Which visa do I need to travel to the Netherlands?
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for less than 90 days, you may need a short-stay Schengen visa. Whether you need a visa to visit the Netherlands depends on your nationality and your travel plans.
Possible visa requirement
You can see on Netherlands Worldwide whether you need a visa or not . You can also read there how to apply for the visa.
Even if you do not need a visa, you must still meet certain conditions in order to visit the Netherlands . These can be found on the website of Netherlands Worldwide.
Other types of visa for the Netherlands
There are also other types of visa besides the short-stay Schengen visa. One example is an airport transit visa, which you may need if you are transiting through a Dutch airport.
You can find more information on visas for the Netherlands on Netherlands Worldwide.
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Visa for the Netherlands
If you are coming to the Netherlands you should always check if you need a visa and, if so, what type of visa. Find out how to apply for a visa and how to track the status of your application.
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Find information, visa required.
- Do I need a visa for the Netherlands?
- I am outside the Netherlands and my Dutch residence permit has (almost) expired
- I am outside the Netherlands and my Dutch residence permit is lost or has been stolen
- I want to stay longer in the Netherlands after my residence permit has expired
- Types of visa
Applying for a visa
- Applying for a Schengen visa
- Applying for an airport transit visa
- Applying for a residence permit and long-stay visa (MVV)
- Applying for a visa in case of lost or expired Dutch residence permit
- Applying for an Orange Carpet visa
- Working Holiday Program (WHP)
Additional information
- Can I get visa facilitation?
- How can I arrange sponsorship?
- Where can I apply for a visa?
- Applying for a Schengen visa: for the Netherlands or another country?
- Where can I get an application form?
- What documents do I need?
- How much does a visa cost?
- What kind of insurance do I need?
Bringing someone to the Netherlands
- Sponsoring a visitor from abroad
- Longer than 90 days: residence permit (IND)
Visa has been applied for
- Tracking the status of your application
- Waiting time of a visa application
- What information does a visa contain?
- What do I need to travel to the Netherlands?
- How often can I travel to the Netherlands with my visa?
- Extending a Schengen visa
Visa application denied
- My visa application has been denied. What can I do?
What happens after objecting against the denial of my visa application?
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Visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling abroad
If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel outside the U.S., you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.
While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool . On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy.
LAST UPDATED: May 15, 2024
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Schengen or tourist visa for the Netherlands? A guide on everything you need to know
Getting a Schengen or tourist visa for the Netherlands can be easy or difficult, depending on where you come from.
There’s a lot of information available online so here’s an easy-to-read one-stop guide for all the visa options available if you want to visit the Netherlands.
Maybe you live in the Netherlands and have family or friends visiting, or perhaps you’re embarking on a Dutch adventure yourself. Either way, we have all the information you’ll need to get that visa sorted.
Start planning now so that once it’s safe to travel again, you won’t have to scramble with logistics — you’ll be cruising around the canals and tulip gardens before you know it!
Be sure to check the Dutch government’s website for current coronavirus travel recommendations and effects on visa applications .
First things first: which passport do you have?
The type of visa you’ll need not only depends on what you are going to do in the Netherlands but which passport you hold. If you have a passport from any of the countries within the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you will not need any visa to travel to the Netherlands.
However, if you don’t have a passport from these countries (barring a few exceptions), then you will need a visa to travel to the Netherlands.
The Immigration and Naturalisation Services of the Netherlands has a list of countries that come under this rule. Check it before you make your travel plans because for some countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, etc. a visa is not required.
Remember that if you’re exempt from a visa requirement, you can stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days, spread over a 180 day period.
This rule is different if you have a passport from Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Mauritius, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Seychelles, according to the IND website. You can stay for three months within a six month period.
Be sure to check the list to see the requirements for your specific country if you plan to visit the Netherlands. You can use the short-stay calculator to figure out how many days you can stay depending on your nationality.
Types of visas: why are you visiting the Netherlands?
If you’re making travel plans, or if you’re just passing through the airport to get to your next destination, there are different visas that would apply to you.
These visas are for short-term stays, and should not be used in the same capacity as a residence permit. You can stay and travel through the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days, or just transit through the country.
There are four types of visas:
- Schengen visa or tourist visa,
- transit visa,
- return visa, and
- MVV authorisation for a temporary stay.
The Schengen visa is the only one which is purely for tourist purposes.
As of late 2022, nationalities including Brits, Americans, Australians, Japanese and Mexicans will require an ETIAS visa waiver to visit the Netherlands or any other EU member state.
This travel document will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, allow you to visit for up to 90 days in a 6-month period, and will cost €7. You can find out more on a travel visa service like Byevisa .
Schengen or tourist visa for the Netherlands
Do you need a Schengen or tourist visa for the Netherlands?
The Schengen visa is the visa you need to apply for if you have a passport from one of the listed countries, and if you’re coming for tourist purposes, visiting family, or a business trip.
This visa will allow you to stay in the Schengen zone (including the Netherlands) for up to 90 days. These 90 days can be spread over a period of 180 days and allows you to travel through all the Schengen countries .
