Netherlands entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel. This requirement remains in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to the Netherlands. Apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Madagascar, or through the visa application center they designate. Start the process at least 15 days before your trip — processing can take up to 15 calendar days.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area | Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — not just the Netherlands. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Schiphol Airport routinely ask for a return flight or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation, rental agreement, or a signed invitation letter from your host in the Netherlands. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing you have at least €55 per day of your stay. Officers at Schiphol may ask for this if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
Your visa allows you to visit any Schengen country, but your main destination must be the Netherlands. You cannot stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and the completed visa application form.
2
Submit your application
Apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Madagascar (or the nearest Schengen embassy if there is no Dutch one). You must submit in person. Book an appointment online first.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the Schengen visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for children under 6). Fees are non-refundable.
4
Attend the interview
Bring all documents to your appointment. You will be interviewed briefly about your trip. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days in some cases. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and validity carefully.
7
Enter the Netherlands
At the airport, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans. Answer honestly.
Download Netherlands Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (MVV)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€210 (≈ $228 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor in Netherlands.
work visa
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (≈ $228 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Requires employer to apply. Minimum salary thresholds apply.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (MVV + VVR)
Duration of study program (up to several years)
€210 (≈ $228 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Dutch educational institution. Must have sufficient funds and health insurance.
Apply family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (≈ $228 USD) application fee
For family members of Dutch residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sufficient income of sponsor.
Apply startup visa
Startup Visa
1 year, renewable up to 3 years
€210 (≈ $228 USD) application fee
For innovative entrepreneurs with a business plan approved by a designated facilitator. Must have sufficient funds.
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. | Varies by location (approx. €20–40) |
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
Madagascar passport holders need an airport transit visa to change flights in the Netherlands, unless exempted.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
- Holders of a valid visa for the United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, Canada, Japan, or Australia
- Holders of a valid residence permit from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Transit hubsAmsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) · Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) · Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
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, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in wooded areas; vaccination recommended for 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
Rijnstraat 8, 2515 XP Den Haag
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
Handles local visa and permit issues.
Practical information for MG 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
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if your application needs extra checks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
You fill out the application form online, but you must submit it in person at the Dutch embassy or consulate. There is no fully online visa for Madagascar passport holders.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable.
Yes, you need a confirmed return or onward ticket as part of your application. Immigration may also ask to see it when you arrive.
The Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, you need a different type of visa (e.g., a long-stay visa or residence permit). Apply well in advance.
Yes, a Netherlands-issued Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days. Your main destination must be the Netherlands.
You will receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision within 30 days, or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete paperwork.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.