Visa Information

Overview

This visa is solely for the purpose of leisure travel including vacationing, cruising, sightseeing and other recreational activities. If during any portion of your visit to Netherlands you intend to engage in business, or official duties you must refer to other relevant visa categories.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Travelling with children

If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a tourist visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

A business visa is required if during any portion of your visit you intend to conduct business or commercial activities, e.g. meetings, conferences, training.

Such a visa can only be issued to travellers not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands. If you intend to undertake paid work in the Netherlands, you will need to obtain a work permit.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for business visa and official visit with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

This category of visa caters to people wishing to visit Netherlands for a maximum of 3 months for official purposes.

According to Schengen regulation (Handbook of Visa Code) article 7.10 it is the applicant who needs to submit the necessary documents to be granted a visa and the Embassy does not need to make further investigation into an application if the documentation is not sufficient. Failure to submit the required documents will lead to a refusal of the application

Applicants will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

Such a visa can only be issued to travellers not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands. If you intend to undertake paid work in the Netherlands, you will need to obtain a work permit.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a official visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

If you are traveling to the Netherlands to visit family / friends (including girlfriend/boyfriend), you may apply for this visa.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Travelling with children

If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a visit to family & friends visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

Nationals of certain countries need an airport transit visa to change aircraft at an airport in a Schengen country. You can check in the visa advisor if you need an airport transit visa.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Travelling with children

If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for an airport transit visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

You are a foreign national (i.e. non-Dutch) with a valid long-term residence permit for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Your document was stolen, lost or has expired during your stay abroad and you have to return. In this case you need to apply for an entry visa.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Travelling with children

If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a entry visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

Please note: the following procedure does not apply to family members of Dutch nationals travelling to or living in the Netherlands, unless they have recently worked/lived in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.

If you want to travel to the Netherlands with a family member who is an EU, EEA or Swiss national, or visit them there, you can apply for visa facilitation. This usually means you can get your visa faster and free of charge.

Family members are:

• Spouse/partner/common law spouse
• The direct descendants (children) who are under the age of 21 or are dependents, and those of the spouse or partner.
• The dependent direct relatives in the ascending line (e.g. parents) and those of the spouse or partner.

An applicant will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category. Applications for Schengen visas for this purpose are free of charge; service fees are applicable.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you can prove objectively that all of the following requirements are met:

1. You are a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national.
2. (this includes a spouse, registered partner, child who is under 21 or a depending family member); and
3. You are accompanying the EU/EEA/Swiss national or planning to join him/her; and
4. This EU/EEA/Swiss national is travelling to or is residing in another member state than that of which he/she is a national.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

What else do you need to know?

• If you think you qualify for visa facilitation you will need to prove that you meet all of these criteria when you submit your Schengen visa (type C) application.
• The accelerated procedure means that you need not answer the questions on the Schengen visa application form marked with an asterisk (*), which are numbers 19, 20, 31, 32, 33 and fewer supporting documents are required.
• Family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens must present documents to prove their relationship and fill in fields no 34 and 35 of the visa application form.
• The Schengen visa fee will be waived but you will need to pay the VFS service fee.

Find detailed information about the procedure for verification against EU law on the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website.

Parent(s) of Dutch nationals under 18

If you are the parent of a Dutch national aged under 18, and you want to travel to the Netherlands with your child, you can apply for visa facilitation if you meet the conditions.

On the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) you can find out what conditions you must meet.

Under the tab “Required documents” of this website you will find the checklist with the required documents to be submitted with your application.

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Visa Facilitation for family members of EU/EEA and Swiss nationals

Applicant will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category. Applications for Schengen visas for this purpose are free of charge.

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

Service fees are applicable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Go to the checklist to see which documents you need to submit with your application:

Checklist for a family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

In case you are a parent of a Dutch national under 18:

Checklist for parent(s) of Dutch nationals under 18

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.
• For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

Only seamen who are (1) nationals from a country with a visa requirement to enter the Schengen space, and (2) who intend to join a ship in a Dutch (or Polish or Latvian ) port, need to apply for a seafarer visa.

A seafarer is any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship in the maritime sector or the international inland waterway sector.

