department's 24/7 lines: +1-202-501-4444 from abroad, +1-888-407-4747 from the US and Canada.

The Mission notes that only US citizens are eligible for emergency assistance from the US government, and that these numbers are not for visa questions. Routine services, such as passport renewals, are handled by appointment; the consulate's opening hours for consular services are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 15:30, except Dutch and US holidays.

What the consulate can do in an emergency, according to its services page:

• Issue an emergency passport if yours is lost or stolen.
• Help after the arrest of a US citizen, working to ensure fair and humane treatment.
• Assist the family after the death of a US citizen, including a Consular Report of Death Abroad.
• Connect victims of crime with police and other services.
• Help you contact family, friends, your bank or employer if you need emergency funds.

What Level 2 means

The State Department advisory for the Netherlands, as republished by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), is Level 2: Exercise increased caution, due to terrorism. It states that terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in the Netherlands and may attack with little or no warning. The listed targets are broad: tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions and airports.

The State Department scale runs from Level 1 to Level 4, and Level 2 is not a recommendation to avoid travel. It means the advisory's practical steps apply:

• Be aware of your surroundings at tourist sites and large crowded venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including movement restrictions during police action.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans.

In March 2026 the US Mission issued a security alert after targeted explosive incidents in the Netherlands and other European cities. It also reminded US citizens of possible demonstrations in major cities, including near the Consulate General in Amsterdam, and repeated: call 112 to reach the police if you face an emergency or threatening situation.

Enroll in STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is the State Department's free registration for US citizens abroad. Both the advisory and the US Mission recommend enrolling so that you receive alerts and the consulate can locate you in an emergency. For residents, enroll with your Dutch address and update it when you move. Security alerts such as the March 2026 notice are also posted on the US Mission website, so you can check there if you are not enrolled.

National alerts from the Dutch government

The Dutch government runs a crisis information site, Nederland veilig, and sends NL-Alert messages to mobile phones in an affected area when there is danger. The site also lists backup phone numbers in case 112 is hard to reach and advises households to be able to manage on their own at home for 72 hours during a national emergency. When an alert arrives, read it and follow the instructions it gives.

Everyday risks to plan for

The advisory focuses on terrorism, but residents deal more often with ordinary matters:

• Crowded places. The advisory's target list overlaps with places residents use every day: stations, markets, events. The same awareness that protects against attacks also helps against pickpocketing.
• Demonstrations. The US Mission specifically flags protests in major cities, including near the Consulate General. Avoid them.
• Reporting a crime. For non-urgent crimes, call 0900-8844 or use the police contact form. Keep the details of your report, because you will need them for insurance claims and for a replacement passport.
• Mental health. 113 is available day and night by phone or chat, and anonymously.

If you are the victim of a crime

The US Consulate's services page explains that the State Department helps US citizens who are victims of crime overseas by connecting them with police and other services and by providing information on dealing with physical, emotional and financial injuries. It does not replace the Dutch police: report the crime first, by 112 if it is urgent or by 0900-8844 if not, then contact the consulate if you need help as a US citizen.

If your passport was stolen, the consulate publishes an emergency passport checklist on its services page. If you are left without money, the consulate first expects you to contact family, friends, your bank or employer, and its American Citizen Services unit can help with that contact if necessary.

Your setup list

1. Save 112, 0900-8844 and the consulate's +31 (0)70 310-2209 in your phone.
2. Enroll in STEP with your Dutch address.
3. Keep a scan of your passport and residence card in a secure cloud folder.
4. Tell family in the US where to find the State Department's 24/7 number.
5. Leave NL-Alert enabled on your phone.

Common questions

What is the emergency number in the Netherlands? 112, free of charge, for police, fire and ambulance in life-threatening situations. For non-urgent police matters, call 0900-8844.

How do I reach the US consulate in an emergency after hours? Call +31 (0)70 310-2209 and press 3 for emergency support, or the State Department's 24/7 line at +1-202-501-4444 from abroad.

Is the Netherlands safe for Americans? The State Department rates the Netherlands Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism. The advisory asks travellers to stay aware in crowded places, follow local authorities and monitor local media.

Should US residents in the Netherlands enroll in STEP? Yes. The US Mission recommends STEP so you receive security alerts and can be located in an emergency.