The Netherlands is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area, see the introductory section in How to Use this Guide.

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. EU/EEA nationals (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Swiss nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU/EEA nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU/EEA Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
(b) nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino holding a valid national ID card.
Note: It is now Dutch law that everyone over the age of 14 must produce a valid identity document to police officers and other law enforcement authorities on their request.

Required by all except the following for stays of up to three months:
(a) nationals referred to in the chart and under passport exemptions above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey to/from other Schengen countries within 72 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Nationals of Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and the Syrian Arab Republic passing through The Netherlands always require an airport transit visa even though they do not actually enter Dutch territory, unless holding a Residence Permit for the USA or EEA countries, or temporary residence permit for Canada and the USA, valid on the departure date from The Netherlands, with a confirmed onward ticket and are not leaving the transit lounge. Transit passengers are advised to check transit regulations with the relevant Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Spouses and children (under 21 years) and/or dependents of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage/birth certificate, mentioning name of parents with certified translation in English for Embassy in London are produced) receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy or Consulate for details). Nationals of the Dominican Republic, Ghana, India, Nigeria and Pakistan should have their marriage and birth certificates verified and legalised by the relevant Netherlands Embassy or a visa fee will be charged.

(a) The number of forms and photos required may vary according to the nationality of the applicant. (b) The applicant may also be asked to provide further relevant documentation in certain cases. (c) Applications must be made in person for those residing in the vicinity of London, UK, and appointments to do so must be made in advance by telephoning the automated telephone appointments booking service (tel: (09065) 540 720; calls cost £1 per minute). For those married to a Dutch national, it is not necessary to telephone the automated booking service. Those married to Dutch nationals may visit the Embassy in London from 0900-1100 on any working day, or visit another of the Dutch Consulates in the UK. An original marriage certificate and original passport of Dutch spouse must be submitted. Postal applications are not accepted.

A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for the relevant Schengen member nationals, for tourist, business and private visits. Short-stay (for up to three months), Multiple-entry (for three months, one year or five years) and Transit visas are available for a handling fee of approximately €35, although prices are subject to change. You may also have to pay other costs incurred in processing the application. Costs must be paid in local currency. The Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) can be contacted for further details.

Visas are normally valid for the duration of stay, with a maximum of three months (90 days) per six months. The visa issuing authorities will want to see the flight tickets to check arrival and departure dates. Transit visas are valid for single- or multiple-entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time.

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information. Applications should be made in person. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

(a) Passport (valid for at least three months longer than the validity of the visa requested) containing a blank page to affix the visa, or official travel document accepted by Schengen countries. If travelling on a new passport, the old one must also be submitted. A residence permit should be endorsed in your current valid passport and must still be valid on departure from the Schengen area. (b) Completed application form, listing full address and daytime telephone number. For minors under 18 years, it is necessary to submit approval from both parents or legal guardians, submitting a copy of each parent’s/guardian’s passport. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee, where applicable (payable in cash or by postal order). (e) Travel insurance policy covering medical expenses, including emergency hotel treatment and repatriation, taken out in the UK, valid for the duration of stay and with a minimum cover of €30,000. (f) Evidence of sufficient funds for period of stay (eg bank statements or traveller's cheques). The amount considered 'enough' will depend on the purpose of visit, accommodation and duration of visit, but is usually €34 per person per day or a letter of guarantee from a national of the Netherlands who has a net annual income of €11,000; some Consulates may require both. Business: (a)-(f) and, (g) An invitation from a Dutch company confirming duration and purpose of stay, and a recent letter from the applicant’s employer, solicitor, bank manager or local Chamber of Commerce, plus last payslip. If unemployed, submit a letter from a solicitor, accountant or Company House or Social Security booklet. Student: (a)-(f) and, (g) A letter from the applicant’s school, college or university. Airport Transit: (a)-(f) and, (g) Confirmed non-refundable and non-endorsable airline ticket.

Work permit and residence permit required for non-EU nationals. Enquire at Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further information; see Passport/Visa Information or visit Ministrie van Justice, Immigratie-en Nationalisatiedienst (website: www.ind.nl).

Normally processes within 48 hours, but can take up to two months for certain nationals. It is essential to apply with plenty of time to spare (three weeks at the very least).

Royal Netherlands Embassy in the UK
38 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DP, UK
Tel: (020) 7590 3200 or (09065) 508 916 (visa information line; calls cost £1 per minute).
Website: www.netherlands-embassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; 0900-1200 (passport and visa section; by appointment only).
The passport and visa section is closed on the first Wednesday of every month.

Royal Netherlands Embassy in the USA
4200 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 244 5300.
Website: www.netherlands-embassy.org

Consulate General of The Netherlands in the USA
1 Rockefeller Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10020, USA
Tel: (212) 246 1429.
Website: www.cgny.org