This is not to be confused with a residence permit and does not allow you to work in the country or any other Schengen country.
It’s always handy to know the local language before you go to a foreign land. Learn a few Dutch words before you come here, and blend in with the locals!
Single or multiple entry: What does your itinerary look like?
If you choose to only travel through the Schengen zone, you can apply for a single entry visa .
This means that once you depart from any of the countries, you will not be allowed to re-enter. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you choose this option, you have to leave the Netherlands and the Schengen zone and will be able to apply for a visa only after 90 days.
If you choose to apply for a multiple entry visa, you will be able to leave the Schengen zone and re-enter without having to apply for another visa.
Remember, the Schengen zone is different from the European Union, so if you’re planning to travel to Bulgaria or the UK, you will need to apply for this type of visa. Did you know that we now have a train that goes from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, all the way to London?
Once you have a tentative plan in place, it’s time to get your documents together and start preparing for your visa application appointment.
What documents do you need for a Schengen visa?
Get your checklist writing shoes on — this is going to be a long one!
- A valid travel document like a passport which is valid for six months from the date you enter the Netherlands.
- Two passport photos which meet the Dutch passport photo requirements .
- Show your travel purpose . You can do this with your hotel reservations or an invitation from a company in the Netherlands. If you’re staying with a friend or family, you will have to submit a form to show proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation .
- Proof that you can support yourself or anybody else accompanying you for the trip. You can do this submitting bank statements, traveller’s cheques or cash. You need to show you have enough for at least 34 euros a day.
- Medical insurance that is valid during your trip. It’s also worth considering taking on Schengen travel insurance , but this is not compulsory.
- Proof of return to your country of origin . You can do this by showing an employer’s declaration, proof of enrolment at a school, that you own your own house, or a return ticket.
How and when do you apply?
After you have all of these documents together, get an appointment at the Dutch embassy where you’re residing (this can be your country of origin or a country where you have a valid residence permit), and pay the visa application fee .
It is recommended that you apply for the visa at least three months before your travel date, and you only reserve (and not finalise your booking) until you have heard back about the decision. The assessment can take anywhere between 15-30 days before you hear back. You can contact your Dutch embassy for an update about your application.
Where do you go to get your visa?
As soon as your visa application has been approved, you have to get another appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate where you applied and drop off your passport to have the visa sticker stamped. This sticker will tell you the validity of your visa, and an indication of whether it is a multiple or single entry visa.
Once you have this sticker, you’re good to start preparing for your trip!
Have you done everything right and set those travel dates in stone? Find out everything you need to know before you come to the Netherlands for the first time .
Do you have a disability ? Check out the Dutch laws, public transport, and which attractions are accessible (in Amsterdam).
If you’re looking for somewhere tourists don’t frequently go, why not try one of the many national parks for a hike under the sun?
The Netherlands is a small country, and it is easy to go on day trips to many places while setting up base in one of the central cities. The country is relatively safe to visit, and super easy to get around (check our guide for public transport ).
Have you applied for a tourist or Schengen visa? Do you plan to? Tell us in the comments below!
Feature Image: Dariusz Sankowski /Unsplash Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2019 and was fully updated in May 2021 for your reading pleasure.
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Hi! I am Gulzar Ahmad from Pakistan.i would like to visit your country,i am fond travelling and exploring new areas,
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National Visa Center
What is the national visa center and how does it help with immigrating to the u.s..
After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your request to immigrate to the U.S., USCIS sends your petition to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC will request the immigrant visa application fee and all documents. NVC will hold your petition and all documentation until your immigrant visa interview can be scheduled at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What happens after USCIS sends my petition to the NVC?
If you are immigrating to be with close family (spouse, child or parent of a U.S. citizen), NVC will contact you to proceed immediately. If you are immigrating for work or other family-based relationships, the process may not start immediately. The date you filed your immigrant visa petition is called the Priority Date and you will need to check the Visa Bulletin . If the Priority Date matches or will soon match the most recent date allowed (the Cut-Off date), the NVC will request the immigrant visa application fee and all documents. NVC will hold your petition and all documentation until your immigrant visa interview can be scheduled at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. NVC will notify you if your Priority Date does not match yet the Cut-off Date. NVC will contact you once they start processing your case.
How do I know if my Priority Date matches or will match soon the Cut-off Date? When will my case start processing?
If your application date (Priority Date) matches or will soon match the Cut-off Date, the NVC will start working on your petition. NVC will notify you once your petition is ready or will soon start processing. For more information on the Cut-off Dates, please visit the Visa Bulletin , which is updated monthly.
How do I find out my application date called a Priority Date?
When you filed an immigrant visa petition, USCIS assigned you a date called a Priority Date. You can verify the Priority Date on the approval notice USCIS sent you when they approved your petition.
How can I contact the National Visa Center?
Here is how you can contact the National Visa Center .
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U.S. Consulate General. Non-Immigrant Visa Unit. John Adams Park 1. 2244 BZ WASSENAAR. Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increase. Effective June 17, 2023, there will be an increase to certain nonimmigrant visa (NIV) processing fees. The fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s), and other non-petition-based NIVs, such as student and exchange ...
