Who Needs a Visa to Travel to the Netherlands From the UK?
Any UK citizen who holds either a full UK passport or a BOTC, BOC, BPP or BS passport can travel to the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean visa-free. However, many non-EU nationals who reside in the UK are still required to get a Schengen visa to travel to the Netherlands.
In recent years, following visa liberalization policies for non-EU countries, the number of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to Europe has slightly dropped. Here is the list of nationalities that are still required to get a Schengen Visa to visit the Netherlands and other Schengen states.
Below you can find more information on applying for a Netherlands visa from the UK.
Who Can Apply for a Netherlands Visa From Within the UK?
Citizens of these countries residing in the UK and planning to visit the Netherlands are required to get a Dutch visa in order to be able to enter the Netherlands. The main requirement is that you must have a UK residence permit valid for at least another three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Netherlands / the Schengen Area.
Use theSchengen visa eligibility checkertool to find out if you qualify to apply for a visa to the Netherlands from the UK.
If you have a 3 month UK visa you can extend it for three more months in order to be eligible to apply for a Dutch Schengen visa from within the UK. You must apply for an extension before your visa expires and while you’re still in the UK.Find out moreon how to extend your UK visa.
You should apply for a visa via the appropriate Dutch Embassy/Consulate or Dutch visa application centre in the UK if:
- The Netherlands is the only Schengen country you plan on visiting
- The Netherlands is your main destination (the country you will be staying the longest in)
- The Netherlands is the first Schengen country you are visiting since you will be spending an equal amount of days in each Schengen country you plan visiting
In case you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than 90 days you must apply for a residency permit, not a Dutch Schengen visa.
Please, note that if you are not a resident in the United Kingdom you should apply at the Dutch Embassy/Consulate or Dutch visa application centre in your country of residence.
Netherlands Visa Application Documents and Requirements for UK Residents
The following documents are required in order to obtain a Dutch visa in the UK:
- A valid passport or Travel document. Please make sure that:
- Your passport has been issued within the previous 10 years,
- Your passport has 2 full blank pages, one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page,
- Your passport will be valid for at least three (3) months after the date you exit the Schengen Area.
- A valid UK residence permit or another form of Identity Card. The UK residency permit must be endorsed in the actual passport (or on a new biometric ID card)
- One application form filled out completely and signed by the applicant (please read the explanations carefully).
- One passport format photo that has a light background, is brightly coloured and shows full face features. The photo must be less than three months old and be glued to the application form.
- Applications with stapled photographs will be rejected.
- Applicants who are not able to provide a photo of such requirements for medical reasons are required to submit a letter that states such inability and is signed by a doctor or medical organisation. Only then they are exempted from providing a photograph.
- Biometric fingerprint data and a digital photograph (from 2 November 2015)
- Children under the age of 12 are exempted from providing fingerprints
- A cover letter that explains the purpose of the visit to the Netherlands
- Proof of travel arrangements: Round trip flight/travel reservations or other proof of intended transport and complete itinerary of your visit to the Netherlands (if several Schengen States will be visited or if the trip covers several Schengen States and non-Schengen countries).
- Travel Insurance stating that you are covered in case of a medical emergency and repatriation not just in the Netherlands but in the whole Schengen zone (minimum coverage of € 30.000). Thetravel insurance policy for the Netherlandscan easily be purchased online fromAXA SchengenorEurop Assistance.
- Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands:
- Evidence of a hotel booking or rental agreement, or
- Invitation from your Dutch host (family member, friend) with a copy of their passport (Proof of sponsorship),
- Accommodation proof issued by the town hall in your host’s residence
- Proof of financial subsistence:
- A recent statement of the UK bank account for the last three months shows funds of at least 30 £ per person per day spent in the Netherlands. Cash, cheques or credit cards are not considered proof of financial subsistence.
- For the Dutch Caribbean (in US Dollars) the amount required as proof of financial subsistence is:
- Between 150$ and 200$ per day for a business or tourism visa
- 100$ per day for a family visit
Note: Photocopies of the original documents should also be submitted and documents should not be more than one month old.
