Netherlands entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese 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. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
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 Vietnam, or through a VFS Global center. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days, so apply well in advance.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 at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire Schengen stay, not just the Netherlands. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Schiphol Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from the Schengen area within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed host invitation letter for your entire stay. Immigration may ask for this 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 or a sponsor letter showing at least €55 per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely check this for visa holders, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Apply Early — No Rush Options
There is no expedited visa service for Vietnamese passport holders. Standard processing takes at least 15 days, and delays are common. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Schengen Zone Rules
A Dutch visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, etc.) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first entry must be to the Netherlands, or you must spend the most days there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and bank statements. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit Your Application
Book an appointment at the Dutch embassy in Hanoi or consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Submit your application in person. You'll also provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if you haven't before.
3
Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online if the embassy provides that option.
4
Collect Your Passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, validity) are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in the Netherlands
At Schiphol Airport or any Schengen border, present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Netherlands Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
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 1 year (or longer with strong travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; recommended for frequent travelers.
Long-Stay Visa (MVV)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€210 (~$229 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor in Netherlands.
work visa
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For skilled workers 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 (~$229 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Dutch institutions. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (Gezinshereniging)
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For family members of Dutch residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sufficient income of sponsor. Includes spouse, partner, and children.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa (Investeerder)
Up to 3 years, renewable
€1,500 (~$1,635 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least €1,250,000 in the Netherlands. Requires business plan and proof of funds. No language requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children 6-12 (€40). | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa Application Service FeePaid to visa application center (e.g., TLScontact). | ~€20 (~$22 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Imposed for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
| Overstay Fine (maximum cap)Maximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | €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
No transit visa needed
Vietnam passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Dutch airports if staying within the international transit area and not entering the Schengen zone.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may enter the Schengen area during transit.
- Holders of a visa for certain countries (e.g., US, UK, Canada) may be exempt from transit visa requirements under specific conditions.
Transit hubsAmsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) · Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) · Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
Health & vaccines for Netherlands
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)EssentialRabies (for outdoor or animal contact)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in wooded areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
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; appointments required.
Amsterdam
IND Amsterdam Office
Strawinskylaan 3105, 1077 ZX Amsterdam
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa and residence permit issues; near Zuid station.
Practical information for VN 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
If you are transiting through a Dutch airport and staying in the international transit area (you don't pass through passport control), you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to leave the airport or switch terminals that require passing through immigration, you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline before you travel.
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date your application is received. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 2,100,000 VND) and €40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Fees are paid in local currency at the embassy or consulate and are non-refundable.
No, the Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism purposes. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area.
You apply at the Dutch embassy in Hanoi (address: 6th Floor, Daeha Business Center, 360 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District) or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City (address: 8th Floor, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan Street, District 1). You must book an appointment online first.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days by writing to the Dutch embassy. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient funds, incomplete documents, or doubts about your intention to return. Address the specific reason in your appeal.
Yes, you must provide a confirmed return or onward ticket as part of your visa application. It proves you intend to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.
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.