Blue Carpet Program

The Blue Carpet program is meant to facilitate visa applications made by seafarers to allow them to embark or disembark a ship in the Netherlands, or to attend a course/training in the Netherlands.

A seafarer can apply for a visa under the Blue Carpet Program regardless of which shipping company/agency the seafarer works for, and regardless if they board a ship under the Dutch flag or a foreign flag.

Requirements

Whether or not The Netherlands is the correct country to process the visa application is determined by the (main) purpose of travel, or the country of the port where the ship is docked (Article 5 Visa Code). It does not matter where the seafarer enters the Schengen area. They may enter the Schengen area in The Netherlands (for example Amsterdam Schiphol Airport) or through another Schengen country (for example an airport in Paris).

As shown in below examples it is not determined by the flag under which a ship sails.

Entry into Schengen area through the Netherlands or through another Schengen country:

• Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
• Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
• Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for a visa to the Netherlands
• Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for a visa to Spain
• Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for a visa to Spain
• Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for a visa to Spain

The issuing authority reserves the right in case of doubt concerning a visa application to check with the relevant maritime and / or port authority if the ship where the applicant will embark is indeed expected and if the applicant is listed for embarkment on the ship. When crossing the border, the border authorities will check the conditions for admission in an independent and strict manner. The border authorities are authorized to cancel the visas of seafarers who are not eligible (anymore) for admission.

Advantages of the Blue Carpet Program

• Your visa application will be treated with priority.
• Your visa will be issued as a multiple entry visa with a longer validity.
• You are allowed to apply for this visa nine months before departure.

Visa Fees

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:
  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a seafarer visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form which will contribute to the fastest possible processing of your application file, print it out and take it to your appointment.

The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

Before you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to make an appointment using the online appointment system.

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

This visa is solely for the purpose of leisure travel including vacationing, cruising, sightseeing and other recreational activities. If during any portion of your visit to Netherlands you intend to engage in business, or official duties you must refer to other relevant visa categories.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Travelling with children

If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a tourist visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

A Cultural / sports event or official visit visa is required if during any portion of the visit you intend to attend cultural events, sports competitions or official visit. Such visas can only be issued to travelers not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Travelling with children

If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a cultural/sports/religious event/film crew visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

An applicant travelling for medical treatment and the accompanying person(s) can apply for a medical treatment visa.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Travelling with children

If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a medical treatment visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

If you want to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for 90 days or less, you may need a short-stay visa. This depends on your nationality. You may also need a short-stay visa if you are transiting through the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

What is a short-stay Caribbean visa?

• A short-stay Caribbean visa lets you travel throughout the Dutch Caribbean, i.e. Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten.
• A standard short-term Caribbean visa is issued for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is a multiple-entry visa.
• A short-stay Caribbean visa does not permit you to undertake paid work. If you would like to work, you must have a work permit.
• A short-term Caribbean visa is not valid for travel to the European part of the Netherlands or to any other Schengen area country.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Check here for nationalities which do not require a visa.

Making an airport transit through the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom

Check if you require a visa

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please see the checklist for a Short-stay Caribbean Visa with the complete list of requirements.

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

• Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.



Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

• if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
• if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

Additional information for specific nationalities

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Tracking the status of your application

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

Overview

If you wish to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for longer than 90 days, in most cases you will need a residence permit. If you have applied for one already, please be aware that you may require a visa to collect your residence permit in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius or St Maarten.

Do you need a Caribbean via to pick up your residence permit?

You do not need a visa if your nationality is on the list of visa free travelers for Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten. This applies, for example, to Americans and citizens of the European Union. Also in a number of other cases you do not need a visa for the Caribbean Kingdom parts.

For Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (the BES islands) you will need to apply for a Caribbean visa in addition to your MVV letter, even if your nationality is on the list of visa free travelers.

Check the details on your visa

Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

During which period can I travel?

The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area
• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

Visa Fees

Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Bangladesh. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge:

Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in BDT 2374/- (for submission with biometrics) inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can be made in Cash at the visa application centre.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

Please note: you can apply for a visa only when you have applied for your residence permit and your application has been approved. For Curaçao, provisional approval is enough.

Step 1: Complete the application form

Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

Step 2: Get all the required documents

Get all the documents required for your application.

