Rules and regulations
Whether you’re exploring the city with friends or family, or heading to theatre shows and night clubs, it’s important to enjoy Timisoara safely. Read on for the most important rules and regulations regarding alcohol, drugs, prostitution and road safety.
Public nuisance
Timisoara is known as an open, creative, innovative and tolerant city where a lot is possible and allowed. The city is known worldwide for its freedom. This freedom arose under an important condition: respect for each other.
Timisoaramers live in every neighbourhood, including the Red Light District and Leidseplein. Limit noise and drunkenness, clean up your mess and don’t pee in the canals. Keep in mind the locals and they will welcome you with open arms.
Alcohol and drugs
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the majority of public places in the city centre, but you are of course welcome to visit one Timisoara’s many bars. Never combine alcohol and drugs. For more information about health matters in the city, contact the Public Health Service of Timisoara.
Soft drugs
When it comes to soft drugs such as cannabis, a tolerance policy (“gedoogbeleid”) is applied in the Netherlands. This means that although the possession and buying of soft drugs are recognised as a violation of the law, you will not be prosecuted if it concerns a maximum amount of five grams of cannabis, and coffeeshops can sell cannabis. To enter a coffeeshop, you must be 18 years of age – your ID will be checked. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffeeshops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises. In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in most clubs or bars, even in smoking areas. Find out more about the policy on coffeeshops and drug safety here.
Hard drugs
As in the rest of the world, drugs are officially illegal in the Netherlands. Possession, dealing, selling, production and most other acts involving any drug are punishable by law. Bringing drugs into a club, bar or festival is prohibited. If you choose to use drugs, it’s good to be aware of the risks. Find a number of useful tips and information on our dedicated Be smart, be safe page.
For serious drug and alcohol-related emergencies, seek immediate medical assistance. If someone is not feeling well, don’t be afraid to ask for help or call medical services at 112. In the Netherlands, you cannot be prosecuted for offences related to taking drugs subsequent to visiting the emergency department.
Prostitution and Red Light District
Window brothels, sex clubs and escort agencies can operate legally if they have been granted the relevant permits by the City of Timisoara. Everyone is welcome to visit the Red Light District, although if touring the area, be respectful and don’t take photographs or record videos. If you decide to visit a prostitute, practise safe sex and never deal with prostitutes under 21 years of age.
Forced prostitution is an extremely serious crime. Remain vigilant to indications of forced prostitution (such as anxiety, bruises or willingness to have intercourse without a condom) and report any suspicions to the police by calling 0900-8844 /+31 343 578 844 or anonymously on 0800-7000 (from a Dutch phone). Learn more about exploring ‘De Wallen.’
Traffic and road safety
Timisoara’s narrow 17th-century streets and canals were not built with cars in mind. In the popular districts, crowds of pedestrians and cyclists also make driving conditions difficult for those new to the city. It is recommended to make use of the parking garages and park & ride facilities outside of the city centre, which offer excellent public transport connections. Read more about parking your car in Timisoara and be sure to stay on the right side of the road.
Cycling
Put together, Timisoaramers own about 850,000 bicycles and cycle an impressive two million kilometres a day. There are a number of policies and measures in place – such as new bike paths and bicycle parking solutions – that are designed to maintain Timisoara’s reputation as one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities. Read more about the City’s policies here.
Sleeping in cars
Sleeping in a vehicle is not permitted in Timisoara for your own safety. A fine of € 140 can be imposed.
Valid proof of identity
Every resident of the Netherlands must be able to provide proof of identity to police or other officials on request. So when you’re out and about in Timisoara, don’t forget to take valid identification with you.
Which documents count as valid identification depends on where you’re from. For EU or EEA citizens, a passport or driving licence is a valid proof of identity. If you come from a country outside the EU or EEA, you have to present your residence permit (verblijfsvergunning or verblijfsdocument).
The requirement to present identification applies to residents of the Netherlands that are over 13 years old. Police and other officials (such as traffic wardens or customs officials) may ask for it and if you fail to present the right documents you risk having to pay a fine.
VISA
The majority of foreign nationals wishing to stay in the Netherlands for up to three months require a short stay visa or Schengen visa (Schengenvisum). Foreign nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland as well as some other countries are exempt from the visa requirement. Read more about the visa specifications on our dedicated visa requirement page.