Netherlands Tourist Visa - Everything You Need To Know

For people travelling to Holland for the purpose of tourism, a Netherlands Schengen tourist visa is issued.

Nationals of other Schengen countries and visa-exempt nations do not require a permit to enter the country.

Being a part of the Schengen C category, the permit is issued as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entries and is valid for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

The application for the Netherlands tourist visa from India has to be done through the Netherlands Visa Application Centers (VAC).

Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for the tourist permit. After this, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Netherlands embassy and enter the portal for the online application. 
2. Fill in the Netherlands tourist visa application online with all the relevant details.
3. Take a print out of the completed application form.
4. You must now proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India for your Netherlands tourist visa application submission. The embassy of Holland does not accept direct applications for Schengen visas of ordinary passports.
5. Visit the respective VAC with the application form, the required documents, as well as the fees in person. You will have to submit your biometrics here. 

Note that if you have submitted your biometrics for any Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again.

In this case, you need not visit the appointment in person and may ask a third party to submit the application instead, provided that they possess an authorization letter signed by you.

Ensure that you submit only genuine documents and provide correct information. Providing fake documentation and writing false information may lead to Schengen visa rejection. 

If you are visiting the Carribean part of the Netherlands, you will have to apply for a Carribean visa.

The applications for this may be submitted directly at the embassy or consulate of Netherlands, or at a VAC. 

To be able to apply for a tourist permit, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in the country where you are lodging the application from. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding visa authority in that particular country.
• You must possess a valid passport meeting all the regulations.
• The only motive of your visit must be to take part in tourism and related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay period in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. The Netherlands is your only destination, or
  2. The Netherlands is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. The Netherlands must be your port of entry into the Schengen region.

As per the Netherlands tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the documents required for the process

Basic Requirements:

1. Indian Passport:
• Validity: At least three months beyond the intended stay in the Netherlands
• Blank Pages: Containing at least two blank pages for visa stamps
• Issue Date: Issued within the last 10 years
  
  
2. Completed and Signed Application Form:
• Source: Download from the Netherlands Embassy/Consulate's website or obtain from a VAC
• Language: Fill out in English or Dutch
• Signature: Signed by the applicant (or legal guardian for minors)
  
  
3. Recent Photos:
• Quantity: 2-3 passport-sized photos
• Specifications: Meeting Schengen photo requirements (35x45mm, white background, recent)
  
  
4. Travel Document/Flight Itinerary:
• Confirmation: Confirmed return ticket or a detailed travel itinerary
• Coverage: Showing entry and exit from the Netherlands (and the Schengen Area, if applicable)
  
  
5. Travel Health Insurance:
• Coverage Amount: At least €30,000
• Validity: Covering the entire stay in the Schengen Area
• Policy Details: Clearly stating the policy's validity, holder's name, and coverage amount
  
  
6. Proof of Financial Means:
• Bank Statement: Showing sufficient funds (approximately €34 per day for the entire stay)
  
• Sponsorship Letter (if applicable): With the sponsor's financial documents
  
  
7. Accommodation in the Netherlands:
• Hotel Booking: Confirmation of hotel reservation
• Rental Agreement: If renting a property
• Invitation Letter: From a host in the Netherlands, with a copy of their ID/passport

Additional Documents (as Applicable):

• Proof of Employment or Studies:
• Leave letter from employer or university
• No-objection certificate (NOC)
  
  
• Proof of Retirement or Unemployment:
• Pension documents or proof of financial independence
  
  
• Minor's Documents (if Traveling with/without Parents):
• Birth certificate
• Consent letter from both parents (if traveling alone or with one parent)

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the tourist permit depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the validity, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it takes around 15 working days to process the application.

However, in certain cases, it may take 30 working days, and in extreme cases, this can even take up to 60 days. As a result, it is advised that you apply for it well in advance. 

The total fees for the application process depends on the entry type, the biometric charges, as well as the service charges levied by the VAC.

It may also change with respect to foreign exchange rates. Hence, you must check the exact amount before starting your application. 

Once you have submitted your application at the VAC, it will then be forwarded to the embassy or consulate for processing.

