Netherlands · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
The Netherlands is in the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole area. Visa-exempt nationals need no visa; everyone else applies for a short-stay (type C) Schengen visa through Netherlands Worldwide, the official government channel. A new ETIAS authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers.
The Netherlands is in the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visa-exempt nationals can visit without a visa; others apply for a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa via Netherlands Worldwide. A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors — check the current requirement.
- Schengen short stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Visa-exempt nationals can visit without a visa; others need a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa.
- A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers — verify before booking.
- Tourist visits do not permit employment.
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has operated at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026: non-EU visitors are registered biometrically on entry and exit instead of having passports stamped.
- 1
Check your visa requirement
Check on Netherlands Worldwide whether your nationality needs a short-stay visa, and whether ETIAS already applies to visa-exempt travellers.
- 2
Apply through the official channel
Use Netherlands Worldwide to start the application and book an appointment at the Dutch embassy, consulate or its external service provider.
- 3
Apply where the Netherlands is your main destination
Schengen rules say you apply to the country where you will spend most of your trip, or your first point of entry if the stay is evenly split.
- 4
Prepare the standard Schengen file
Typically: application form, passport, photos, itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds and Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance.
- 5
Count your 90/180 days correctly
The limit is a rolling calculation across all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Track entries and exits across the whole area.
- Visa requirement and ETIAS status checked
- Application started on Netherlands Worldwide
- Main-destination rule checked before choosing where to apply
- Itinerary, accommodation and funds documented
- Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance held
- Passport valid per Schengen rules
- 90/180 day count tracked across all Schengen states
- Short-stay Schengen visa (Netherlands Worldwide)
Official short-stay visa information.
- ETIAS (official EU site)
Official EU travel-authorisation information.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply if I am visiting several Schengen countries?
Apply to the country where you will spend the most time. If the stay is split evenly, apply to your first point of entry. Applying to the wrong mission is a common reason for delay.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes for type C applicants — travel medical insurance meeting the Schengen minimum coverage and valid across the area for the whole stay. Check the current figure on the official channel.
Can I work during a tourist visit?
No. Short-stay Schengen status covers tourism and permitted business activities such as meetings and conferences, not employment. Working requires a separate residence and work authorisation.
Government portals
- Government of the Netherlands — Central government policy and public-service portal
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) — Residence permits, visas, and naturalisation
- Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) — Dutch income tax, VAT, and tax-number registration
- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) — Company registration and the business register