Visa Information

Overview

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

Visa Validity

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

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

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

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

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days.

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

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

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

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

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.

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 or friends (including girlfriend/boyfriend), you can apply for this visa.

Visa Validity

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

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

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

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

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days.

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

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

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

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

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.

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, trade fairs.

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 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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

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

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.

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

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.

Family members are:

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

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

Eligibility

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

1. You are a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national.

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

2. you are accompanying the EU/EEA/Swiss national or planning to join him/her; and
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.

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

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

If you lived in the UK with your Dutch family member before January 1, 2021, the Brexit withdrawal agreement applies to you. You can apply for visa facilitation if you meet the following

1. conditions:
   1. You and your Dutch family member had an established family relationship on or before 31 December 2020. The family relationship still exists. You can prove this with a birth certificate or marriage certificate. In this case, a family member is a: spouse, registered partner, parent or stepparent, grandparent or stepgrandparent, child or stepchild, or grandchild or stepgrandchild.
   2. Your Dutch family member moved to the UK on or before 31 December 2020.
   3. You and your Dutch family member lived in the UK for at least 3 consecutive months.
   4. You and your Dutch family member lived in the UK under EU law. Your Dutch family member was registered there as an EU national, for instance. You had a valid residence document for the UK as a family member of an EU national.
   5. You are travelling to join your Dutch family member in the Netherlands. Or your Dutch family member is travelling to the Netherlands together with you.
   6. You need a visa to travel to the Netherlands. If you are unsure whether you need a visa, check the Visa Advisor

Visa free travel

If you are in the possession of a valid residence permit for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus (Rep.), Ireland, Romania, you do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands.

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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• 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.

If you lived in the UK with your Dutch family member before January 1, 2021, the Brexit withdrawal agreement applies to you:

Checklist for visa facilitation under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement

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. 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.

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

Overview

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

Visa Validity

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

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

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

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

When a visa is valid for more than six months, the duration of stays is 90 days in a 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days.

Travelling with children

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

When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

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

Visa Fees

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

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Please see the checklist for a family member of EU/EEA/Swiss national visa with the complete list of requirements..

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

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.

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

Overview

Whether you need an airport transit visa depends on a number of things, including your nationality.

Check whether you need a visa

Visa Validity

When you receive your visa, please read it carefully and inform the Netherlands Visa Application Centre if you find an error. Correction of any errors 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 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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

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

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.

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

Overview

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

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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

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

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.

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

Overview

If you are a business traveller who travels to the Netherlands frequently from the United Kingdom 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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

CHECK-LIST SHORT STAY – ORANGE CARPET

1. Signed passport (original + photocopy), with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and not issued more than 10 years ago as of the date of return from your scheduled trip. The same applies to passports issued more than 10 years ago that have since been extended.
2. Completed and signed visa application form (two signatures and signature same as in passport)
3. One photograph (meeting all photo requirements)
4. UK residence permit (original + photocopy) valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area.
5. Letter from the company, signed by a designated signatory (the names of all immediate family members must also be mentioned in the letter). Orange Carpet client must mention the registration code clearly on either the company letter or on the application form

Please note: In order to use the OCVF in London, the company must be registered in the UK and with the Netherlands Embassy. If your company is registered in another country for the OCVF, you cannot use the OCVF services in London.

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

Orange Carpet (OC) visa applications accepted at the Netherlands Visa Application Centre in London arrive the next working day in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, the Netherlands for a decision.

The minimum OC visa application processing time is 5 working days, provided that a complete visa application is submitted.

Applying in Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham

OC visa applications accepted at the Netherlands Visa Application Centre in Manchester, Edinburgh or Edinburgh are sent to the Netherlands Visa Application Centre in London, where they arrive the next working day. From there, the OC visa applications are sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, the Netherlands - where they arrive the next working day - for a decision.

Once the decision has been made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, the Netherlands, the passports return to the applicants via the same route and in the same time, i.e. once the passports are returned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, the Netherlands, they reach the Netherlands Visa Application Centre in London the next working day. From there, the passports are returned to the applicants by courier. Therefore applicants should add minimum 2 extra working days to the minimum OC visa processing time, when applying in Manchester.

Please check Public Holidays/closures to ascertain the dates that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, the Netherlands, the Dutch Embassy in London and the Netherlands Visa Application Centres will be closed, as this will also affect the processing time of the visa application.

All visa decisions are solely at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Here below you find an overview of the three locations and the average processing times:

*Please note that for some nationalities the processing time may take up to 14 days due to Schengen consultation requirements.

VFS will do their best to ensure you (or the courier) will be assisted as quickly as possible. To make sure the process will be as smooth as possible; we would advise you to let VFS reception know when you arrive that you are an Orange Carpet client. You could do so verbally, or by writing the Orange Carpet registration code on an A-4 paper in big letters and showing this to reception. Also make sure the company letters are always signed by the authorised signatory.

