NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic for the most up-to-date information.

The Netherlands, with its gorgeous nature and spectacular architecture, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. If you’re seeking an unforgettable journey, add this European paradise to your itinerary.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is in the Schengen area, and travellers to the Netherlands need a Schengen visa. You can check the Netherlands Worldwide site to find out whether you need a visa to travel to the Netherlands and the Schengen Area.

Did you book a flight to Netherlands?

Have you secured your flight tickets to the Netherlands? If not, it’s time to take advantage of the budget-friendly rates of Pegasus Airlines to Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Rotterdam. You can also check our detailed Netherlands travel guide for insightful information and helpful tips for your trip.

You may also be interested in these articles:

Amsterdam Travel Guide

Rotterdam Travel Guide

Eindhoven Travel Guide

Netherlands Visa Types

There are different visa types, including single-entry, double-entry, multiple-entry and airport transit visas, that enable holders to enter the Netherlands for stays up to 90 days in periods of 180 days. A single-entry visa grants one-time entrance, whereas double-entry visa holders may travel twice during designated times. On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa allows for consecutive visits that do not exceed the time constraints.

What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa allows its holder to move freely within the Schengen area for a short period.  The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries, namely the Schengen States, among which border controls are abolished. Therefore, passengers who wish to travel in the Schengen area either for business-related or touristic visits are obliged to obtain a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. For more information about Schegen Visa, you can visit our Schengen Visa page.

Netherlands Schengen Visa (Category C visa- For Short Stay Visits)

Visitors travelling to the Netherlands may apply for a Schengen Visa. This visa is granted to third-country citizens who seek to visit the Netherlands for tourism purposes or on a business trip.

If you travel to the Netherlands regularly for business, the Orange Carpet Visa Facility makes it easier for you to apply for a Schengen Visa.

Netherlands Long-Stay Visa (Category D Visa – For Long Stay Visits)

A Netherlands long-stay visa, also known as MVV, allows its holder to travel to and reside in the Netherlands. With this visa, a foreign national can stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days.

General Requirements to Apply for the Netherlands Visa

You can find the tourist visa requirements for the Netherlands below. Remember that the Dutch diplomatic mission in your country might require additional documentation, depending on your situation.

• A completed and signed Schengen visa application form,
• A passport with at minimum two blank pages that is valid for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page, including personal data and previous Schengen visas if obtained,
• (If you’re not the national of the country you’re applying from) evidence of legal residence,
• A recent passport photo,
• Proof of travel – flight reservations, proof of intended means of transport, proof of travel itinerary,
• Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands,
• Proof of means of subsistence:
  • Bank account statement showing movements over the last three months, proving the source of regular income,
  • Proof of regular income, such as salary slips of the last three months,
  • Pensioner booklet.
• Proof of health insurance,
• Payment of the visa fee.

What is Visa Sponsorship for the Netherlands?

If you intend to travel to the Netherlands but are a student or unemployed, you will need a sponsor who has sufficient subsistence to cover the costs of your trip. Travellers should provide sufficient financial resources, demonstrating 55 euros per day for short-term stays up to a maximum of 90 days. Otherwise, your sponsor will have to prove that by meeting certain requirements, such as filling out the sponsorship form and submitting the requested documents.

Netherlands Visa Requirements

In addition to the above-mentioned requirements, the Netherlands also has country and nation-specific requirements.

Netherlands visa requirements for non-Europeans

The general requirements for non-Europeans wishing to enter the EU conform to the above-mentioned procedures. In case of an invitation supporting the document, contact details of the host organisation or private host, such as name, address, relation to the guest, purpose and length of visit, shall be included in the application.

Some non-EU countries might need to hold a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). You can visit the ETIAS page prepared by the European Union to see which countries need ETIAS.

Netherlands visa for European countries

Citizens of European countries can benefit from visa-free travel within the borders of the European Union.

Netherlands Visa Requirement for US, UK, and Canadian Citizens

Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada can travel to the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days.

Netherlands Visa Fees

You can find the detailed informations and latest update by visiting the Netherlands visa fee prepared by Government of Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find cheap tickets for The Netherlands?

Pegasus Airlines provides special offers to its passengers, which gives them the opportunity to fly at reduced prices throughout the year. Do not forget to follow up on seasonal campaigns to benefit from cheap flight tickets.

Why should I visit the Netherlands?

There are many reasons to visit the Netherlands apart from its famous capital city, Amsterdam. Holland is famous for its museums, art galleries, and historical monuments, as well as the beautiful countryside that is marked by traditional Dutch villages and windmills. The local cuisine has a lot to offer aside from savoury Dutch cheese.

When is the ideal period to visit the Netherlands?

Summer is the peak season in the Netherlands as the country is flooded with many tourists coming from all around the world. However, it is also one of the best times to visit in order to enjoy warmer temperatures and longer days. In general, the weather is pretty mild from mid-April to mid-October. You can consider travelling from mid-April to May to see the tulip fields blossoming. Find cheap flights to Netherlands without wasting time.

Which countries are requested a visa in order to visit the Netherlands?

Citizens of non-EU countries should comply with the Schengen visa rules and requirements to travel to the Netherlands for visits shorter than three months. Diplomatic, private and service passports are exempt from visa requirements for up to 3 months. The validity period of the passports must be at least 3 months longer than the period of stay in the country. The applications should be processed at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate of your country of residence.

What is the time zone of the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is in the Central European Time (CET) or (GMT+1). As is the case for most European countries, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is applied during the summer period and the local time changes to 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+2 ).