World Country Guide

Note
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.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months after the last day of the intended visit required by all except:
1. certain nationals of EU countries holding a valid national ID card. Enquire at the nearest Consulate/Embassy for further details.

Visas
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 (except 2. nationals of Latvia who do require a visa);
(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.

Note
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, unless holding a Residence Permit for the USA or EEA countries, UK 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.

Types of visa and cost
A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued free of charge for the relevant Schengen member nationals, for tourist, business and private visits. Short-stay, Multiple-entry and Transit visas are available for approximately 35, although prices are subject to change. All visas are subject to a non-refundable visa handling charge of 25, depending on the type of visa and the exchange rate. The Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) can be contacted for further details.

Note
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.

Validity
Short-stay visas are valid for up to six months from date of issue for single- or multiple-entries of maximum 90 days per entry. 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.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. 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).

Application requirements
(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, and with a minimum cover of 30 per day. (f) Evidence of sufficient funds for period of stay (eg bank statements or travellers cheques amounting to a minimum of 30 per day). 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. Tourist/Family Visits: (a)-(f) and, (g) Original recent letter of guarantee legalised by town hall from sponsor in The Netherlands with a copy of his/her passport, residence permit and pay slips for the last three months, plus proof of accommodation. Airport Transit: (a)-(f) and, (g) Confirmed non-refundable and non-endorsable airline ticket.

Note
(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.

Working days required
Normally within 24 hours, but can take up to three months for certain nationals. It is essential to apply with plenty of time to spare (three weeks at the very least).

Temporary residence
Work permit and residence permit required for non-EU nationals. Enquire at Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further information; see Contact Addresses section.