Netherlands Visa Guide
Everything to know while applying for a Netherlands visa
The Netherlands is world-renowned for its windmills, canals, and tulips, but there is so much more to see and do after booking India to the Netherlands flights. The capital of the Netherlands is one of the perfect places to start your vacation. You can find direct non-stop flights to Amsterdam from India. Once here, you can explore this beautiful country from the vibrant cities to the picturesque villages dotting the landscape. Visitors will find a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy. To save time and money, getting a return Amsterdam to India flight is always a good idea, so that you do not need to worry about last-minute flight booking and travel stress-free.
And because the Netherlands is relatively small, there are a handful of airports. But among the many cities in the Netherlands, the Amsterdam airport is the busiest, with several flights from various countries. This country has great things to see and do that are within easy reach. The best way to explore is by hiring a bicycle. Most of the major tourist attractions encourage the use of bicycles to explore the sights. This is also a fun way to traverse cities like Amsterdam and The Hague because you get to truly experience one of the world’s friendliest and most beautiful countries in Europe, the Netherlands.
How to apply for the Netherlands visa?
Since Netherlands is a part of Schengen area, you need to apply for the Schengen Netherlands visa, you can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa or a long-stay Schengen visa. These are the steps you need to keep in mind:
- You will need to book an appointment for a (The Netherlands) Schengen visa to proceed with your application
- From the website, you can download the application form and fill it out correctly
- After filling out the form, submit all the required documents
- You will be called for an interview once your documents are accepted
- It may take up to 15 days or more for a response to your visa application
We have a comprehensive Schengen visa guide, which provides detailed information about the visa, how to apply, types of visa and more.
How to track visa application?
You can check your visa application on the official website by filling out your visa application number and travel document number. The Netherlands visa process is simple, and it has a user-friendly website to check the application status.
Types of the Netherlands visa
Based on different purposes like tourism, business, education, and transit, you can apply for the Netherlands visas.
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Student visa
- Transit visa
- Dutch Caribbean visa
1. Tourist visa
To enter the Netherlands, you need to apply for the Netherlands visa, or, to put it simply, the Schengen tourist visa. With this visa type, you can explore the different cities and tourist attractions. The tourist visa falls under short-stay visas for those who want to stay for up to three months. To extend your stay in the Netherlands for more than a three-month period, you need to apply for a long-stay entry visa.
Eligibility for tourist visa
- Confirmed return tickets
- A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of departure
- Proof of accommodation
- Submit a signed visa application form
- The passport must have at least two blank pages
- Copy of the first and last pages of the passport
- Passport-size photograph with a white background
- Proof of funds
- Travel insurance
Tourist visa validity
The Netherlands visa for tourism is valid for no more than 90 days. This visa will be issued under a short-stay visa, which is valid for this Schengen country.
Processing time for tourist visas
The Netherlands visas can take up to 10 to 15 working days to process. But remember that the process can extend to a month or more, if the information provided by you is incorrect.
2. Business visa
The business visa for the Netherlands provides access for business-related activities. A business visa can be acquired through the Schengen visa programme, wherein a local company or individual business from the Netherlands needs to provide a copy of the invitation letter.
Eligibility for business visa
- Confirmed return tickets
- Letter of invitation from the company
- A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of departure
- Proof of accommodation
- Submit a signed visa application form
- The passport must have at least two blank pages
- Copy of the first and last pages of the passport
- Passport-size photograph with a white background
- Proof of funds
- Travel insurance
Business visa validity
The Netherlands visa for business is valid for a period of 90 days. This visa will be issued under a short-stay Schengen visa, which is valid for this country.
Processing time for business visas
The Netherlands visas can take up to 10 to 15 working days to process. However, it can take up to a month or more if the information provided is not correct.
3. Student visa
You need to apply for a student Schengen visa to study in the Netherlands. This visa allows an individual to legally study at a university or school. You will be provided with a short stay of a maximum of three months.
Eligibility for a student visa
- Letter of invitation from the university
- A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of departure
- Proof of hostel/apartment rent
- Submit a signed visa application form
- The passport must have at least two blank pages
- Copy of the first and last pages of the passport
- Passport-size photograph with a white background
- Proof of payment for the course
- Travel insurance
Student visa validity
The student visa is valid for up to three months within a six-month period. After you receive the passport with the visa, double check the validity period and duration of stay.
Processing time for student visas
The processing time for student visas may take up to 15 working days. The processing time for student visa may take more or less than two months in case changes need to be made on your visa application form.
4. Transit visa
An airport transit visa allows travellers to make a stop or change flights at the airport. This airport transit visa will not allow you to exit the airport. The type A short-stay visa allows passengers to pass through an international airport.
Eligibility for transit visa
- Signed Schengen visa application form
- Confirmed flight ticket for a third country
- A passport that is valid for at least of six months from the date of departure
- Copy of the first and last pages of the passport
- At least two passport-size photographs
- Proof of payment of the visa fee
Transit visa validity
The airport transit visa does not allow travellers to exit the airport. If you have a long layover or want to spend a few days in the Netherlands before flying to another country, you will need to apply for a regular Type C short-stay Schengen visa. This is also applicable if you need to transit from one airport to another within the Schengen area.
Processing time for transit visas
The processing time for transit visas may take up to 15 working days. But remember that the process time can extend to a month or more, if the information provided by you is incorrect.
5. Dutch Caribbean visa
Through a Dutch Caribbean Visa, you will be able to enter the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands, which are Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. You cannot travel to the European part of the Netherlands with this visa.
There are two types of Dutch Caribbean Visa:
- Short-stay Dutch Caribbean visa, which allows a stay of 90 days or less.
- Long-stay Dutch Caribbean visa, which allows a stay beyond 90 days.
Eligibility for Dutch Caribbean visa
- Confirmed return tickets
- A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of departure
- Proof of accommodation
- Submit a signed visa application form
- The passport must have at least two blank pages
- Copy of the first and last pages of the passport
- Passport-size photograph with a white background
- Proof of funds
- Travel insurance
Dutch Caribbean visa validity
The Dutch Caribbean visa is valid for no more than 90 days. This visa will be issued under a short-stay visa, which is valid for this Schengen country.
Processing time for Dutch Caribbean visas
The processing time for Dutch Caribbean visas may take up to 15 working days. But remember that the process time can extend to a month or more, if the information provided by you is incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I submit my visa application?
For the Netherlands visa, you can submit your visa application either at a Dutch embassy or consulate-general, at VFS Global, or at TLS Contact.
How can I track my visa application status for the Netherlands?
You can check your visa status for the Netherlands online, or contact the agents from whom you have applied for your visa, like VFS Global.
Who assesses my visa application for the Netherlands?
Your visa application for the Netherlands will be checked in the Schengen Information System (SIS II) as well as the Visa Information System (VIS). This process may take several days—a week or even two weeks.
What is the waiting time for visa applications?
The wait time for visa application may take longer than 15 days or more to process your application.
What is the difference between a visit visa and a tourist visa?
Generally, a visit visa is given for many purposes, like short-term business or medical treatments, whereas, a tourist visa is given for sightseeing.
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