Netherlands Tourist Visa for Indians

The Netherlands Visitor Visa is designed for Indian nationals and other non-EEA citizens seeking short-term stays for various reasons. Wondering if it’s the right visa for you? Let’s find out.

This visa is ideal for Indian travellers who are:

• Tourists eager to discover the charm and beauty of Dutch landscapes and cities.

• Business professionals attending meetings, conferences, or networking events.

• Family or friends visiting loved ones settled in the Netherlands.

• Students taking short-term courses or academic programs.

• Medical patients receiving private treatment in Dutch healthcare facilities.

The standard visa is usually valid for 6 months, though longer-term options (2, 5, or 10 years) are available, depending on your circumstances. Keep in mind, each visit must not exceed 90 days.

You can stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days per visit. Even with long-term visas, your stay per visit must fall within this 90-day limit unless it’s for specific medical reasons.

The visa allows multiple entries within its validity period, so you can come and go as needed, as long as your total stay doesn’t exceed the maximum duration.

If you're unsure whether this is the right visa for your needs, or if you even need to apply for one, you can visit the official Netherlands Visa website.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Netherlands Schengen Visa for Indians, covering everything from choosing the type of application to getting your passport back:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa

The Netherlands Schengen visa is required for short stays (up to 90 days) within the Schengen Area for purposes like tourism, business, family visits, etc. The types of Schengen visas include:

• Tourist Visa

• Business Visa

• Visit Family/Friends Visa

• Transit Visa

Choose the visa type that matches your purpose of travel.

Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form

You can fill out the Netherlands Schengen Visa application form online through the Netherlands Visa Application Centre or download the form and fill it manually. Ensure that all details are accurate, as discrepancies can lead to rejection.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Once the application form is ready, schedule an appointment at the nearest Netherlands Visa Application Center (VFS Global) in India. You can book an appointment online through the VFS Global website. Select the appropriate date and time for your appointment.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following required documents:

• Completed Visa Application Form (signed and dated)

• Two Recent Passport-sized Photos (as per Schengen photo requirements)

• Valid Passport (with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay)

• Travel Insurance (with minimum coverage of €30,000, covering all Schengen countries)

• Flight Reservation (itinerary showing your flight details to and from the Schengen Area)

• Proof of Accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host)

• Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letter to prove you can cover your stay)

• Cover Letter (explaining your travel purpose and itinerary)

• Employment Details (No Objection Certificate from your employer if employed, or business documents if self-employed)

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

On the day of your appointment, bring all required documents to the VFS Global centre. You will also need to:

• Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)

• Pay the visa application fee (typically €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12)

Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing

Visa processing usually takes around 15 working days but can take longer during peak seasons or due to other factors. You can track the status of your application via the VFS Global website.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once the visa is processed, you will be notified to collect your passport from the VFS Global centre or have it couriered to you if you chose the courier service option. Check your visa to ensure all the details are correct.

Key Tips:

• Apply for the visa at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date to avoid delays.

• Ensure all documents are up-to-date and meet the Netherlands Embassy’s requirements.

• Keep a copy of all documents for your records.

1. Application Process:

• Follow the standard visa application process.

• Include details about your sponsor and their support in your application.

2. Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors:

• Genuine Relationship: Must have a genuine personal or professional relationship with the visitor. Include details of your sponsor in the application. This may include the sponsor's personal information, relationship to you, and proof of their ability to support you financially during your stay.

• Compliance: Ensure the visitor will adhere to Netherlands immigration laws.

• Financial Support: Attach any required documents that verify the sponsor's financial status and relationship with you. These documents may include bank statements, employment letters, or other financial proofs.

• Location: Sponsors do not have to be based in the Netherlands. If you are outside the Netherlands, compliance with immigration laws for the visitor is not required.

3. Supporting Documents:

• Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of where the visitor will stay.

• Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds.

• Invitation Letter: A letter detailing the purpose of the visit, your relationship with the visitor, and the stay duration. Ensure it follows Paragraph 35 Part I of the Immigration Rules.

• Relationship: Additional Evidence (if applicable): For sponsors outside the Netherlands, include documents proving your relationship with the visitor and financial stability.

4. Legal Aspects:

Family visitor visas are available for those outside the EEA and Switzerland, allowing stays of up to 6 months.

