Netherlands entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter the Netherlands for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. Since the Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, a Schengen visa allows travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Expect visa processing to take 15–30 days (as of 2026).
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the Netherlands embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — book your appointment early. Submit your application at the VFS Global or TLScontact center handling Netherlands visa submissions in your region.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Schiphol Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. Airlines check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in the Netherlands. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you're staying longer than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means of support | Have bank statements, traveler's checks, or a sponsor letter showing at least €55 per day of your stay. Cash or credit card statements also work — officers want to see you can cover your expenses without working illegally. | Recommended |
Schengen Visa: 90/180 rule
With a Schengen visa (usually multiple entry, up to 90 days), you can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The Netherlands does not allow extensions for standard visits. Overstaying can lead to bans and future visa rejections.
Visa approval is not guaranteed
Even with all documents, the consulate may refuse a visa if they doubt your intention to return to India. Strong ties (job, family, property) and a clear itinerary are crucial. Multiple rejections can hurt future applications, so prepare thoroughly.
What happens at the border
1
1. Gather your documents
Collect all required documents listed above. Make photocopies of everything – originals must be shown but copies are kept. Double-check your passport validity and blank pages.
2
2. Fill out the online application
Go to the VFS Global Netherlands visa portal (or the Dutch embassy's official site). Create an account, fill the Schengen visa application form, print it, and sign it. Once submitted, you'll get a reference number.
3
3. Schedule an appointment
Book an appointment at the nearest Netherlands visa application centre (VFS Global) in India – centres are in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and others. Appointments can fill up quickly, especially in summer, so book 2–3 weeks in advance.
4
4. Attend the appointment
Show up on time with all documents, photos, and payment. You'll submit fingerprints and a digital photo. Fees are paid in cash or card (check centre's policy). The officer may ask a few questions about your trip – be honest and concise.
5
5. Wait for processing
Standard Schengen visa processing takes 15 calendar days, but it can extend to 30–45 days during peak seasons or if additional scrutiny is needed. You can track your application online with the reference number.
6
6. Collect your passport
Once a decision is made, you'll receive an email. Collect your passport in person or opt for courier delivery (extra fee). Check the visa vignette for correct dates, duration, and the number of entries (usually 'MULT' for multiple entries).
Download Netherlands Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year or longer
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (MVV)
Max stayOver 90 days (e.g., study, work, family)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€210 (~$229 USD)
Requires sponsorship from Dutch employer or institution.
work visa
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$228 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Requires minimum salary threshold and employer sponsorship. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (MVV + VVR)
Duration of study program (up to 5 years)
€210 (~$228 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Dutch educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work up to 16 hours/week.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa (VVR)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$228 USD) application fee + investment of at least €1,250,000
For investors who make a substantial investment in the Netherlands. Requires a business plan and proof of funds. Allows family reunification.
Apply digital nomad visa
Dutch Digital Nomad Visa (not officially named)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€210 (~$228 USD) application fee
For remote workers with a stable income from outside the Netherlands. Requires proof of income (at least €3,500/month) and health insurance. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional service charge for application submission. | €20 (~$22 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free period. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €1,000 (~$1,090 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Indian passport holders need an airport transit visa (A) to transit through the Netherlands, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of certain visas or residence permits.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit for a Schengen country, EU/EEA country, or Switzerland
- Holders of a valid visa for the United States, Canada, Japan, or the United Kingdom
- Holders of a valid residence permit from Andorra, Japan, Canada, San Marino, or the United States
Transit hubsAmsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) · Eindhoven Airport (EIN) · Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)
Health & vaccines for Netherlands
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in wooded areas; vaccination recommended for long-term stays or outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in forests and grasslands; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
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
Rijswijkseplein 732, 2516 EW The Hague
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa applications and extensions; appointments required.
Amsterdam
IND Amsterdam Office
Stadhouderskade 85, 1073 AT Amsterdam
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related queries for tourists in Amsterdam.
Practical information for IN 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
Getting to Netherlands
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Netherlands — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. However, during peak months (April–September) or if additional documents are required, it can take 30–45 days. Always apply at least 3–4 weeks before your intended travel date.
Yes, if your visa states 'Schengen states' or 'MULT' (multiple entries). The Netherlands issues a Schengen visa, which allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen countries for the duration of your visa. Just make sure your main destination is the Netherlands (or you spend the most days there).
As of 2026, the Schengen visa fee is €80 (approximately ₹7,200) for adults. Children aged 6–12 pay €40. There is also a VFS service fee of around ₹1,800–₹2,500 (varies by city) plus optional courier charges. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is refused.
Yes, your passport will be taken for the visa sticker. You will not have it during processing (typically 2–3 weeks). Plan any other travel accordingly.
Extending a Schengen visa is only possible in exceptional cases, such as a medical emergency or force majeure. General tourism or business trips cannot be extended. You must leave before the visa expiry and re-apply if needed.
Yes, Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa regardless of other valid visas. A US or UK visa does not exempt you from the Schengen visa requirement. You must complete the full application process.
Yes, you can apply at the Dutch embassy or VFS centre in the country where you legally reside. You'll need to provide proof of legal residence (e.g., work permit or student visa) in that country. The application process and documents remain the same.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.