The documents listed above are documents required in all cases regardless of the purpose of your visit to the Netherlands. Depending on your employment status, here is a list of additional documents that are required for your visa application:
For employees:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
For the self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
For foreign students in the UK:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
For retirees:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
- A recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date,
- Spouse’s valid passport
- An officially translated marriage certificate. The translation must be in English or Dutch and must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place or by the Legalization Bureau of the Foreign Office in the UK
- Dutch family record book
If being sponsored:
- For the sponsor:
- Copy of passport
- Employment letter
- A bank statement that proves financial sufficiency
- Valid Schengen visa
- Recent payslips
- For the applicant
- Sponsorship letter
- Proof of relationship with the sponsor
- Original and copy of marriage or birth certificate
Note: If the Marriage Certificate was issued outside the European Union, it must be stamped by the Foreign Office of the issuing country or its Embassy in the UK.
Requirements for children under the age of 18
Parents or adult guardian are required to accompany their underage children to the application centre at the Dutch Embassy. Also, minors who are granted a Dutch visa are not allowed to travel to the Netherlands by themselves. They should be accompanied by an adult guardian during their stay in the Netherlands.
Required documents for visa application for underage children
- Proof of parent’s regular income (work contract with specified monthly income or a bank statement or business license)
- Notarized travel permission from parent (parental travel consent)
- If one parent lives in another country – their notarized parental travel consent
To find more about the documentation needed for applying for a visa to the Netherlands click here: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/netherlands-visa/
How to Apply for a Dutch Visa From the UK?
- By booking an appointment via email with Dutch Embassy in London. Not all applicants are qualified to apply at the Embassy. Only the following applicants can do so (Source: www.netherlandsandyou.nl):
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Visa applicants for the Dutch Caribbean
- Dutch residents who lost their residence cards while in the UK.
- Through VFS Centres.
The visa section ofthe Dutch Embassy is closed every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month and on public holidays:
- 1 January
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday and Monday
- 27 April
- 5 May
- 25 May
- Whit Sunday and Monday
- 25 and 26 December
Netherlands Visa Application and Processing Time
You can apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa 6 months before your planned trip. Depending on the nationality of the applicant, the processing time may take at least 15 days from the day of your application. In some cases, it may take up to 30 days or even 60 days if required documents are missing from the application.
Therefore, you are advised to make sure you provide all required documents and submit your application at least 15 days before you plan on leaving the UK.
Here is a list of third countries for whose nationals “ex-post” information is required. For such nationals, the processing time takes an extra 7 days.
Netherlands Visa Fees for UK Residents
Since the Netherlands is a Schengen state, visa fees are the same as any other Schengen visa. These are the costs of a Dutch Schengen Visa when applying from the UK:
Schengen Visa Category (by age) | Fee in UK Pound | Fee in Euro |
Adult | 73 £ | 80 € |
Children between 6-12 years of age | 36.5 £ | 40 € |
Children younger than 6 years of age | Free | Free |
Keep in mind that these fees may change depending on currency fluctuations and can only be paid in UK Pounds and payment must be made in cash or via credit/debit card. Also, the visa application fee is not refundable and does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa.
Visa fee exemptions
- Children younger than 6 years of age
- Spouse/family member of an EU/EEA national
Netherlands Visa fee discounts
Besides children of ages 6 and 12 these are two cases when applicants receive visa fee discounts (35 € or 29.70 £):
- Nationals of countries (that have visa facilitation agreements with the EU) that are granted visa discounts are:
- Armenia*
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina*
- Cape Verde Islands
- Georgia*
- Kosovo
- Montenegro*
- North Macedonia*
- Russian Federation
- Serbia*
- Ukraine*
*Note: This only applies to those nationals who do not hold a biometric passport.
- Persons who apply for a Dutch Caribbean visa
Frequently Asked Questions about Netherlands Visas
Who issues Visas for the Netherlands in the UK?
