Netherlands entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter the Netherlands for any purpose, including tourism. You must apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Dutch embassy or VFS Global | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to the Netherlands. Apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia, or through an authorized visa application center like VFS Global. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application no later than 6 months and no earlier than 6 weeks before departure.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen area | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Netherlands (and the entire Schengen zone). It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Schiphol Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight to Saudi Arabia or a ticket to a third country. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a signed invitation letter from a host in the Netherlands if staying with friends or family. Immigration may ask to see this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €55 per person per day for your stay (or €45 if accommodation is prepaid). A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit works. Immigration rarely checks this, but have it ready. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival or e-visa
Saudi passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or online. You must apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia before you travel. Start the process at least 2 months in advance.
Schengen area access
A Dutch Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first point of entry must be the Netherlands.
What happens at the border
1
Determine where to apply
You must apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, or via a visa application center like VFS Global). Check the embassy website for your jurisdiction.
2
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, application form, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and any other supporting papers.
3
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment online through the embassy or visa center. Slots can fill up weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays).
4
Attend the appointment
Show up on time with all original documents and photocopies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The appointment usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days if additional checks are needed. Track your application online if available.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be returned to you. You can pick it up or have it couriered. Check the visa dates carefully.
Download Netherlands Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen visa (short-stay) - single entry
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For tourism, business, or family visits.
Schengen visa (short-stay) - multiple entry
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (depending on previous travel)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For frequent travellers with good visa history.
Long-stay visa (MVV) - for work/study/family
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year, renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€210 (approx. $228 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer, school, or family member in Netherlands.
work visa
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (approx. $228 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Requires employer to be a recognized sponsor. Offers fast-track processing and residence permit.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (MVV + Residence Permit)
Duration of studies (up to several years)
€210 (approx. $228 USD) application fee
For students accepted at a Dutch educational institution. Allows part-time work (max 16 hours/week) and includes residence permit.
Apply family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (approx. $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
€210 (approx. $228 USD) application fee
For innovative entrepreneurs with a business plan and support from a designated facilitator. Allows residence to develop startup.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (short-stay) - single entryStandard fee for adult applicants. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (short-stay) - multiple entrySame fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Long-stay visa (MVV) - for stays over 90 daysRequired for work, study, or family reunification. | €210 (approx. $228 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free period. | €100 per day (max €1,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Dutch airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAmsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Health & vaccines for Netherlands
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring/summer. Consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
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
Rijswijkseplein 732, 2516 KK The Hague
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications.
Amsterdam
IND Amsterdam Office
Stadhouderskade 85, 1073 AT Amsterdam
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and residence permits for Amsterdam region.
Practical information for SA 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Saudi passport holders at any Dutch airport or border. You must obtain a Schengen visa from the embassy before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. However, during peak seasons or if additional documents are requested, it can take up to 30–45 days. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel.
The standard fee is €80 for adults (approximately 330 SAR), €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are subject to change — check the embassy website before paying.
Yes, if you haven't provided them in the last 59 months. Your fingerprints and photo are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years. If you applied for a Schengen visa within that period, you may not need to give them again.
No. Schengen short-stay visas (type C) are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area.
You will receive a formal refusal letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within 30 days at the Dutch embassy or reapply with corrected documents. The visa fee is not refunded.
Immigration officers may ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your stay. The general guideline is €55–100 per day. Carry bank statements, cash, or a credit card as evidence.
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.