Netherlands entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Netherlands embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel and no more than 6 months in advance. Processing takes 15 calendar days on average.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 your entire stay in the Schengen zone, not just the Netherlands. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border control | You need a confirmed return flight to Tanzania or a ticket to a non-Schengen country. Immigration officers at Schiphol Airport check this for all visa holders. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host in the Netherlands. Border officers may ask for your address of stay during questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least €55 per day of your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds for your trip. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days, especially during summer or holiday seasons. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
Your visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries, but you must enter the Netherlands first. The total stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Tanzania (or the nearest Schengen country if no Dutch embassy). Book an appointment online, pay the fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and attend the interview with all documents.
2
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online if available.
3
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the dates and validity carefully before you travel.
4
Arrive in the Netherlands
At the airport (Schiphol is the main hub), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation if asked. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds.
Download Netherlands Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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)
For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (based on travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; recommended for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (MVV)
Max stayOver 90 days (e.g., 1 year)
Validity1 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 professionals with a job offer from a recognized sponsor in Netherlands. Requires minimum salary threshold and employer sponsorship. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (MVV + VVR)
Duration of studies (up to 5 years)
€210 (~$228 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Dutch educational institution. Requires proof of admission, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (MVV)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$228 USD) application fee
For family members (spouse, children) of a Dutch resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and sufficient income of the sponsor. Leads to residence permit.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa (MVV)
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 (e.g., in a Dutch company or fund). Requires proof of investment and clean criminal record.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (short-stay) – single entryStandard fee for adult applicants; children 6-12 pay €40. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (short-stay) – multiple entrySame fee as single entry; validity depends on travel history. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional handling fee charged by the visa application center. | ~€30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying Schengen visa can lead to fines and future bans. | €100 per day (no cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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
Tanzania passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to change flights in the Netherlands, even if staying airside. Apply at the Dutch embassy before travel.
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 residence permit from an EU/EEA country
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 (e.g., Tanzania). Must show certificate at border.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Air pollutionLow risk
Generally good air quality; no significant risk for most travelers.
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) – Head Office
Rijnstraat 8, 2515 XP Den Haag
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications; appointments required.
Amsterdam
IND – Amsterdam Office
Stadhouderskade 85, 1073 AT Amsterdam
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all original documents.
Practical information for TZ 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. Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for the Netherlands.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days if additional documents are needed or during peak season. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply at the visa application centre.
The Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, you need a national long-stay visa (MVV) or a residence permit, which you apply for at the Dutch embassy before travel.
Yes, immigration officers may ask to see bank statements or a sponsor letter showing you have at least €55 per day for your stay. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by the Netherlands allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. Your first entry must be to the Netherlands.
You will receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision within 30 days at the Dutch embassy or consulate. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Tanzania.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.