Unlike other Schengen countries that authorize their respective embassies to handle visa applications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands issues Dutch Schengen visas for UK residents.
What can I do if my Dutch visa is refused?
If your visa is refused, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs will return your passport and send you a letter stating the reasons for refusal. You are able to appeal against this decision within a period of 4 weeks. The appeal has to be submitted in writing.
If you plan on re-applying for a Netherlands visa you should pay attention to the reasons mentioned in the refusal letter in order to make amendments where needed.
Also, all fees are non-refundable and do not serve as a guarantee of your application’s success
Can someone else write the objection letter for me?
You can authorize a third person to submit your appeal for you. You are required to write a letter of authorization in one of the following languages: Dutch, English, French or German.
Can I apply for a visa if I don’t have a bank account?
You can apply even if you don’t have a bank account. In that case, you must provide:
- Traveller’s cheques worth 50 £ per day to cover your entire stay, or
- Proof that you have a sponsor in the Netherlands
What is a Dutch Caribbean visa?
A Dutch Caribbean visa is a short stay multiple-entry visa issued only for travelling in the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands:
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Curaçao
- Saba
- Sint Eustatius
- Sint Maarten
Who needs a visa to travel to the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands?
Nationals of a large number of countries do not require a visa to travel to the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands. They are mostly Schengen countries and countries that have a visa facilitation agreement with the EU. You can find out more about who is exempted from such a visa here.
Can I visit the Netherlands with a Dutch Caribbean visa?
You cannot travel to the European part of the Netherlands with a Dutch Caribbean visa or another Schengen country.
Related visa information for the UK Residents:
- French Visa –UK
- Spanish Visa – UK
- PortugueseVisa – UK
- Italian Visa – UK
- Dutch Visa – UK
- German Visa – UK
- Swedish Visa – UK
- Norwegian Visa – UK
- The Czech Visa – UK
- Greece Visa – UK
Embassy & Consulates of the Netherlandsinthe United Kingdom
- Consulate of Netherlands in Gibraltar, United Kingdom
- Consulate of Netherlands in Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Cardiff, Wales (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Belfast, N. Ireland (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Aberdeen, Scotland (UK)
- Royal Netherlands Embassy in London, England (UK)
- Vice Consulate of Netherlands in Plymouth, England (UK)
- Vice Consulate of Netherlands in Leeds, England (UK)
- Vice Consulate of Netherlands in Harwich, England (UK)
- Vice Consulate of Netherlands in Dover, England (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Southampton, England (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Manchester, England (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Liverpool, England (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Hull, England (UK)
- Consulate of Netherlands in Guernsey, United Kingdom
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FAQs
Can I apply for Schengen visa while visiting UK? ›
Nonresidents such as travellers and tourists currently on a visa in the UK, cannot file their visa application at the Schengen embassies in the United Kingdom. Instead, they should apply for a Schengen visa at the appropriate Schengen embassy in their home country.
Can I apply for Schengen visa from another country? ›You must lodge the application for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country that you intend to visit, or – if you intend to visit more than one Schengen State, the Consulate of the country of your primary destination (i.e. main purpose of stay or longest stay).
How do I apply for a Schengen visa and UK visa together? ›...
- Create an itinerary with the UK as the first port of entry from India. After this, your next entry must be in a Schengen state. ...
- Apply for your UK visa. ...
- Once you have received your UK permit, you must apply for the Schengen.
Unfortunately, there's no way of speeding up the process beyond the 15-day Schengen Visa processing time. However, you may be able to avoid delays by ensuring your visa application is clearly filled in, concise, and easily explainable alongside your supporting documents.
How long it takes to get Schengen visa from UK? ›The processing of a Schengen visa application in the UK takes the same time everywhere around the world, which is approximately 15 days. There may be delays only at times when the embassies are processing more visas than usually.
Which Schengen visa is easy from UK? ›Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of the Schengen Visa applications for Estonia received a positive answer. In addition, Estonia ranks no.
Which country is the easiest to apply for Schengen visa? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
Which country gives the quickest Schengen visa? ›Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.