Nonimmigration Visa Application Steps. Follow these four steps to apply for your nonimmigrant visa: Determine the appropriate visa category for your travel ( use our visa wizard ). Complete the DS-160 on-line visa application at the CEAC website. Register, pay the fee and set up your appointment at usvisa-info.com, our visa service provider.
Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you. You will receive an email once your application has been processed. The email won't say whether your application was successful. You can collect your passport or have it sent to you. If your application was approved, the visa will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Beginning on May 1, 2024, cash will no longer be accepted for visa-related fees. All fees paid at the time of the visa interview must be paid with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, or Diners Club) or U.S. debit card with the VISA symbol. The credit or debit card must be in the name of the person paying.
These citizens can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). A program managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. As the Netherlands participates in the VWP, most Dutch citizens do not need a visa to travel to the U.S. Read about the VWP and apply for ESTA on the official website.
Visa Denied. If an applicant has been denied a visa, the consular officer will give the applicant a letter explaining why the visa was refused. If the refusal letter is marked 214(b), it will generally explain that the applicant does not qualify for a visa at this time under U.S. immigration laws.
To apply for an emergency visa you should contact the IND. Emergency visas are short-stay visas but they are not Schengen visas. Your visa only allows you travel to the Netherlands and visit the Netherlands. Normally, you apply for your short-stay Schengen visa in the country where you live. Exactly how and where varies from country to country.
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny ...
Visitor Visa Categories (B) VISITOR: BUSINESS, TOURISM, MEDICAL TREATMENT. The Visitor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B1), including attending professional meetings or conference; for pleasure, including vacation or visiting family or medical treatment (B2), or a combination of both (B1/B2) purposes for up to six months.
Possible visa requirement. You can see on Netherlands Worldwide whether you need a visa or not. You can also read there how to apply for the visa. Even if you do not need a visa, you must still meet certain conditions in order to visit the Netherlands. These can be found on the website of Netherlands Worldwide. Other types of visa for the ...
Step 1: Check whether you need a visa. In some cases, you may not need a visa to return to the Netherlands. Select the situation that applies to you. My residence permit has expired. Check whether you need a visa. My residence permit has been lost or stolen. Check whether you need a visa.
Applying for a visa. Bringing someone to the Netherlands. Visa has been applied for. Visa application denied. If you are coming to the Netherlands you should always check if you need a visa and, if so, what type of visa. Find out how to apply for a visa and what to expect after you have submitted the application.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Visa Related Questions. What is a visa? U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need to obtain a visa to enter the United States. In general, a citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States must first obtain a U.S. visa. Certain international travelers may be eligible to enter the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for the U.S. Visa ...
The standard fee for a Schengen visa is €90 (appx. $86). If you apply through a visa application center, an additional service fee may apply. Payment methods include cash, credit/debit cards, or payment slips (depending on the visa center or embassy). Confirm the payment options before your appointment.
1075 HN Amsterdam. During the medical exam. The medical exam will include a medical history review, physical examination, and chest X-ray, gonorrhea testing and blood tests (for applicants 15 years of age or older). The United States also requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for all applicants two years of age and older.
If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel outside the U.S., you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements. While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool.
A short-stay visa lets you visit the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It is also valid in the other Schengen countries. ... (for example in the Caribbean, Croatia, Romania, the United Kingdom and/or the United States), apply for the other visa first, before applying for the Schengen visa. Select your short-stay ...
Good for only one application — The visa application fee may be used to complete only one application. If the visa application is denied, a new visa application and fee will need to be completed to apply again. Expires after 1 year — Visa application fees are valid for use for 365 days from date of purchase. The fee will expire and you will ...
The Schengen visa is the visa you need to apply for if you have a passport from one of the listed countries, and if you're coming for tourist purposes, visiting family, or a business trip. This visa will allow you to stay in the Schengen zone (including the Netherlands) for up to 90 days. These 90 days can be spread over a period of 180 days ...
The Netherlands Schengen Visa; Visa Types Menu Toggle. Tourist Visa; Visitor Visa; Business Visa ... Getting your travel visa insurance from Europ Assistance will allow you to enjoy your trip from the U.S.A to ... you must apply for a Schengen visa in the United States. You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the main country ...
The Consulate General in Amsterdam provides all visa services to people wishing to travel to the United States. There are no visa services available from the Embassy in The Hague. Nonimmigrant visa: for travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange.. Immigrant visa: for foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United ...
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates try to keep the visa issuance wait times as short as possible. Some visa types may have longer wait times for the application appointment and processing. Select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for current wait time information: Amsterdam. Find information on the current appointment wait time ...
The date you filed your immigrant visa petition is called the Priority Date and you will need to check the Visa Bulletin. If the Priority Date matches or will soon match the most recent date allowed (the Cut-Off date), the NVC will request the immigrant visa application fee and all documents.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Are You Eligible? Travel & Tourism in the U.S. ... Outside of Netherlands: +31 (0) 20 575-5309 or +31 (0) 70 310-2209 . International Parental Child Abduction ...