Yahoo News UK Foreign Office issues warning for popular citybreak destination following ‘violence’
British holidaymakers heading to Amsterdam have been urged to monitor “local guidance” following violence in the city. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning for the popular citybreak destination.
It comes after violence broke out in the city centre last week against visiting Israeli football supporters on November 7, after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. According to Dutch police five people were admitted to hospital following the incident and 62 were arrested.
Since the incident there has been ongoing unrest in the city and extra policing measures are in place. Police presence has been heightened in the city, there is a ban on demonstrations and the city has been designated a “high risk security area” which enables preventative searches.
READ MORE: Manchester Airport issues update for passengers flying with three airlines this week
Security has also been ramped up at Jewish institutions and “other vulnerable sites” across the city. On Sunday, dozens of people were reportedly arrested for defying the ban on demonstrations after a pro-Palestinian protest took place in Dam Square.
In an update to its travel advice for the Netherlands published on November 11, the FCDO said: “In response to violence on 7 November in Amsterdam city centre against visiting Israeli football supporters, the Amsterdam Municipality have put extra policing measures in place. If you are in Amsterdam, check the local guidance.”
UK tourists in Netherlands are also reminded that terrorism, pick pockets and fake police scams are significant risks to be aware of. The FCDO warns that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Netherlands” which “could be indiscriminate”.
Brits are urged to protect their belongings especially in Amsterdam, where pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. Amsterdam police have also warned of criminals using false police identities to trick tourists into handing over cash and credit cards.