Do you need a visa for Netherlands from UK? ›You can stay in the Netherlands without a visa for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. As of 17 September 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 entry rules for travellers to the Netherlands.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa for Netherlands? ›You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.
Can I apply for Netherlands visa online? ›
Applying for a short-stay Schengen visa
You can find out where to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa on www.netherlandsandyou.nl. This varies from country to country. In countries with a Dutch embassy or consulate you can apply for a visa there.
You may apply for two different visas at the same time if you can show that you will enter the United States on the first visa, leave and re-enter on the other. You are required to complete one visa application form DS-160 but pay two MRV fees; the second fee is paid to the Embassy cashier on the day of the interview.
Do I need Schengen visa if I have UK visa? ›If you are a U.K. citizen, you do not currently need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area if you plan on staying for fewer than 90 days, despite the U.K. leaving the European Union at the end of 2020, because there is a short-term visa-free travel arrangement between the EU and the U.K. From the end of 2022 U.K. ...
Which countries I can visit with UK visa? ›- Dominican Republic. One of the most visited countries in the Carribean, Dominican Republic is a diverse destination. ...
- Bermuda. ...
- Cayman Islands. ...
- Turks and Caicos Islands. ...
- Mexico - Cradle of civilizations. ...
- Serbia. ...
- Montenegro. ...
- Georgia.
The Schengen Visa allows the holder to travel freely within 26 European countries, 22 of them within the European Union (EU). The standard short-stay Schengen Visa allows holders to stay within the Schengen Area for up to three months during each visit.
Which Schengen visa is longest? ›Short stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.
Why is Schengen visa rejected? ›According to Schengen Visa Info, there are 12 reasons for which visa applications are rejected most frequently, including here a criminal past of the applicant, a damaged passport, the invalidity of one of the documents submitted, and insufficient financial means to support travel, etc.
How do I get a tourist visa for Netherlands? ›- Dutch visa application form. ...
- Two passport photos. ...
- Your valid passport. ...
- Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
- Netherlands Travel Health Insurance. ...
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Proof of civil status.
You can make an appointment via the website of VFS Global. Due to corona a limited number of time slots for visa appointments are available. If there are no more time slots available, please try to book an appointment later as new slots might become available.
Which country rejected visa most? ›According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
How much money do you need in your bank account for a Schengen visa? ›
Now for applying Schengen visa for France I approached an agent who told me that a minimum amount of 2.5L to 3L is required as balance for processing of visa.
Which is the hardest visa to get? ›North Korea
It's one of the most difficult countries to get access to and acquire a visa. One will need to apply for the visa through a tourist agency, which provides state-approved tours. Those from South Korea or with an American passport, are not eligible for this country's visa.
Schengen State | Uniform visas applied | Refusal % |
---|---|---|
Switzerland | 556520 | 7.41% |
Italy | 1844140 | 7.37% |
Denmark | 164003 | 6.99% |
Austria | 306133 | 6.24% |
Getting a Schengen visa to travel to Europe can be a long, challenging, and frustrating process. Fortunately, however, there are a few hacks that you can use to get one relatively easily and quickly.
How do I get a 5 year Schengen visa? ›5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 26 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Which is the easiest visa to get? ›- Estonia.
- Norway & Svalbard.
- Australia.
- New Zealand.
- Germany.
- Netherlands.
- South Korea.
- Canada.
The Schengen visa processing time around the world is approximately two weeks. Still, depending on your case, your application may take longer to be processed. In specific cases, the embassies take 30 days to process a visa, whereas in extraordinary cases you will have to wait for 60 calendar days.
Who can enter Netherlands without visa? ›...
No visa requirement
- a European Union (EU) country.
- Liechtenstein.
- Norway.
- Iceland.
- Switzerland.
You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.
Can UK BRP holder travel to Europe? ›You will need your UK biometric residence permit showing that you have valid leave for the UK that extends beyond your trip, and a blank page in your current passport. You can not apply using a travel document unless you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. You must not already have a Schengen visa.