Depending upon the jurisdiction, the VAC will send the application to the respective diplomatic mission.

Note that even though the application is made at a VAC, they have absolutely no influence on the outcome or the processing. 

Once approved, you can collect your visa directly from the VAC, or have them deliver it to you for an additional charge.

Once you have received your permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a hassle-free travelling experience. 

• Keep in mind, the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must not stay longer than the permitted duration.
• Carry all the travel documents before travelling. You will be denied entry into Holland without this. 
• Ensure that you travel to Holland within 6 months of the visa issue date, or as mentioned. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the country, always carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in paid work for a Dutch establishment. 
• You will not be able to extend the tourist visa under normal conditions
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as permitted. 

Step 1: Check the Official Website

• Purpose: Verify the latest visa requirements and application process.
• Website to Visit: Netherlands Embassy/Consulate's website
• What to Check:
1. Visa Requirements: Ensure understanding of all necessary documents and specifications.
2. Application Form: Check if the form can be filled out or in person.
3. Submission Options: Verify if applications can be submitted through a VAC in your region.

Step 2: Gather Documents

• Purpose: Ensure all required documents are ready and meet the specifications.
• Actions:
1. Review the Requirements: From the official website or your previous check.
2. Prepare Each Document:
   
   
• Valid Indian Passport: With at least two blank pages.
• Completed Application Form: Printed if filled out electronically.
• Recent Photos: Meeting the specified requirements.
• Travel Itinerary/Flight Tickets: Confirming entry and exit from the Netherlands.
• Travel Health Insurance: Covering the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
• Proof of Financial Means: Showing approximately €34 per day for the stay.
• Accommodation Details in the Netherlands: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Options:
1. Electronically:
• Access: Through the Netherlands Embassy/Consulate's website.
• Fill Out: Complete all fields accurately online.
• Print: Once completed, print the form.
2. In Person:
• Visit: The Netherlands Embassy/Consulate or VAC.
• Obtain and Fill: Receive the form at the location and fill it out on the spot.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Options:
1. In Person at the Embassy/Consulate:
• Location: Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi.
• Documents to Bring:
• Completed application form.
• All required documents.
• Payment for the visa fee (if not paid online).
2. Through a Visa Application Center (VAC), if Available:
• Additional Service Fee Applies.
• Check the VAC’s Website: For specific requirements and any additional services offered.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data

• Requirement: For all applicants, unless exempt (e.g., children under 12, diplomatic passport holders).
• Location:
• At the Embassy/Consulate: In New Delhi.
• At a VAC: If you chose this submission method.
• What to Expect:
• Fingerprint Scanning: For all applicants, unless exempt.
• Photograph: May be taken on the spot, ensuring it meets the requirements.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Typical Duration: Up to 15 calendar days.
• Variations: May take longer; check the application status if concerned.
• Tracking Your Application:
• Online Tracking: If available through the embassy/consulate or VAC’s website.
• Contacting the Embassy/VAC: For status updates.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

• Location: Same as where you submitted your application.
• Required Documents to Bring:
• Your Passport: To collect the visa.
• Receipt/Reference Number: Provided during application submission.
• Outcome:
• Approved Visa: Attached to your passport or provided as a separate document.
• Rejected Application: You will be informed of the reason and potentially guided on the next steps.

• Schengen Visa Fee (Short-Stay):
• Adults: Currently €60 (subject to change; check the latest rate)
• Children (6-12 years): Reduced fee, currently €35
• Exemptions: Children under 6 years, family members of EU/EEA citizens, and others (check eligibility)
  
  
• VAC Service Fee (if applicable):
• Additional: Varies by VAC; check with the specific center

• Netherlands Embassy in India:
• Address: 6/50F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 2419 7600
• Email: new-delhi@minbuza.nl
• Website: www.netherlandsandyou.nl
• Visa Application Centers in India (if available): Check the official government or VAC websites for locations and services.

• Apply Early: To account for any unforeseen delays.
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure all meet the specified requirements.
• Be Prepared for Potential Interviews: Clearly explain your travel purpose and plans.

Below Useful Links:

• Netherlands Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• Netherlands Business Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• Common Reasons for Visa Rejection