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Last Updated 14 October 2026

Why Apply for a Netherlands Tourist Visa?

Stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days
Travel freely across all 29 Schengen countries with one visa
Visit one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich countries
Ideal for tourism, short holidays, family visits, or business meetings
Attend conferences, cultural events, and short-term courses
Opportunity to explore Dutch art, architecture, and famous flower fields

The Netherlands Tourist Visa is a short-stay Schengen visa. It allows you to visit the Netherlands for tourism, holidays, meeting family or friends, or short business trips. With this visa, you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. It is suitable for people planning a vacation, attending meetings or conferences, or visiting loved ones. Since the Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, you can also travel to the other Schengen countries during your trip. With Romania and Bulgaria now full members, the Schengen Area covers 29 countries. However, the Netherlands must be your main destination. You must show enough money for your stay, confirmed travel plans, hotel booking, and valid travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across the entire Schengen Area, when applying.

*Want to apply for a Schengen visa? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.

Netherlands Tourist Visa

Types of Netherlands Tourist Visa

The main Netherlands visit visa is the Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). It allows you to stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is issued for tourism, family visits, business trips, and short-term purposes.

Below are the key types of Netherlands Tourist / Visit Visas:

Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C)

The Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C) is the main visa for short visits to the Netherlands. It allows you to stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. This visa is used for holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or friends, and attending cultural or sports events. You can also travel to other Schengen countries during your trip if the Netherlands is your main destination. This visa does not allow you to work or stay for a long time.

Schengen Business Visa

The Schengen Business Visa is for people traveling to the Netherlands for short business purposes. It is suitable for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, training programs, or official visits. You can stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. This visa allows only business-related activities and does not permit full-time work in the Netherlands. You may need an invitation letter from the company or organization you are visiting.

Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

The Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is required if you are changing flights at a Dutch airport on your way to another country. This visa allows you to stay only inside the international transit area of the airport. You are not allowed to enter the Netherlands or leave the airport. It is required only for certain nationalities. If you want to enter the Netherlands during transit, you must apply for a regular Schengen visa.

Orange Carpet Visa

The Orange Carpet Visa is a special visa process for frequent business travelers from selected countries. It offers faster processing and fewer document requirements. This visa is usually given to employees of companies that regularly do business with Dutch companies. It is still a short-stay visa and follows the 90 days within 180 days rule. It does not allow long-term work or permanent stay.

Emergency Schengen Visa

An emergency Schengen Visa is issued in urgent situations. This may include attending a funeral, visiting a seriously ill family member, or other emergency reasons. You must provide strong proof showing why your travel is urgent. The visa is given only for a short period based on your reason for travel. Approval depends on the documents you submit and the decision of the Dutch authorities.

Dutch Caribbean Visa

The Dutch Caribbean Visa is required if you want to visit the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, such as Aruba or Curaçao. Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but lie outside the Schengen Area. A Netherlands Schengen visa does not automatically allow entry. Some islands accept a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa under specific conditions; otherwise, a separate Dutch Caribbean visa is required. This visa is used for tourism or short visits to these territories and follows different rules from the regular Schengen visa.

Read more....

Netherlands Issued 75,000+ Schengen Visas to Indians

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a beautiful European country known for its colorful tulip fields, historic windmills, peaceful canals, and rich culture. Every year, millions of tourists visit the Netherlands to enjoy its museums, modern cities, beaches, and traditional villages. The country offers a perfect mix of history and modern lifestyle. Whether you love art, nature, architecture, or relaxing by the sea, the Netherlands has something for everyone.

Explore Amsterdam: Visit beautiful canals, famous museums, and historic buildings.
Visit Keukenhof Gardens: See millions of blooming tulips during spring season.
Discover Rotterdam: Enjoy modern architecture and lively city atmosphere.
Explore The Hague: Visit the political center of the Netherlands and relax at its nearby beaches.
Visit Zaanse Schans: Experience traditional windmills and old Dutch houses.
Enjoy Giethoorn: A peaceful village with canals instead of roads.
Visit Anne Frank House: A historic World War II landmark in Amsterdam.
Explore Utrecht: Walk along scenic canals and admire medieval buildings.
Relax at Scheveningen Beach: A popular seaside destination near The Hague.
Visit Kinderdijk: See the world-famous windmills and UNESCO heritage site.

Top Places to Visit in Netherlands

Eligibility for Netherlands Visit Visa

To apply for a Netherlands Visit Visa, the following conditions must be met:

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages
Proof of sufficient funds for travel and stay
No intention to seek employment
No criminal record
Valid travel medical insurance
Clear travel itinerary

Netherlands Visit Visa Requirements

When applying for a Netherlands Visit Visa, you must submit:

Completed Schengen visa application form
Two passport-size photographs
Valid passport
Proof of employment or business proof
Academic proof
Proof of sufficient bank balance
Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across the entire Schengen Area for your full stay
Invitation letter
Flight itinerary and accommodation details

Netherlands Visit Visa Application Process

Follow the below steps to apply for a Netherlands Visit Visa:

Step 1: Choose the correct visa type

Step 2: Complete the Schengen visa application form (available via VFS Global Netherlands India)

Step 3: Book your appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/netherlands/india/

Step 4: Submit required documents

Step 5: Provide fingerprints and photograph

Step 6: Pay the visa fee

Step 7: Attend an interview, if requested by the Embassy

Step 8: Wait for visa decision

Step 9: Receive passport with visa

Step 10: Travel to the Netherlands

Netherlands Tourist Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Netherlands Tourist Visa usually takes around 15 working days from the date of submission. However, processing time may vary depending on the number of applications and the completeness of documents. During peak travel seasons, it may take up to 30 days. In complex cases requiring additional verification, it may take more than 60 days. To avoid delays, applicants are advised to apply well in advance.

Netherlands Tourist Visa Fee

If you are applying for a Netherlands short-stay (Schengen) Tourist Visa, you must pay a standard visa fee based on your age. The visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The visa fee is fixed in Euros (€), but you will pay the amount in Indian Rupees (INR) according to the exchange rate on the day of payment. In addition to the consular visa fee, you must also pay a VFS service charge. Optional services like courier delivery or premium lounge will cost extra.

Category	Visa Fee (Euro)	Approx. Fee (INR)
Adults (12 Years and Above)	€90	₹7,200 – ₹9,400
Children (6–12 Years)	€45	₹3,800 – ₹4,600
Children (Below 6 Years)	Free	Free
VFS Service Charge	€18.51	As per exchange rate

Common reasons Netherlands Schengen visa applications from India

Insufficient or inconsistent proof of funds
No demonstrable ties to India, such as employment, property or family
Incomplete or incorrectly certified documents
Travel insurance below the €30,000 minimum
A vague or inconsistent travel itinerary
A previous Schengen overstay or undeclared earlier refusals

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis provides complete support to make your Netherlands Visit Visa process simple and smooth. Our experienced team guides you at every stage to improve your approval chances.

Our services include:

Identifying the correct visa type
Providing a personalized document checklist
Assisting in collecting and organizing documents
Helping with accurate visa application form filling
Reviewing documents before submission
Supporting you throughout the complete visa application process

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Netherlands tourist visa fee for Indian citizens?

The Netherlands Schengen tourist visa fee is €90 for adults aged 12 and above, as set by the current EU Schengen visa fee regulation. Children aged 6 to 12 pay €45, and children under 6 are exempt. The fee is fixed in Euros but paid in INR at the exchange rate on the day of payment. A separate VFS Global India service fee also applies. All fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Source: European Commission.

What is the VFS Global service charge for a Netherlands visa in India?

The VFS Global India service charge for a Netherlands Schengen visa application is approximately ₹2,174 per applicant. It is charged in Indian Rupees, not Euros, and is paid in addition to the €90 visa fee. VFS charges are revised from time to time, so check the current amount at visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/netherlands/india/ before your appointment. Optional services such as courier delivery or premium lounge cost extra. Source: VFS Global Netherlands India.

How many countries can I visit with a Netherlands Schengen visa?

A Netherlands Schengen tourist visa (Type C) lets you travel across all 29 Schengen countries. With Romania and Bulgaria now full members, the Schengen Area includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and 22 other countries. You can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole area. The Netherlands must be your main destination, either by length of stay or purpose of visit. Source: European Commission.

How early can I apply for a Netherlands tourist visa?

You can apply for a Netherlands Schengen tourist visa up to 6 months (180 days) before your intended travel date. You must apply no later than 15 days before departure, as per Article 9 of the Schengen Visa Code. Applying 4–6 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during summer and the Christmas period when VFS appointments fill quickly. Early applications also leave time to submit extra documents if the Embassy asks for them.

How long does Netherlands tourist visa processing take?

Standard processing for a Netherlands Schengen tourist visa takes around 15 days from the date your complete application is submitted at VFS Global India. During peak travel seasons, processing can extend to 30 days. Complex cases that need additional checks may take up to 45 days, in line with Article 23 of the Schengen Visa Code. Submit complete documents and apply well before your travel date to avoid delays. Source: VFS Global Netherlands India.

What documents do Indian applicants need for a Netherlands tourist visa?

You need a completed Schengen application form, two passport photos, and a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your return with two blank pages. You also need travel insurance with €30,000 minimum cover, flight and hotel bookings, and a day-wise itinerary. Indian applicants should add ITRs for 2 years, 3–6 months of salary slips, an employer NOC on letterhead, and 3–6 months of attested bank statements. Business owners should include business registration proof.

How much bank balance do I need for a Netherlands tourist visa?

There is no single fixed balance for all applicants. As a widely used guideline, plan to show approximately €50–100 per day of your intended stay, supported by 3–6 months of bank statements. Consular officers look at consistency as well as the amount: regular income, a stable balance, and no unexplained large deposits just before applying. If a sponsor is covering costs, include their bank statements and a sponsorship letter.

What travel insurance is required for a Netherlands Schengen visa?

