Visa Information

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 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

Entry into Schengen area not through the Netherlands but through another Schengen country (for example Airport in Paris):

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

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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 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.

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.

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

	Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form

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 for 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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• Due to COVID regulations the VFS centre is currently only using mandatory courier service to return the passport to the applicant. The costs are to be paid by the applicant.
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

You will need to provide the following documents when you apply for an entry visa:

• a passport or other travel document containing at least 2 blank pages. Your travel document must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least another 3 months after the date you intend to return to the Netherlands.
• a completed Schengen visa application form. You should wait to sign the form until you are at the external service provider's offices (VFS Global).
• the portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• your travel itinerary for your journey to the Netherlands.
• if your residence permit has been lost or stolen: a photocopy of your residence permit (if you have one) and a police statement. If you cannot report the loss or theft to the police, you should draw up a statement yourself.
• if your residence permit has expired: the residence permit itself.

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.

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

	Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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. 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.

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.

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

Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application CenterSchengen visa application form – Please fill form Online and Print Copies.

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.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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. 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.

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.

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

Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center

Overview

If you are traveling 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.

for legalization of the signature.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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.
• Download the standard invitation guarantee (garantstelling) for your sponsor to complete.

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.

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

	Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form
	Standard Invitation guarantee document(garantstellingsbrief)

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.

for legalization of the signature.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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. 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.

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.

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

	Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form

Overview

This visa is solely for journeys undertaken for the purpose of study or other types of training.

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.

for legalization of the signature.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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 study / training visa with the complete list of requirements.

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it 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.

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.

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

	Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form

Overview

An official visa is meant for holders of diplomatic, official or service passports.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• All fees are non-refundable.
• Visa fees are been waived for holders of South African diplomatic, official or service passports.

Documents Required

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

• Schengen Application Form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center.
• One recent, good quality, passport sized, color photographs on a clear light background (grey/white
• Passport, valid for a period of at least 3 months after the applicant’s last day of stay in the Schengen states. Please ensure that the passport has 2 blank pages.
• If not a South African citizen, a residence permit valid for a period of at least 3 months after the applicant’s last day of stay in the Schengen States.
• An official Note Verbale

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 Times

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.

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

Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center

Overview

An Event visa is required for persons attending conferences, workshops, short term studies and research, official meetings, cultural and sports events, exhibitions, fairs or training.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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 events visa with the complete list of requirements.

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it 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.

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.

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

Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application CenterSchengen visa application form – Please fill form Online and Print Copies.

 

Please click here for the checklist of supporting documents required.

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.

Important notice:

This 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/EER country or Switzerland.

Directive 2004/38/EC governs visa facilitation and visa exemptions for family members with a visa-required nationality of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are exercising (or have exercised) their right of free movement. They may be entitled to a relaxed (free of charge and accelerated) visa procedure. An EU/EEA/Swiss national is exercising his/her right of free movement if he/she moves to or resides in (or has recently moved to or resided in) a member state their than that of which he/she is a national.

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.

   (This includes a spouse, registered partner, child who is under 21 or a depending family member);

2. You are accompanying the EU/EEA/Swiss national or planning to join him/her;
3. This EU/EEA/Swiss national is travelling to or is residing in another member state than that of which he/she is a national.

What else do you need to know?

• If you think you qualify for visa facilitation you will need to show proof 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.
Service fees are applicable.

Documents Required

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

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.

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

	Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form

Overview

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

You can only apply for a visa at an external service provider, VFS Global.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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 Parent(s) of Dutch nationals under 18 with the complete list of requirements.

• Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it 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.

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.

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

Schengen visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application CenterSchengen visa application form – Please fill form Online and Print Copies.

Overview

In case you intend to stay in the Netherlands for a continuous period of longer than 90 days you will need a temporary residence permit (MVV), informally known as a ‘long-stay visa’. You can apply with the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for a residence permit. It is important that you apply at least 3 (three) months before your intended stay in the Netherlands.

Your sponsor can also start the procedure for your MVV application in the Netherlands. If you choose to start your application in the Netherlands you are advised to wait for the decision. Your sponsor will be informed by the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) about the decision on your application.

When you have received a positive decision on your application, you can make an appointment at the embassy to collect the long-stay visa. Please refer to the ‘alien number’ (V number) in the letter of approval.

For detailed information about the MVV procedure plus the entry conditions for all nationalities, please visit the IND website.