For every document submitted, you must provide the original (to show at the counter) and a photocopy (to be attached to the visa file). The documents must have been drawn up in (or translated into) Dutch, English, French or Spanish.

Visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. It must cover any costs that may be incurred in connection with emergency medical aid, urgent hospital treatment or transport to the country of origin for medical reasons or in the event of death. The insurance has to cover the intended period of stay in the Schengen area according to article 15 and article 24, Schengen visa Code 810/2009.

Applicants for Schengen visa are required to submit an adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment.

The minimum coverage should be EUR 30,000.00.

The insurance may be purchased in Bangladesh or abroad.

The proof of insurance has to be submitted upon application.

The insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid throughout the territory of all the Schengen states.

All applicants that have been granted multiple entry visas are required to be in possession of a medical travel insurance for every subsequent visit to Schengen territory within the duration of the multiple entry visa.

Exempted from the medical insurance requirement are those who:

Travel with a diplomatic passport

Travel with an official passport for official reasons with a Note Verbal

Apply for an airport transit visa

Are relatives of an EU citizen exercising their right to free movement, i.e. his/her husband or wife, registered partner, common law spouse, children under 21 years of age, older children who are financially dependent on their parents living in the Schengen area and parents who are financially dependent on their children living in the Schengen area.

Passport

A passport or other travel document containing at least two blank pages. It should be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

Documents for children under 18

If you are applying for a visa for a child under 18, you must provide the child’s birth certificate and an identity document for each parent.

Proof of legal residence

You must be able to prove that you are legally resident in the country you are applying from. To do this, you can show your passport, residence permit or a visa.

Photo

Please check the photo specifications.

Photocopy of letter from immigration service

Has your residence permit application been approved by the local immigration service? If so, you must submit a photocopy of the letter your sponsor received.

• Aruba: temporary admission document (VTA)
• St Maarten: landing permit
• Curaçao: you do not need to provide a copy of the letter
• Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba: authorisation for temporary stay (MVV-BES)

You should also bring any additional documents listed in the letter.

Step 3: Make an appointment online

Before you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to make an appointment at your preferred location using the online appointment system.

Photo specifications and fingerprints

As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

Photo Specifications

One [1] photograph of passport style and size [35 x 45 mm] for all applicants, including minors. Your photograph must be:

• colour photo
• recent and of true likeness
• showing full face
• taken without headgear
• head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
• taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
• The photograph should not be older than 6 months old.

Biometric data collection

Without biometrics information your visa application will not be processed

• You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The digital fingerprint scanner does not use inks, liquids or chemicals and will not mark your skin.
• Fingertips must be free from any form of decoration, cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
• Your photograph can be taken at our office. In order to do so, you may not wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face should be visible with no hair across the eyes. Your photograph must be taken according to the ICCAO standard. You may also bring your own photograph. See the Photomatrix Guidelines 2007 for examples of what is accepted and what is not.

Exemptions

Exemption to biometric data collection (digital fingerprint capture and digital photograph) if:

• You are Head of State, member of a national government (with your official delegation, including spouses), hold a diplomatic passport and are travelling for official purposes.

Exemption to digital fingerprint capture if:

• You are under 12 years of age.
• The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible for you. If you are unable to provide a fingerprint scan, you will have to provide a medical certificate to support this claim.

Please note:

• Your biometric data will remain valid for 59 months.

When submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre, it is not possible for us to verify if your biometric data were indeed previously stored in the system. Therefore, it is possible that you will be invited to come and submit them at a later date. You may also be invited for an interview on an individual basis.

Processing time

The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 30 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.

Note for airplane crew members

If you are an airplane pilot or cabin crew member your passport will not have to remain with VFS during the processing of your visa application, subject to consent from embassy.

Why you might wait longer than 30 calendar days:

In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 30 calendar days. Reasons why your visa application may take longer include:

• Your application is impacted by high volume.
• Your application requires further consideration.
• You need to provide additional documents.

Longer processing time for certain nationalities:

Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

Please avoid contacting NetherlandsWorldwide or the Embassy:

You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. If you have any questions about the status of your application after the 30 calendar days have passed, contact the Visa Application Centre.