Netherlands

The Netherlands hosts one of the most strategic aviation sectors in Europe, centered around Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), which serves as a primary global hub. The sector is regulated by the Dutch Civil Aviation Authority (ILT - Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport), under the aegis of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. As a member of the European Union, the country strictly adheres to EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) guidelines, ensuring high standards of safety and consumer protection, aligned with the EU Single Aviation Market.

• Passport: Must have a minimum validity of 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Tourist Visa (Schengen): Brazilian citizens remain exempt from visa requirements for tourism (stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period).
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): Not yet in operation (checked in October 2026). Visa-exempt travellers do not need to apply for any authorisation before travelling today: they enter with a valid passport for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When ETIAS starts, the European Union will announce the date several months in advance on its official website. Be wary of websites that charge for it before then.

Passenger rights in the Netherlands are governed by the European Union's Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which remains the legal foundation in 2026.

• Delays (over 3 hours): Passengers are entitled to financial compensation (ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance), except in the event of extraordinary circumstances.
• Cancellations: right to a full refund or another flight and, if notice comes less than 14 days in advance, also to compensation (except in extraordinary circumstances).
• Duty of Care: In case of significant delays, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, two telephone calls/emails, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and ground transportation.
• Complaint Body: In the event of unresolved disputes, passengers should contact the ILT (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport).

There is no European or Dutch law that mandates a standard weight or size for complimentary carry-on baggage.

• Commercial Policy: Airlines are free to define their own allowances. However, the EU Court of Justice has ruled that carry-on baggage is considered a necessary element of travel, provided it respects "reasonableness" in weight and dimensions.
• Safety Regulations: Liquids in carry-on baggage remain restricted to 100ml per container, packed in transparent plastic bags (unless the airport utilizes CT scanner technology, as seen in certain areas of Schiphol).

The Netherlands follows strict EU standards for the transit of pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets):

• Microchip: Mandatory identification.
• Vaccination: Valid rabies vaccination (administered after the microchip was implanted).
• PET Passport: For travelers from within the EU, or an Export Health Certificate (issued by an official veterinarian) for travelers from outside the EU.
• Waiting Period: If the animal originates from a high-risk rabies country, a blood antibody titration test is required, performed 3 months prior to travel.
• Quarantine: Generally not required if all health standards are met.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Airlines operating in the Netherlands provide mandatory "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) services for children traveling alone, with strict protocols for identification and hand-over at the destination airport.
• Travel Authorization: Although the Netherlands does not require a formal exit permit for Dutch children, it is strongly recommended that minors (especially when traveling with only one parent or third parties) carry a signed consent letter from their legal guardians, accompanied by copies of the parents' identification documents, to prevent suspicion of international child abduction.

The Netherlands complies with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, which guarantees access to air travel for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility (PRM).

• Free Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance at airports (transport from the terminal to the aircraft seat). The airline or travel agency must be notified at least 48 hours in advance.
• Equipment: The transport of wheelchairs (manual or electric) and guide dogs is guaranteed at no extra cost, provided safety regulations are met.

• Dutch Civil Aviation Authority (ILT): https://www.ilent.nl
• Information on Passenger Rights (EU): https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/
• Pet Entry to the Netherlands (NVWA): https://www.nvwa.nl
• Official ETIAS Website (European Union): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/
• Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visa/Consular): https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl