Netherlands Visa Policy

The Netherlands' visa policy is multi-faceted and covers the Netherland mainland in continental Europe and the territories of Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Bonaire in the Caribbean. All visitors coming to the Netherlands must have valid visas unless they are from visa-exempt countries. Visa-exempt visitors may not need visas, but they must get a special pre-screened approval called ETIAS. 

Two types of visa policies guide the immigration processes of the Netherlands and its territories; the common visa and the Schengen visa policy. Common visas are only valid for entry into the country and its territories and cannot be used for travel to other countries. The common visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within six months but 30 days for one uninterrupted stay. There are also long-term visas for those who wish to stay for much longer. This visa can be obtained at the consulate or embassy of the Netherlands.

Then there is the Schengen visa policy which is practiced by the Netherlands and 26 other European countries. This continental policy allows for freedom of entry and exit by citizens of the Schengen Area, and member nations can issue Schengen visas which all participants recognize and accept. Schengen visas are only valid for 30 days after issue but allow the holder to stay in the Netherlands or the wider Schengen region for 90 days within a 180 days period as well. Furthermore, it is only issued for tourism, business, transit, or other short-term purposes.

Netherlands Visa-Free Countries

If you are from a visa exempt country you don't need a Schengen or national visa to visit the Netherlands or any of its territories. Visa exemption is determined by the European Commission in conjunction with members states and the list is reviewed periodically in line with prevailing diplomatic realities.

Netherlands ETIAS

The European Travel Information Authorization System is a program commissioned by the European Union to screen and regulate the inflow of visitors from visa-exempt countries. If you are from any of the visa-exempt countries listed above, you will need to register for ETIAS before the authorities allow you into the Netherlands or any other EU or EFTA country. Before now, all visa-exempt persons needed was a valid passport, but that has changed as Europe continues to grapple with a rise in illegal migration and terrorist threats.

Under current guidelines, an eligible applicant must fill out an online application form. The form must contain accurate information about their passport data, Itinerary and their personal details. In the same form are a set of security questions which they must answer honestly about their status. Also, there is an application fee which must be paid before they can submit it for processing but this fee is not charged for persons under 6 and above 80 years old.

ETIAS processing takes under 30 minutes to get approved or denied but in a situation where neither occurs, the applicant's data will be forwarded to the Local unit of the Swedish department for further vetting.

Being a member of the Schengen Area and the European Union, the Netherlands is also a signatory to the ETIAS program and will demand this permit from all visa-exempt persons. ETIAS is valid for 3 years and can be used for multiple entries, but holders can only stay for 90 days in a single six months. Approved applications will be sent to the applicant's inbox, while applications that trigger a security alert will be referred to the local ETIAS unit in the Netherlands for further checks.

Netherlands Key Points To Note

Unsuccessful Applications: You can submit your completed ETIAS application as an eligible applicant, which may not be granted in one of two ways. It might be rejected outright or forwarded to the local ETIAS unit in the Netherlands for further review. This may take a few days to a few weeks before a final verdict is reached. In such a situation, the system will send you a notification to that effect. Furthermore, you can still apply for ETIAS again even if your previous application was denied.

Security Checks: ETIAS screening is done electronically by screening data through several security databases. The system checks for threats of terrorism, drug trafficking, health risks, etc. Persons whose data triggers the system will be denied entry into Europe.

Full Launch In 2024: ETIAS is optional for visa-exempt visitors but will become mandatory by 2024.

Multiple Entry: Not only can you use your ETIAS to enter the Netherlands several times, you can also use it to enter any other Schengen country because it is a universal document accepted by all member states in the Schengen Area. Furthermore, you can also use it to enter a few other non Schengen countries that partially observe the Schengen visa protocols. These countries are Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania.

Duration of Stay: Although the duration of stay is 90 days, do note that you cannot stay for that long, leave and return at short notice. You will have to wait for a 180 day cycle before returning. The rule states that you cannot stay for more than 90 days in 180 days so bear this in mind while planning your itinerary.

Primary Entry Rule: If you have any intention of visiting other countries apart from the Netherlands, you should visit the Netherlands first if that is your first port of call. According to Etias rules, visitors must visit the country that issued the ETIAS approval first (Primary destination), before traveling to other countries in the zone.  Also, while living in these countries they must keep track of time and not exceed the maximum 90 days in these countries.

Netherlands Visa Online – Get your Netherlands e-Visa with VisaHQ

If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands, you most likely need a visa or permit to enter the country, but who says you need to visit the embassy or consulate to secure one? If you are from a visa-exempt country, you don't need a visa but an ETIAS permit to gain entry. Fortunately for you and other eligible visitors, you can apply for ETIAS approval using VisaHQ's trusted platform.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ?

To apply for ETIAS, do the following.

Fill out the application form: The ETIAS application form is available on VisaHQ. Please fill it out carefully and make sure your entries are accurate and match what is on your passport.

Attach documents: Attach your passport bio-data page and any other document required from visitors depending on your chosen option. Pay the application fee and submit it for approval.

Get your Etias: The screening sometimes takes 5-20 minutes or more. If successful, the permit will be sent to your email address.

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Enjoy this and more with VisaHQs trusted service. Visit our application page now to set the ball rolling, or contact our representatives if you wish to know more.