Download Forms

If you wish to apply for a Netherlands Visa, you can download the Visa Application Form here.

Schengen 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.

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 Mon-Fri (except public holidays) between 8:30 am to 12:00 pm hrs.

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 Euro cash only.
• Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 18.15 Euro per application
• 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

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 Dutch embassy while your visa application is being processed.

Overview

Travelling to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of:

• Aruba
• Curaçao
• Sint Maarten
• Bonaire
• Sint Eustatius
• Saba

Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are autonomous countries within the Kingdom.
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (also referred to as the BES islands) are special municipalities of the Netherlands and constitute the Caribbean Netherlands.

Short stay (<90 days)
To find out whether you require a visa for short stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, please consult the following weblink: Click here

See the links below for detailed information on travelling to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom:

Travel without visa:

Visa short stay (<90 days): Click here

Long stay (>90 days): Click here

If you want to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for longer than 90 consecutive days, you need to have a residence permit. Residence permits are issued by the competent authority of the country where you wish to move to.

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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

Checklist Caribbean Visa

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 processing time for a Caribbean visa is approximately 15 calendar days, but may take considerably longer if additional documents are required. You are therefore advised to submit your application well before your intended travel date. The Caribbean visa is not valid for travel to Schengen.

Download Forms

Caribbean Visa Application Form

Overview

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

What is a short-stay Caribbean visa?

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

Check here for nationalities which do not require a visa.

Making an airport transit through the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom

Check if you require a visa

Visa Fees

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

• For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
• VFS service charge in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

• It is mandatory to use this form to apply for a Caribbean Visa.
• Complete the Caribbean short-stay visa online application form , print it out and take it to your appointment. It is mandatory to use this form to apply for a Caribbean visa.
• The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
• A recent passport photograph, in colour, that satisfies prevailing international standards on size and composition;
• Proof of reservation for the journey (return ticket);
• Proof of a hotel reservation, if you are staying in a hotel or apartment;
• A valid travel document (e.g. passport) valid at least three months beyond the validity of the visa;
• A copy of the travel document’s personal information/signature page and any previously issued visa;
• A guarantor’s declaration if your purpose of travel is a family visit or if you are travelling to the country concerned at the invitation of a resident, organisation or other body.
• Proof of sufficient means of support (e.g. bank statements of last three months, letter of employer, recent tax return);
• If you are not a national of the country in which you are resident, a copy of your valid residence permit;
• Valid health insurance or travel insurance (including medical coverage) providing cover of at least 15,000 US dollars.
• There may be extra requirements depending on your purpose of travel.

Application for a Minor

Please note that if you are applying for a Caribbean visa for a minor, there are additional required documents (not necessarily mentioned on the checklist):

1. a Schengen application form that is signed by BOTH parents of the minor;
2. the birth certificate of the minor (please bring the original and a clearly readable copy; the original will not be sent with the application but will be checked when submitting the application);
3. a copy of the identity documents of BOTH parents. IMPORTANT: the original identity document must bear/contain a signature of the holder and the copy of the identity document should also show this signature. For example, if in the passport of the parents, the signature is on a different page than the personal details page, the copy of the identity document should be of both the personal details page and the page with the signature. If the identity document is an identity card that is signed on the back, the copy of the identity document must be of both the front and back of the card. If the original identity document of the parent(s) of the minor does not bear a signature of the parent(s), the parent(s) will have to submit a notarized copy of their signature to confirm that the signature on the application form of the minor, is indeed the signature of the parent(s).
4. a declaration from the minor’s school consenting to their absence if the minor is travelling outside of school holidays.

If the minor will be travelling alone or with only one parent, the application should also contain a signed declaration of consent from the parent or parents who will not be travelling with the minor, stating that the minor has permission to travel.

If one of the parents has been allocated parental responsibility for the minor, you need to submit a copy of the signed identity document of the parent with parental responsibility, the court judgment stating that the parent has been allocated parental responsibility for the minor, the application form for the parents signed by the parent with parental authority and, if the minor is travelling alone, a letter of consent from the parent with parental responsibility. The birth certificate of the minor and the letter of consent from the school (if travelling outside school holidays) are also required.

NOTE:

• Please enclose all the above documents in 1 long brown envelope. Please do not write anything on the envelope.

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 processing time for a Caribbean visa is generally about 1 week. Applicants are strongly advised to make an appointment well in advance of the travel date so that their application is submitted at VFS at least 3 to 4 weeks before the travel date but no earlier than three (3) months prior to their departure. Please be aware that in the run-up to holidays (generally the period March up to and including July) and festive seasons the waiting time to get an a ppointment increases considerably.

