Tips
Print all relevant travel documents:
Do not forget to print all relevant travel documents before your departure, the most important ones being, of course, your booking confirmation (chartered flights) and boarding pass (scheduled services). Many airline companies charge additional costs if you do not have these documents with you at the airport. Your hotel and rental car reservations and address details, in the language of your destination, will also be useful for the taxi driver.
Passport and visas:
Whenever you travel, you must be in possession of valid identity papers (passport or identity card). You should check, in good time before you leave, that the validity does not expire during your trip. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Depending on your destination, you may also need a visa. If this is the case, you need to take into account that it might require some time to arrange a visa. More information is available via the embassy of the country you intend to visit or on the website of passport information.
Copies of other documents:
It is a good idea to make copies of all important travel documents that you take with you before departure, for example a copy of your passport, (travel) insurance papers and medical documents such as prescriptions for medicines and doctor's certificates.
Travel insurance:
Consult your insurance or travel agent about an insurance policy for your holiday. Travel insurance generally covers more incidents than your normal health insurance, for instance emergency repatriation. Many airline companies offer the option of taking out insurance when you book a flight.
Vaccinations:
Some countries require you to have had vaccinations (well) before your departure. Check, at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure, whether you need vaccinations for your trip. For many tropical destinations, malaria prophylaxis is either recommended or compulsory. More information about this topic can be obtained from the travelers’ vaccination department of your local Municipal Health Service. Without these vaccinations and accompanying medical passport, you may, in some cases, be denied access to the country.
Customs:
There are rules governing the import and export of goods. Free movement of goods is allowed within the European Union. However, if you are importing or exporting goods outside of the European Union, you may need to pay customs duties, excise duties and VAT. The amount you have to pay depends on the quantity and value of the goods. Strict rules or even bans apply to some goods, such as imitation of proprietary brands, protected plant and animal species, replica weapons, flowers, fresh meat and fish, art, antiques, drugs and medicines. The rules may vary from one country to another. For more information, contact: Dutch Customs Authorities (Douane)