Visa Information

Overview

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

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist tourist 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.

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

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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.

Overview

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

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

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist business 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.

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

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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.

Overview

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

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist for visiting family and friends 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.

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

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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.

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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

For detailed information, please visit the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Q and A’s page on the temporary arrangement for partners in long-distance relationships.

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. Are you applying for a visa between April 2024 and October 2024? During this high season, your visa application may take longer to process.

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.

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Visa Fees

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.

• VFS service charge:
  

  A VFS service charge of TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Payments can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

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

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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.

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.

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist for an airport transit 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.

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.

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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 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.

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 an entry 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.

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist for a entry 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.

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

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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.

Overview

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

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist for a medical treatment 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.

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

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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.

Overview

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

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist for a sports or cultural events 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.

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

Due to a technical issue at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a longer processing time for visa applications. The processing time may take up to 4 weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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.

Overview

If your application for a short stay visa for the Netherlands has been refused, you can object against this decision by sending an objection letter to the IND. If your appeal or objection is successful, your application will be approved.

This visa category is solely for applicants whose appeal or objection has been approved by the IND.

There is no need to schedule an appointment for this category. Applicants can walk in from 8:00hrs to 15:00hrs.

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Visa Fees

If your objection has been approved after an appeal, you do not have to pay the official consular visa fee again. However, you will have to pay the VFS service charge.

• All payments will be collected in TZS cash only.
• Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 46,500 TZS
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

• A valid travel document.
• The no-objection letter (and a copy) stating that your objection has been successful.
• Any documents mentioned in the no-objection letter (if applicable). For example, a valid:
  
  • hotel
  • flight reservation
  • proof of insurance

Photo specifications and fingerprints

NOT APPLICABLE

Processing Time

The earliest you can apply for this visa category is 1 week after the issuance date of the no-objection letter. You should apply no later than 15 working days before your trip.

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, your passport will remain at the Embassy of Netherlands, Tel Aviv while your visa application is being processed.

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

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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.

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. Are you applying for a visa between April 2024 and October 2024? During this high season, your visa application may take longer to process.

Overview

If you wish to take up residency in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom or stay 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.

Check the details on your visa

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

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

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

During which period can I travel?

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

• ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

• ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

How long can I stay?

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

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

Visa Fees

Please note that 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 TZS 46,500 inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for applicants applying at the visa application centre.

• Visa fee payment can only be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) by cash.
• 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.

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'll be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. Are you applying for a visa between April 2024 and October 2024? During this high season, your visa application may take longer to process.

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.