Netherlands EDIA Resources

Most students will arrive via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Schiphol provides information and services for travellers with disabilities, including mobility support, support for travellers who are deaf or blind, and hidden disability supports. If you anticipate needing airport assistance (for example, wheelchair support or additional time), request support through your airline in advance, and plan extra time for connections where applicable. 

Amsterdam has an extensive public transport network (trams, metro, buses). Accessibility features vary by vehicle type, but many services include designated wheelchair space, and newer vehicles may have level entry and ramps. If you are unsure whether a specific route or stop will be step-free or low-barrier, use official transit accessibility pages and plan conservative buffers for transfers. 

For intercity travel, the Dutch rail system (NS) provides Travel Assistance that can be requested online, via the NS app, or by phone. If you anticipate needing support at stations, request assistance in advance and build in additional travel time. 

Taxis can be hailed at taxi stands or booked in advance. In Amsterdam, wheelchair accessible transport options exist, but availability can be limited and often requires advance booking. Uber operates in Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam and many surrounding areas are generally flat and walkable, which can be supportive for mobility planning. However, the city centre can still present accessibility barriers. I amsterdam notes that navigating central Amsterdam can be challenging in some areas due to narrow pavements, cobblestone streets, and steep bridges. Students may need to plan routes to prioritize smoother surfaces and fewer bridge crossings/transfers. Cycling is a dominant mode of travel in the Netherlands. National-level data from the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis (KiM) reports that bicycles account for about 28% of all trips. Students with mobility concerns should be mindful of shared pedestrian/cycling spaces and remain alert in bike-heavy areas. 

Amsterdam has a mild summer climate, and weather can change quickly. Typical temperatures around July are 12-20 degrees Celsius, which is generally moderate, with summer conditions most comfortable for outdoor activities from late June through early September. 

Preparation tips for late spring and summer treavel include: packing light layers, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat) becausesunshine and showers can alternate. 

Housing information is not yet confirmed. The working plan is that students will stay in double rooms in a hotel (TBC). Once confirmed, Summer Abroad will provide updated details (address, check-in procedures, accessibility features, and in-room amenities). Students who anticipate accessibility needs (for example, elevator access, step-free routes, or specific room configurations) should contact Summer Abroad as early as possible so the office can explore options subject to availability. 

• If you anticipate persistent or ongoing health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor, or healthcare provider before traveling to develop a continuity-of-care plan.
• If you require academic or disability related accommodations, register with U of T Accessibility Services in advance to ensure proper documentation and support are in place before departure.
• Be flexible with appointment time slots and consider telehealth options to increase availability.
• If you are unsure where to start, contact the Summer Abroad office at summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.

The Netherlands is widely recognized as a destination with strong legal protections for 2SLGBTQ+ people. For example, Equaldex notes that same-sex marriage has been legal since April 1, 2001.  

The City of Amsterdam’s visitor site I amsterdam publishes practical guidance for LGBTQI+ visitors, including safety considerations and local support resources. It also highlights community organizations such as COC Amsterdam as a key local resource for support, community, and information, and notes relevant public health supports such as GGD Amsterdam’s LGBTQI+ outreach. IGLTA’s public-facing resources and member network include LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, tour operators, and travel agents across many countries. For travel planning in the Netherlands, students can use IGLTA as a screening tool to identify tourism businesses that explicitly position themselves as LGBTQ+ welcoming. 

According to the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice for the Netherlands, travellers should exercise a high degree of caution due to safety and security risks (including the broader European context). For women travellers, the most relevant day-to-day safety considerations often overlap with general precautions, such as staying alert in crowded areas, using reputable transportation late at night, and planning routes in advance. If you are moving independently, especially in nightlife or high-traffic tourist areas, consider travelling with peers where possible and keeping situational awareness high. 

Emergency contraception (the “morning-after pill”) is available without a prescription (OTC) in the Netherlands and can be purchased at a pharmacy (apotheek) or chemist (drogist). Students can ask the pharmacist for emergency contraception and may be offered either a levonorgestrel option (intended for use within 72 hours) or an ulipristaloption (intended for use within 120 hours), depending on timing and individual circumstances. To find a nearby pharmacy, students can use Apotheek.nl’s “Find a pharmacy” tool, and Sense.info also provides guidance on where to obtain the morning-after pill in the Netherlands.   

The Netherlands is a diverse society shaped by long-term migration and diaspora communities. CBS reports that on 1 January 2024, 16.2% of residents were born outside the Netherlands (i.e., immigrated to the Netherlands), and population growth in 2024 was entirely driven by migration. CBS notes that some of the largest non-European origin groups include people with Turkish, Moroccan, Indonesian, Surinamese, and Dutch-Caribbean origins (among others), alongside a wide range of European-origin and other migrant communities.OpenResearch Amsterdam (drawing on municipal Research & Statistics) reports that 59% of Amsterdam residents had a migration background in 2023, which means students may encounter a broader range of racial, ethnic, and linguistic communities in Amsterdam than in smaller communities elsewhere in the country. Students should be aware that experiences can differ by context (tourist corridors vs residential areas; large city vs smaller community). If you experience discrimination or feel unsafe, prioritize immediate safety and report concerns promptly. 

The Netherlands has a multi-faith landscape and a large proportion of residents report no religious affiliation. CBS reports that by 2023, 58% of people reported no religion, while the largest religious groups included Roman Catholic (17%), Protestant (13%), and Muslim (6%), with other faith communities also present. 

In major cities such as Amsterdam, students can generally find places of worship across multiple faiths and, due to the international community, some congregations offer English-language services (I amsterdam provides a practical list of churches and synagogues and other religious centres). Outside major urban areas, options for non-Christian worship may be more limited and students may need to plan ahead (e.g., confirm service schedules and language). For example, the Netherlands has many mosques nationally (research compiling a national list identified 478 mosques), but availability and service details are location-dependent. For Judaism in Amsterdam, the Portuguese Synagogue (Jewish Cultural Quarter) is one reference point for visitor information and hours, and students seeking worship services should plan ahead for schedules/holidays. 

Halal: Halal options are generally easier to find in larger Dutch cities. Students can use directories such as Zabihah, then confirm ingredients and preparation practices directly with restaurants (including cross-contamination considerations). 

Kosher: Kosher options do exist in Amsterdam, but they can be more limited and may require advance planning (especially for Shabbat/holidays and for specific supervision standards). For up-to-date local guidance, students can use Chabad of Amsterdam’s “Kosher food in Amsterdam” page (it summarizes kosher establishments and notes that students should verify the level of kashrut directly with the certifying rabbi/supervisor). Students looking for groceries can also refer to Kosher Point (a kosher supermarket in Amsterdam) for packaged foods and staples. 

Vegetarian/Vegan: Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Amsterdam. Students can use HappyCow to identify vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and review user-updated details (hours, maps, and reviews).