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

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 long-stay 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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

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

Step 1: Complete the application form

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

Step 2: Get all the required documents

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

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

Passport

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

Documents for children under 18

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

Proof of legal residence

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

Photo

You must submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements.

Photocopy of letter from immigration service

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

• 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.

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.

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.

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 in GBP 15.14 inclusive of VAT
• For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
• All fees can be paid by cash (except in Manchester and Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card or Postal Orders in the name of “Netherlands Visa Application Centre”.
• Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.
• 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.

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

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.

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

Caribbean Carpet programme

Do you regularly travel to Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Saba or St Eustatius? If so, you may be able to apply for your short-stay visa through the Caribbean Carpet Programme. The programme simplifies the application procedure and your visa will also be valid for longer.

Applying for the Caribbean Carpet programme

You can find out whether you are eligible for the Caribbean Carpet programme on the website of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The website also gives details of how to apply.

Applying for a visa through the programme

If your application for the programme is successful, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. This will also contain details about how to submit future visa applications to the Visa Application Centre.

What do I need to do?

You must always submit your application in person. Children under the age of 18 must also apply in person.

Bring the following documents with you. For every document, you must bring the original and one photocopy with you. The embassy or consulate cannot make photocopies for you.

Application form

You must submit a completed Caribbean visa application form. You must sign the form during your appointment in the presence of a consular officer.

Passport

You must provide 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.

When you submit your application, you must also submit your passport. If you need proof that your passport is being held by the embassy or consulate, bring an extra photocopy with you. The embassy or consulate will stamp the photocopy for you free of charge.

Documents for minors

If you are applying for a visa on behalf of a child under the age of 18, you must bring the child’s birth certificate and proof of identity for the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s).

If the child will not be travelling with their parents, or if only 1 of child’s parent will be accompanying the child, you must provide a declaration of consent signed by both parents or whoever has parental responsibility. If only 1 parent has parental responsibility for the child, you will need to provide a court judgment or a statement from a court confirming this.

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 provide your passport, residence permit or a visa.

Photo

Bring a photo that meets the Dutch requirements for passport photos.

Travel itinerary

You must clearly demonstrate your travel itinerary. For example, by providing your flight reservation. You are advised not to buy tickets before you have received your visa.

Proof of transit

If relevant, you must also prove that, after leaving the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, you can legally transit through another country. To do this, you can show a passport, residence permit or visa.

Proof of sufficient funds (tourists and business travellers)

You must provide proof that you have enough money to cover the cost of your accommodation and stay. On average, this is between USD 150 and USD 200 a day.

You should provide 3 recent bank statements (paper or digital) bearing your name and address. You can also show signed traveller’s cheques bearing your name.

Proof of sufficient funds (travellers visiting family or friends)

You must provide proof that you have enough money to cover your stay with family and friends. On average, this is around USD 100 a day.

You should provide 3 recent bank statements (paper or digital) bearing your name and address. You can also show signed traveller’s cheques bearing your name.

Guarantor’s declaration

If you cannot prove that you have enough money, a family member or friend from the part(s) of the Kingdom you are visiting must act as a guarantor. They do this by applying for a financial guarantor’s declaration. The guarantor must arrange this in person with the local authorities, who must also legalise the declaration.

When applying for your visa, you must show that your guarantor has enough money to cover your stay. To do this, you must provide the following documents (obtained from your guarantor):

• the legalised guarantor’s declaration
• their 3 most recent bank statements
• their 3 most recent payslips
• an employer’s declaration or employment contact
• a photocopy of their passport or identity card.

Documents for employees, students or independent business travellers

• Employees: you must provide an employer’s declaration stating your job title, number of years of service, monthly income and permission to take holiday leave.
• Students: you must provide proof that you are registered as a student at your school or university.
• Independent business travellers: you must provide official proof that you own a registered business and show a tax return for the past year.

Additional information on the purpose of your visit

• Visiting family or friends
  You must provide a guarantor’s declaration, letter or email proving that you will be staying with the person in question.
• Tourism
  You must provide a copy of your accommodation reservation containing the contact details and your reservation number. Or you must provide proof that you are taking part in a group trip.
• Business
  You must provide a letter of invitation from a company in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and a letter from your employer. Both letters must contain the following information:
• your job
• the reason for your visit

At least 1 letter must give information on where you will stay during your visit and who is covering the cost of your trip.

Medical insurance

You must show an official document from your insurance company. The document must prove that the insurance is in your name. It must also prove that your insurance policy provides medical cover:

• in all Caribbean parts of the Kingdom
• for the entire duration of your stay
• for at least USD 15,000
• for hospital care, emergency treatment and repatriation (including in the event of death).

If your insurance policy does not cover the above, or if you do not have an official document proving this, you must take out a policy that does provide this cover.

Please note: providing these documents does not automatically entitle you to a visa. The embassy or consulate can refuse your application or request additional information.