More information on applying for a long-stay visa (MVV) for South Africa residents.

Visa Fees

MVV fees are paid by referent or applicant directly in the Netherlands, once the approval has been received, it is issued free of charge.

For more detailed information about the procedure, plus the entry conditions for all nationalities for stays both longer and shorter than 90 days, visit the website of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

After approval of the IND you can apply for your MVV at the Netherlands Embassy in Pretoria. Please make an appointment on their website.

Documents Required

Documents to bring once your MVV is approved

• Valid passport
• Two recent, good quality, passport sized, color photographs on a clear light background (grey/white)
• Completed MVV application form
• The documents requested in the approval letter which your sponsor receives from the IND. These may be copies of documents that were already submitted to the IND in the Netherlands.

The IND authorization is valid for 3 months. This means that you have 3 months to collect your MVV. Your sponsor will receive a letter from the IND granting the application. From the date of the letter you have 3 months to collect the MVV. If you do not collect your MVV within this period, you will need to submit a new application.

You can use the MVV-visa to enter and leave the Netherlands (and other Schengen countries). You can stay in other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within each period of 180 days.

To register at the municipality in The Netherlands, an apostilled birth certificate is required.

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 Times

The minimum processing time for MVV (ref) applications submitted at the Dutch Embassy in Pretoria is two working days (48 hours).

Download Forms

MVV application form:

Important:

• The Visa Application Form has 3 pages.
• The form should be printed back-to-back.
• You can obtain this form from VFS Global Visa Application Centre or from the website.

Download Instructions:

• The forms are in PDF format.
• You will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and download these forms.
• Please click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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. When filling in the online application form, you will see 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.

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

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.

Please note: After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.

Download Forms

	Caribbean visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form
	Checklist
	Declaration for use of email.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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 and take it to your appointment.

Step 2: Get all the required documents

Get all the documents required for your application. When filling in the online application form, you will see 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.

• 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

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

Processing Time

In most cases, you will 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.

Download Forms

	Caribbean visa application form - Please fill in the form Online and print copies. The copies must be brought to the Visa Application Center
	Permission minor child consent form
	Checklist
	Declaration for use of email.

Overview

If you are a business traveller who travels to the Netherlands frequently from South Africa and you need a short-stay Schengen visa each time, find out if you or your employees are eligible for the Orange Carpet Visa Facility.

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 :
  

  Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

Applications submitted using the Orange Carpet Visa Facility have to meet the following requirements:

1. A support letter from your company, mentioning their Orange Carpet Visa Facility registration number, signed by at least one of the authorised Orange Carpet Visa Facility signatories;
2. A passport, preferably with a remaining validity of at least three years and three months;
3. A completed online visa application form;
   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.
4. Health Insurance, including medical emergency evacuation cover (equivalent to a minimum of €30.000);
5. One recent passport sized photograph;
6. Biometrics: fingerprints of the applicant will be taken at VFS global;
7. The applicable visa fee.

Immediate family members (spouse and children under 18) are eligible for the Orange Carpet Visa Facility too. In case of a spouse and/or children are accompanying the employee on their business trip, the following documents have to be attached to the applications of the spouse and/or children:

1. Copy of overseas medical insurance policy, including medical emergency cover (equivalent to 30.000 euros), corresponding with the (desired) period of stay;
2. In case of minor applicants (younger than 18 years), a written consent from both parents or the parents’ signatures on the application form. A copy of the parents’ passports should be included.

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.

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.

Overview

Until 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 , 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 of 23 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of ZAR 443 per application will be levied for applicants applying at the Visa Application Centre.

• All fees are to be paid in ZAR / by bank- or credit card
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
  
  

  The VFS Global Service fee will be collected at the counter:

  Visa account details: below are the bank details for visas only:
  

  • Bank Name: NedBank
  • Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
  • Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
  • Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
  • Account No: 1454112530
  • Please use your Passport Number as Reference

  Not Accepted: the following methods of payment will not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above. Please note that NO Diners Club or American Express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• 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.
• Download 'Checklist visa application Long Distance Relationship'
• Download 'Declaration of relationship for COVID-19 entry ban exemption'
• Click to see QA+long+distance+relationship
• You must meet the conditions required for a short-stay visa if you are subject to a visa requirement for the Netherlands.
• 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.

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.