Under the Schengen Visa Code (Article 15), you need travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000. It must be valid across the entire Schengen Area for your full stay. The policy must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation. Buy it from an insurer accepted by Schengen embassies and carry a copy while travelling. Insurance below €30,000 or with incorrect dates is a common reason applications are refused.

Where can I apply for a Netherlands visa in India?

Netherlands Schengen visa applications in India are submitted through VFS Global, the authorised Visa Application Centre. Centres operate in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune. Book your appointment online at visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/netherlands/india/ before visiting. At the centre, you submit documents, provide fingerprints and a photo, and pay fees. The decision itself is made by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New Delhi.

What is the Orange Carpet Visa for the Netherlands?

The Orange Carpet Visa is a facilitation scheme for frequent business travellers whose employers regularly do business with Dutch companies and are registered with the Dutch mission. Eligible applicants benefit from simplified document requirements and faster handling, and may receive multiple-entry visas. It is still a short-stay Schengen visa: the 90-days-in-180 rule applies, and it does not permit work in the Netherlands. Ask your employer whether your company is registered for the scheme. Source: Government of the Netherlands.

Can I visit Aruba or Curaçao with a Netherlands Schengen visa?

Not automatically. Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but lie outside the Schengen Area and set their own entry rules. Some islands accept a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa under specific conditions; otherwise, a separate Dutch Caribbean visa is required. If you plan to visit both the Netherlands and the Caribbean islands, check each island's official entry requirements before booking. Source: Government of the Netherlands.

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and how does it affect my Netherlands visit?

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border system that replaces passport stamping for non-EU travellers. It now operates at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and all Dutch Schengen border crossings. At your first Schengen entry, you give fingerprints and a facial scan, and your entries and exits are recorded electronically. The system automatically tracks the 90-days-in-180 limit, so overstays are detected immediately. Allow extra time at border control on your first entry. Source: eu-LISA.

Does ETIAS apply to Indian travellers visiting the Netherlands?

No. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an upcoming pre-travel authorisation only for nationalities that can enter the Schengen Area without a visa. Indian passport holders need a full Schengen visa, such as the Netherlands tourist visa, so they are not affected by ETIAS. Your Schengen visa remains your entry authorisation. However, you will still go through EES fingerprint and facial registration at the border. Source: European Commission.

What are common reasons for Netherlands Schengen visa rejection?

Common refusal reasons for Indian applicants include insufficient or inconsistent proof of funds, weak ties to India (such as no stable job, property or family commitments), and incomplete or incorrectly certified documents. Other frequent reasons are travel insurance below the €30,000 minimum, a vague or inconsistent itinerary, and a previous Schengen overstay or undeclared refusal. Most refusals can be avoided by submitting a complete, consistent application backed by genuine financial documents.

Can I work in the Netherlands on a tourist visa?

No. The Netherlands tourist visa is a short-stay Schengen visa for tourism, family visits and short business activities only. You cannot take up paid work, freelance for Dutch clients, or stay longer than 90 days within 180 days. Business visitors may attend meetings, conferences and trade fairs, but cannot carry out productive work. To work in the Netherlands, you need a long-stay work visa and residence permit, such as a Highly Skilled Migrant permit.

Is the Netherlands visa fee refunded if my application is rejected?

No. The €90 visa fee and the VFS Global India service charge are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. The fee covers the cost of processing and assessing your application, not the issue of the visa itself. This is why it is important to submit a complete, accurate application the first time. Reviewing your documents carefully before submission reduces the risk of refusal and the cost of reapplying.

Can I apply for a Netherlands visa if I am visiting several Schengen countries?

Yes, if the Netherlands is your main destination. Under Schengen rules, you apply to the country where you will spend the most days. If your days are equal across countries, you apply to the country you will enter first. If another country is your main destination, apply through that country's embassy or visa centre instead. Your itinerary and hotel bookings should clearly support your choice of main destination.

Do I need to give biometrics for a Netherlands visa?

Yes. First-time Schengen applicants give fingerprints and a digital photograph at the VFS Global India centre. Fingerprints are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and can generally be reused for applications within 59 months. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting. Interviews are not routine but may be requested by the Embassy if additional clarification is needed about your travel purpose or documents.

Can I extend my Netherlands tourist visa while in the Netherlands?

Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure (for example, flight cancellations due to natural disasters), serious illness, or other serious personal reasons. Requests are made in the Netherlands to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) before your current visa expires, with supporting evidence. Extensions are never granted simply for extra tourism. Plan your trip within the dates on your visa and keep the 90-days-in-180 limit in mind.

What can I do if my Netherlands visa is refused?

If your Netherlands Schengen visa is refused, the refusal letter states the reasons and explains how to object. You can file an objection within the deadline given in the letter, typically four weeks, or submit a fresh application that addresses the refusal reasons. Before reapplying, fix the specific weaknesses, such as funds, ties to India, or insurance. Always declare previous refusals in future Schengen applications, as hiding them can lead to further refusals.