Netherlands Tourist Visa Guide
The Netherlands, with its picturesque canals, vibrant tulip fields, iconic windmill farms, and a wealth of museums showcasing its rich culture and history, offers a glimpse of its breathtaking beauty. Even for those outside the Schengen area, the Netherlands tourist visa provides an opportunity to explore this captivating nation.
Understanding the Netherlands Tourist Visa
For travelers heading to the Netherlands for tourism purposes, the Netherlands Schengen tourist visa is the key. Citizens of other Schengen countries and individuals from visa-exempt nations do not require a visa to enter the country. This visa, categorized under Schengen C, is issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, allowing a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
How to Apply for a Netherlands Tourist Visa?
The application process for a Netherlands tourist visa from India is facilitated through the Netherlands Visa Application Centers (VACs). Before commencing your application, it is imperative to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the tourist visa. Once eligibility is confirmed, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Netherlands embassy and access the online application portal.
- Complete the Netherlands tourist visa application form online, providing all required details.
- Print a copy of the completed application form.
- Schedule an appointment at one of the VACs located across India for the submission of your Netherlands tourist visa application. The Dutch embassy does not accept direct applications for Schengen visas from ordinary passport holders.
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the VAC, bringing your application form, the necessary documents, and fees in person, as biometrics need to be submitted.
It is important to note that if you have previously submitted biometrics for any Schengen visa within the past five years, you are not required to repeat this process. In such cases, you can authorize a third party to submit the application on your behalf with a signed authorization letter. Always ensure that you submit genuine documents and provide accurate information, as using counterfeit documentation or providing false information may result in Schengen visa rejection.
If you plan to visit the Caribbean part of the Netherlands, a Caribbean visa is necessary. Applications for this can be submitted directly at the Netherlands embassy or consulate or at a VAC.
Eligibility for Netherlands Tourist Visa
To qualify for a tourist visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Reside in the country where you are applying for the visa. If you reside in a foreign nation with a residence permit, you can apply to the corresponding visa authority in that country.
- Possess a valid passport that meets all regulations.
- Your sole purpose of visit must be tourism and related activities.
- Have sufficient funds to cover expenses throughout your entire stay in the country.
- Apply for the permit if:
- The Netherlands is your sole destination,
- The Netherlands is one of your primary Schengen destinations, where you will spend the majority of your time, or
- The Netherlands is your port of entry into the Schengen region.
Documents Required for Netherlands Tourist Visa
As per the Netherlands tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following documents are typically needed for the application process:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, not older than ten years, and valid for a minimum of six months from the travel date.
- A covering letter containing the applicant’s details, source of funds, purpose and duration of the visit, signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of the Netherlands.
- Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
- Travel itinerary.
- Confirmed air tickets.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter or copy of a business license.
- Financial documents, including bank statements from the past three months, a passbook copy, and Income Tax Returns (ITR).
Photo Specification for Netherlands Tourist Visa
Ensure that your visa photo adheres to the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
- Colored photograph.
- Central position of the head.
- Taken within the last three months.
- Background: Solid, plain white, or grey.
- 80% face coverage.
- Neutral expression.
- Non-thick framed or prescription glasses allowed.
- Headgear allowed for religious reasons.
- Facial hair is permitted.
Processing Time for Netherlands Tourist Visa
The processing time for a tourist permit varies depending on factors such as the number of entries, validity, embassy application volume, and your travel history. Normally, processing takes around 15 working days. However, it may extend to 30 working days in some cases and up to 60 days in extreme situations. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance, but not more than three months before your travel date.
Netherlands Tourist Visa Fees
The total fees for the application process include entry type, biometric charges, and service charges levied by the VAC. Fees may fluctuate with foreign exchange rates, so it is essential to verify the exact amount before starting your application.
| Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6162.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6162.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 8060.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 8060.0 |
After Submission
Upon submitting your application at the VAC, it is forwarded to the embassy or consulate for processing. Depending on jurisdiction, the VAC will send the application to the respective diplomatic mission. It’s crucial to note that while the application is submitted at a VAC, they have no influence over the outcome or processing of your application.
Upon approval, you can collect your visa directly from the VAC or have it delivered to you for an additional charge.
How to Check Netherlands Tourist Visa Status?
You can track the status of your tourist permit application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and entering your reference number and date of birth. Alternatively, you can inquire about the status through your travel agency.
When You Have This Visa
Once you have received your permit, keep the following points in mind to ensure a smooth travel experience:
- Adhere to the visa’s expiry date, duration of stay, and number of entries stated on the visa sticker. Do not overstay the permitted duration.
- Carry all necessary travel documents before embarking on your journey; failure to do so may result in denial of entry into the Netherlands.
- Ensure that you travel to the Netherlands within six months of the visa issue date or as specified; after this date, your permit will become invalid, and entry will not be allowed.
- While traveling within the country, always carry copies of your travel documents with you.
- While on a tourist permit, refrain from engaging in paid work for a Dutch establishment.
- Under normal conditions, tourist visas cannot be extended.
You are free to move within the Schengen zone, and depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen area as permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, Schengen C category permits, including tourist visas, cannot be extended under normal circumstances. However, in exceptional cases, such as a Force Majeure event or humanitarian reasons, an extension may be granted. Otherwise, you must exit the country upon visa expiration.
Overstaying your tourist permit is considered an offense under Dutch immigration laws. You must leave the country before the visa’s expiry date. Staying beyond this period can result in deportation and potential entry bans to the Schengen zone.
The short-term C category tourist permit, valid for up to 30 days, typically does not require medical tests. However, longer-term permits may have related medical test requirements. In any case, it is advisable to undergo a health check-up before traveling to a new country.
Tourist permits cannot be converted into other categories, and employment with a Dutch company is generally not permitted. If you wish to work in the Netherlands, you must apply for a work permit upon returning to your home country.
Yes, as the Netherlands is part of the Schengen agreement, your Dutch tourist permit allows you to travel to and explore other Schengen countries. However, for countries outside the Schengen area, individual permits may be required. Some countries, like Croatia, accept Schengen permits for entry.