Who Needs a Visa?
Most travelers from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, US, UK, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa for short stays in the Netherlands. Stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits are visa-free for these countries. Travelers from non-exempt countries, such as China, India, Russia, and Turkey, must apply for a Schengen visa before arrival. The Schengen visa allows travel throughout the Netherlands and other Schengen states. Visa fees for adults are €80. Children aged 6-12 pay €40. Processing usually takes 15 calendar days. Applications must be submitted at a Dutch embassy or consulate. Supporting documents include proof of accommodation, return ticket, and travel insurance. Students and business travelers may need extra documents, such as invitation letters or proof of enrollment. Family members of EU/EEA citizens may qualify for simplified procedures. Transit passengers from non-exempt countries may need an airport transit visa. ETIAS authorization will be required for visa-exempt travelers starting in 2025.
Types of Dutch Visas Explained
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C):
- Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Required for tourism, business, or family visits.
- Fee: €80 for adults, €40 for children (6-12 years).
- Application at Dutch embassy or consulate in your country.
- Allows travel within all Schengen countries, including the Netherlands.
Airport Transit Visa (Type A):
- Needed for certain nationalities transiting through Dutch airports.
- Does not permit entry into the Netherlands.
- Fee: €80.
Long-stay visa (MVV):
- Required for stays over 90 days (study, work, family reunion).
- Also called an “authorisation for temporary stay.”
- Application must be started before arrival in the Netherlands.
- MVV holders must also apply for a Dutch residence permit (verblijfsvergunning).
Special categories:
- Student visa: For full-time study at Dutch institutions.
- Work visa: For employment, highly skilled migrants, or self-employment.
- Family reunion visa: For joining family members legally residing in the Netherlands.
Purpose matters: Tourism, business, study, work, and family all require different supporting documents.
Application Steps Made Simple
Apply for a Netherlands visa at the Dutch embassy, consulate, or an official Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country. Some locations allow online applications via the Netherlands' official portal. Book an appointment in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
Required documents include:
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for 3 months after departure)
- Two recent Dutch-format passport photos
- Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands
- Flight reservation or travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds (minimum €55 per day)
- Valid Schengen travel insurance (coverage of at least €30,000)
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends)
- Employment or study verification (if applicable)
Pay the visa fee at the time of application. Fees in 2024: €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12. Payment methods vary by location but usually include cash or card.
Attend an in-person interview at the embassy or VAC. Bring all original documents and copies. Fingerprints and a photo will be taken.
Apply at least 15 days before your trip. Processing times in the Netherlands are usually 15 calendar days. Delays may occur during peak travel seasons. Track your application status online if available.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips
Incomplete paperwork is a frequent reason for Dutch visa delays.
- All forms must be filled in Dutch, English, French, or German. Submitting documents in other languages causes rejection.
- Missing proof of accommodation or return flight is a common error.
- Not meeting the minimum daily funds requirement (€55 per day) leads to refusals.
- Health insurance covering at least €30,000 for Schengen states is mandatory. Policies must be valid for the entire stay.
- Underestimating processing times is risky. Schengen visa processing in the Netherlands usually takes 15 calendar days. In peak periods, it can take up to 45 days.
- Visa interviews at Dutch consulates focus on travel purpose and ties to your home country. Be concise and provide supporting documents.
- If your visa is refused, you can appeal within four weeks at the Dutch embassy or consulate. Appeals must be in writing and in Dutch or English.
- Double-check all supporting documents before submission. Originals and copies are required.
- Always check the official Netherlands embassy website for the latest requirements before applying.
ETIAS & Schengen Travel Updates
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) becomes mandatory for Netherlands entry in 2025.
- Who needs ETIAS? Citizens from visa-exempt countries (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia) must apply before traveling to the Netherlands.
- How ETIAS differs from a visa: ETIAS is not a visa. It is a digital pre-travel authorization for short stays (up to 90 days).
- Implementation timeline: ETIAS launches in mid-2025. Travelers must apply online before departure. Fee: €7 for adults (18-70 years). Minors and seniors are exempt.
- Schengen policy updates: From October 2025, the Netherlands will use the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Passport stamps will be replaced by digital records at Dutch borders.
- Practical steps:
- Apply for ETIAS online at least 72 hours before travel.
- Have a valid passport, email address, and debit/credit card ready.
- Check for updates on the Dutch government website before your trip.
- Note: ETIAS approval does not guarantee entry. Dutch border officials make the final decision.
Quick-Reference Checklist
Check visa exemption for your nationality on NetherlandsWorldwide.nl.
- Apply at the Dutch embassy, consulate, or official Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country.
- Book an appointment online if required. Some locations allow digital applications via Netherlands embassy portal.
- Prepare: valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3 months after departure), completed Schengen visa form, passport photo (Dutch requirements), proof of travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means (bank statements, minimum €55/day).
- Pay visa fee: €80 (adults), €40 (children 6-12).
- Attend interview if requested.
- Standard processing: 15 calendar days. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel.
- Contact Netherlands embassy or IND.nl for questions.
