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.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

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.

Please go to this separate page for an ‘attending trade fair visa’ if you plan to attend a trade fair, as an exhibitor or as a visitor.

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.

Orange Carpet

Applications for business visa of employees from companies registered with the Netherlands embassy under the Orange Carpet programme can also be submitted at the Visa Application Centre.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

Visa Fees

Please note that on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

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

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

Please see the checklist for a visiting family or friends visa with the complete list of requirements.

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

IUntil further notice, your partner from a country to which an entry ban applies may travel to the Netherlands under certain conditions. Your partner may stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Children under the age of 18 can also travel with your partner.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee and a COVID-19 fee, to be paid by the applicant.

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge and COVID-19 fee:
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 245.00 GHS and a COVID-19 fee of 5 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 72.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• Due to COVID regulations the VFS centre is currently only using mandatory courier service to return the passport to the applicant. The cost are to be paid by the applicant.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

For detailed information, please visit the Government.nl page on the temporary arrangement for partners in long-distance relationships to see which documents are required.

You must both sign the Declaration of relationship for COVID-19 entry ban exemption form. On it you must indicate when your relationship started. You must also enclose proof of your relationship and time spent together. You decide what proof you send. For example:

• airline tickets
• previously used visas
• copies of passport stamps
• payment details showing that you spent time together somewhere (such as hotel reservations)
• statements by third parties that you are in a relationship (such as a statement from parents or friends)
• photos.

You must meet the conditions required for a short-stay visa if you are subject to a visa requirement 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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

Nationals of certain countries need an airport transit visa to change aircraft at an airport in a Schengen country. See the list of countries whose nationals need an airport transit visa.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

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 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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Step 1: Complete the application form

Complete the online application form, print it and take it to your appointment.

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.

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.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 3 (three) months before you intend to travel. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful.

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.

Visa Fees

Please note that on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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 application form, print it out and take it to your appointment.

Step 2: Get all the required documents

Get all the documents required for your application. Below you can find out which documents you need to provide and which requirements they must meet.

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.

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

You must submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements.

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.

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.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

In most cases, you'll be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful.

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

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 a return visa.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

If you need a visa to travel to the Netherlands, in some situations, you may be eligible for free visa facilitation. Check whether your situation meets the conditions.

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.

Service fees are applicable.

Documents Required

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

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

A short-stay Schengen visa with ‘attending trade fairs’ as the purpose of travel is for applicants who wish to travel to the Netherlands to attend a trade fair, either as a visitor or as an exhibitor.

A short-stay visa lets you visit the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It is also valid in the other Schengen countries.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

Please see the checklist for an attending trade fairs visa with the complete list of requirements.

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

A visa for a cultural visit is required if during any portion of your stay you intend to attend one or more cultural events. Such a visa can only be issued to travellers not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Please note that on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.Please note that on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

An internship, training or language course visa is exclusively meant for someone who is going to undertake an internship or follow a training or language course.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

Please see the checklist for an internship, training or language course visa with the complete list of requirements.

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

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 Latvian) port, need to apply for a seafarer visa.

The authority of the Netherlands to take in a visa application is determined by the (main) purpose, or the country of the port where the ship is docked (Article 5 Visa Code). As shown in below examples it is not determined by the flag under which a ship sails or where the applicant enters the Schengen area.

Entry into Schengen area through the Netherlands (for example Amsterdam Airport Schiphol):

• 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 visa to the Netherlands
• Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply visa to Spain
• Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply visa to Spain
• Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply 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 applicant will embark is indeed expected and if the applicant is listed for embarkment on the ship. At crossing the border the Dutch border authorities will check the conditions for admission in an independent and strict manner. At that moment the border authorities are authorized to cancel the visas of seafarers who are not eligible (anymore) for admission.

Blue Carpet

In Ghana a Blue Carpet procedure, exists for seafarers who meet BOTH of the following criteria:

• They are travelling to the Netherlands to board a ship in the Netherlands
• The ship that they are boarding is sailing under a Dutch flag or the ship is owned by a Dutch shipping agency (sailing under a non-Dutch flag).

The Blue Carpet procedure simplifies and accelerates the issue of visas to seafarers prior to their departure. It is also possible to apply for multiple-entry short-stay visa and for a longer period of validity.

The advantages of the procedure are :

• Cost-saving: Paying once for a (multi-entry) visa for a longer period of validity, instead of paying each time for a single-entry visa
• Reduction in the administrative burden: less visa applications.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

Visa Fees

Please note that on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 9 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Online Form

When filling this online form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Overview

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

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form

Overview

A sports visit visa is required if you intend to participate in sports competitions. Such a visa can only be issued to travellers not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands.

Visa Validity

Upon receiving your visa at the Visa Application Centre, please check it carefully and inform the staff at the counter if you find an error. Correction of any error discovered after leaving the Visa Application Centre will require new visa registration and payment of new handling fee.

Upon receiving your visa by courier, please check it immediately and call the Visa Application Centre helpline if you find an error.

The validity of your visa indicates the dates between which you should enter AND leave the Schengen.

The length of your stay in the Schengen area is limited to the number of days indicated on your visa, even if your visa sticker itself has a longer validity. If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 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 region must not total more than 90 days.

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 on top of the official visa fees, VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

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

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 17 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of 223.00 GHS inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• All fees are to be paid in cash, point-of-sale device (POS) or Mobile Money.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

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

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it and take it to your appointment.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Important Information : Your supporting documents will be scanned at the Visa Application Centre. Please do not staple the documents - only the use of paper clips is permitted.

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

Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. It can take up to 45 days to decide on your visa application.

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities. For more information please check the website of the European Commission.

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

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.

Download Forms

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
• The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• Permission minor child consent form
• Online Visa Application Form