Is interview required for Schengen visa? ›
Once all your paperwork and documentation is completed and set in order, you'll be expected to attend a Schengen Visa interview, which will determine whether you eventually receive your Visa or not. The interviewers are trained to detect hesitation, unwillingness to answer certain questions, etc.
Is there an interview for Netherlands visa? ›You will need to fill out your application, pay a fee of €80 for adults and €40 for minors, obtain all the documents you need for your Netherlands Visa, and attend an interview at a consulate, embassy, or visa application center.
Where do I submit my Netherlands visa application form? ›You may submit your visa application at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Please note: not all travel documents are recognized by the Netherlands. If you apply for a visa with such a non-recognized travel document, your visa application can be declared inadmissible.
Do I need Schengen visa to Netherlands? ›If you want to visit the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days you may need a short-stay Schengen visa. This depends on your nationality. The visa allows you to travel freely within the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Can you go to VFS without appointment? ›Walk In Without Appointment*
If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
You may apply for two different visas at the same time if you can show that you will enter the United States on the first visa, leave and re-enter on the other. You are required to complete one visa application form DS-160 but pay two MRV fees; the second fee is paid to the Embassy cashier on the day of the interview.
Can I go to Paris with UK visa? ›Re: Can i travel paris just for two days via UK visa? The UK is part of the EU but is not part of the Schengen area, a visa to the UK does not give access tot he Schengen area. That is why you had to get a UK visa not a Schengen one to enter the UK and why a UK visa has no use to you to go to Paris. 3.
Which Schengen country gives visa easily? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
Can I applying Schengen visa from UK with Indian passport? ›Only Indian passport holders that have been legally residing in the United Kingdom for more than three months and hold a valid UK residence permit can apply for a Schengen visa in the UK.
What are the 4 types of visa? ›Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
What happens if visa is rejected? ›
After being found ineligible for a visa, you may reapply in the future. If you reapply for a visa after being found ineligible, with the exception of 221(g) refusals, you must submit a new visa application and pay the visa application fee again.
How do I know if my visa is rejected? ›Upon visa refusal, you will get a letter from the consulate stating the reason for refusal. This will help you reapply after a specific period of time by rectifying the mistake. Also, some of the consulate websites provide the visa status with the reason for rejection, if any.
Which countries I can visit with UK visa? ›- Dominican Republic. One of the most visited countries in the Carribean, Dominican Republic is a diverse destination. ...
- Bermuda. ...
- Cayman Islands. ...
- Turks and Caicos Islands. ...
- Mexico - Cradle of civilizations. ...
- Serbia. ...
- Montenegro. ...
- Georgia.
All travellers
UK nationals do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands.
If you are a U.K. citizen, you do not currently need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area if you plan on staying for fewer than 90 days, despite the U.K. leaving the European Union at the end of 2020, because there is a short-term visa-free travel arrangement between the EU and the U.K. From the end of 2022 U.K. ...
Which is the easiest country to get Schengen visa 2022? ›Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.
Why does Schengen visa get rejected? ›According to Schengen Visa Info, there are 12 reasons for which visa applications are rejected most frequently, including here a criminal past of the applicant, a damaged passport, the invalidity of one of the documents submitted, and insufficient financial means to support travel, etc.
Which Schengen visa is easy from UK? ›Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of the Schengen Visa applications for Estonia received a positive answer. In addition, Estonia ranks no.
How much money do I need to show in my bank account for Schengen visa? ›Proof of civil status – birth certificate will suffice. Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
Are Schengen visas being issued 2022? ›The Schengen Visa allows the holder to travel freely within 26 European countries, 22 of them within the European Union (EU). The standard short-stay Schengen Visa allows holders to stay within the Schengen Area for up to three months during each visit.
What documents do I need for Schengen visa? ›
- Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
- Two recently taken photos must be attached. ...
- A valid passport. ...
- Round trip reservation or itinerary. ...
- Travel insurance policy. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Proof of financial means. ...
- Proof of paid visa fee.