Legality
Legal status in Netherlands
Per-substance legal status for Netherlands, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice — drug laws change; confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.
25I-NBOMe
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
2C-B
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
2C-I
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
2C-T-7
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Benzodiazepines
- Legal status
- List II substance under the Opium Act (sedatives) — prescription medicine
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. Benzodiazepines/sedatives are List II substances; possession without a prescription is prohibited.
- If prescribed / medical
- Sleeping pills/anxiety medicines on List II may be carried for personal medical use with a Schengen certificate (Schengen travel) or a legalised English-language medical certificate (non-Schengen).
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Cannabis / THC
- Legal status
- List II 'soft drug' under the Opium Act — illegal but tolerated (gedoogbeleid)
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. Cannabis/hashish is a List II soft drug: technically illegal but tolerated. Licensed coffeeshops may sell under strict conditions (18+, max 5 g per transaction, no advertising, no alcohol), and personal possession of up to 5 g is given low enforcement priority.
- If prescribed / medical
- Sleeping pills/anxiety medicines on List II may be carried for personal medical use with the proper certificate (see documentation).
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Cocaine
- Legal status
- List I 'hard drug' under the Opium Act (Opiumwet) — prohibited (tolerated ≠ legal)
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. As a List I hard drug, possession and trade are prosecuted as criminal offences.
- If prescribed / medical
- Opium Act medicines (e.g. strong painkillers, ADHD medicines on List I) may be carried for personal medical use only with the proper certificate (see documentation).
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
DMT
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Fentanyl
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
GHB
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Heroin
- Legal status
- List I 'hard drug' under the Opium Act (Opiumwet) — prohibited (tolerated ≠ legal)
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. As a List I hard drug, possession and trade are prosecuted as criminal offences.
- If prescribed / medical
- Opium Act medicines (e.g. strong painkillers, ADHD medicines on List I) may be carried for personal medical use only with the proper certificate (see documentation).
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Ketamine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Khat
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Kratom
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
LSD
- Legal status
- List I 'hard drug' under the Opium Act (Opiumwet) — prohibited (tolerated ≠ legal)
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. As a List I hard drug, possession and trade are prosecuted as criminal offences.
- If prescribed / medical
- Opium Act medicines (e.g. strong painkillers, ADHD medicines on List I) may be carried for personal medical use only with the proper certificate (see documentation).
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
MDMA
- Legal status
- List I 'hard drug' under the Opium Act (Opiumwet) — prohibited (tolerated ≠ legal)
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. As a List I hard drug, possession and trade are prosecuted as criminal offences.
- If prescribed / medical
- Opium Act medicines (e.g. strong painkillers, ADHD medicines on List I) may be carried for personal medical use only with the proper certificate (see documentation).
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Mescaline
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Methamphetamine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
PCP
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Peyote
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Psilocybin
- Legal status
- Mushroom = List I hard drug (prohibited); truffles (sclerotia) sold legally in smart shops (18+)
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. Psilocybin mushrooms are a List I hard drug and prohibited; psilocybin truffles (sclerotia) are sold legally in smart shops to adults (18+).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a traveller medicine.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Salvia divinorum
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Xylazine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — verify with the Netherlands government (Opium Act) / your embassy
- Consequences if caught
- In the Netherlands, drug USE itself is not punishable, but possession, production and trade ARE prohibited; the 'tolerance policy' (gedoogbeleid) makes small quantities a low enforcement priority without making them legal. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Dutch sources (Opium Act Lists I & II / Government.nl) — verify before travel. Note: from July 2025, List IA bans designer drugs/NPS — including 3-MMC, synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl-analogues — as substance groups.
- If prescribed / medical
- If it is an Opium Act medicine, carry the Schengen certificate (Schengen) or a legalised medical certificate (non-Schengen) — see documentation.
- Documentation
- For Schengen travel, carry a Schengen certificate issued via the CAK (valid 30 days, covering up to 4 Schengen countries); for non-Schengen travel, carry an English-language medical certificate (legalised, valid 1 year). Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.
Source · Updated 2026-06-25
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling — penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authorityand your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulatein the destination immediately — notthe destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →