Netherlands entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa to enter the Netherlands in 2026. Apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Dhaka before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism or business. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the Netherlands embassy or VFS Global center in Bangladesh. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application up to 6 months before travel. You'll need a completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of accommodation and funds.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area | Your Bangladeshi passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire stay in the Schengen zone — not just the Netherlands. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Schiphol Airport routinely ask for a return flight or onward ticket to a non-Schengen country. A bus or train ticket to another Schengen country does not count — you need proof you'll leave the entire Schengen zone within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation for every night of your stay, or a signed invitation letter from your host in the Netherlands. The visa application already requires this, but border officers may ask to see it again on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €55 per day of your stay (€45 if your accommodation is prepaid). Bring bank statements from the last 3 months or a sponsor letter if someone else is covering your costs. Credit cards are accepted but not always trusted as sole proof. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival or e-visa
There is no way to get a visa at the airport or online for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must apply in person at the Dutch embassy in Dhaka before you travel. Plan for at least 6–8 weeks of lead time.
Schengen area rules apply
Your visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries, not just the Netherlands. But you must enter the Schengen area through the country that issued your visa — or at least spend the most days there. Keep your itinerary consistent with your application.
What happens at the border
1
Book an appointment at the Dutch embassy in Dhaka
Go to the embassy's online appointment system and pick a slot. Appointments fill up fast, especially in summer — book at least 4–6 weeks ahead. The embassy is at Road 90, Gulshan-2, Dhaka.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, passport photos (35x45mm, white background), flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting papers. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Attend your visa interview
Show up at the embassy on time with all originals and copies. You'll submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and answer a few questions about your trip. The interview usually takes 15–20 minutes.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can stretch to 45 days if more checks are needed. You'll get a call or email when your passport is ready for pickup. Track your application online using the reference number.
5
Travel and enter the Netherlands
At Schiphol Airport or any Schengen border, present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Expect a short interview — answer honestly about your plans.
Download Netherlands Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year or longer (up to 5 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travelers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (MVV)
Max stayOver 90 days
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€210 (~$229 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Requires employer to apply. Minimum salary threshold applies.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (MVV)
Duration of study program, up to 5 years
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Dutch educational institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For family members of Dutch residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sponsor's income.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). | ~€20 (~$22 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine up to €1,000 (~$1,090 USD). | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Netherlands
Transit visa required
Bangladesh passport holders need an airport transit visa to change flights in the Netherlands, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa
- Holders of a valid residence permit from a Schengen country
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Japan, or Australia
Transit hubsAmsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Health & vaccines for Netherlands
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
The Hague
Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) Headquarters
Rijswijkseweg 60, 2516 EH The Hague
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications.
Amsterdam
IND Amsterdam
Stadhouderskade 85, 1073 AT Amsterdam
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For appointments and inquiries; bring all original documents.
Practical information for BD travellers
Country basics
CapitalAmsterdam
LanguageDutch
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 185 days.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Among the best tap water in Europe.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Netherlands — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
A standard tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa is valid for the entire Schengen area, not just the Netherlands. You cannot work during this stay.
The visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. This is non-refundable even if your application is rejected. You may also need to pay a service fee to the visa application centre (around €20–30).
Extensions are rarely granted for tourism. You'd need a compelling reason like a medical emergency or force majeure. Apply at the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in your region at least 2 weeks before your visa expires. The fee is €190.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within 4 weeks by writing to the Dutch embassy in Dhaka. Reapplying with stronger evidence is often faster.
Yes, Bangladeshi passport holders need an airport transit visa even if you don't leave the international zone. Apply for a Type A transit visa at the embassy. It costs €80 and requires similar documents to a tourist visa.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your interview. During peak season (May–August), it can take 30–45 days. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
Yes, if you hold a valid residence permit issued by any Schengen state, you can travel to the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a separate visa. Just carry your permit and passport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.