5. Paying the Visa Fee:

• The Netherlands visa is for a minimum 6-month entry.

• Additional VFS Netherlands visa fees between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 apply, depending on the services chosen.

• Pay the visa fee online and the additional fees at the VFS centre.

6. Booking Your Appointment:

• Just like standard applicants, book a single appointment with VFS Global for biometrics.

• At the appointment, bring your appointment receipt, application form, and fee payment receipt.

7. On the Day of Your Appointment:

• Arrive with all required documents, submit them, provide biometrics, and leave your passport for processing. Processing typically takes 15 to 20 working days.

Unlike the USA, the visa application process typically does not require a face-to-face interview (f2f). Here’s what you need to know:

You only need to submit your passport and supporting documents at the VFS centre. There is no mandatory in-person interview as part of the standard visa process.

In rare instances, the Home Office may request an interview if they need additional information to process your application. This is not common and usually occurs if there are specific concerns or questions about your application.

If an interview is required, you will receive details and instructions via email. The communication will provide the necessary information about the interview process, including the date, time, and location.

Visa authorities have a knack for spotting fake or dummy tickets. Instead of risking it, go for refundable or flexible tickets. This approach shows you’re serious about your travel plans and avoids any potential issues with your application. It’s a straightforward way to stay on the safe side and keep your intentions clear.

Your visa application’s success is in the details. Take the time to double and triple-check every document. Any mistakes or missing information can lead to delays or even rejection. Organise everything meticulously and ensure each document is accurate and complete. This careful preparation pays off by strengthening your application and avoiding unnecessary complications.

A well-written cover letter can make a big difference. Briefly outline your travel plans and underscore your commitment to returning home. This one-page summary helps visa reviewers quickly grasp the purpose of your trip and your intent to go back. It’s a professional touch that adds clarity and seriousness to your application.

If your bank balance is on the lighter side, show additional assets like mutual funds or gold. This demonstrates you have resources to cover your expenses and return home if needed. Including details of liabilities such as home loans further proves your ties to your home country, making it clear that you have compelling reasons to return.

Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your visa. You can submit your application up to 45 days before your travel date. This early application period gives you plenty of time to address any unexpected issues and ensures everything is in order well before your trip. However, remember that the embassy won’t accept any applications that are submitted 45 days before your intended travel date.

Your profile is crucial in visa decisions. Immigration systems are now highly interconnected, with authorities able to access your records through linked documents like Aadhaar or PAN cards. If you are involved in any ongoing legal issues, even unrelated to criminal activities, your application may be affected. For instance, a person with a pending court case or a family dispute might face hurdles in obtaining a visa, as immigration authorities keep track of such cases. Instead of hiding things, show proof and documents to support your claim, this will significantly boost your chances.

If you’re unsure about filling out your visa form, the embassy’s website is your go-to resource. It offers detailed instructions and answers to common questions, making the process clearer and more manageable. Use this resource to guide you through any uncertainties and ensure your application is spot on.

An invitation from a family member in the Netherlands can significantly strengthen your application. It adds credibility and shows you have local support, which can be a game-changer in the approval process. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you have meaningful connections in the Netherlands and a solid reason to visit.

A well-laid out itinerary speaks volumes about your travel plans. Provide detailed information about your trip, including accommodation bookings and activities. This not only strengthens your application but also shows that you’ve put thought into your visit. A comprehensive itinerary helps visa reviewers see that your trip is well-planned and genuine.

Visa officers look for a consistent pattern of income in your bank statements. Sudden large transfers or discrepancies can raise suspicion. Ensure that your account activity reflects a steady flow of income and regular transactions. This helps to confirm that your financial situation is stable and supports your visa application.

When applying for a Netherlands visa, you need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your stay. Generally, you should show a minimum of ₹3 lakh in your bank account. To be precise, calculate your expected expenses by multiplying your trip duration by the average daily cost (around £100 per day + other expenses). For instance, if you’re planning a 10-day trip, you should ideally have at least £1,000 (approx. ₹1 lakh) available, plus additional 1500 to 2000 pounds in funds to cover any emergencies or extra expenses.

If you need to speed up your visa application due to an emergency, you have a couple of options available. You can choose from:

• Priority Service: This option accelerates the processing time significantly but comes with a higher fee.

• Express Service: This is the fastest option available, typically getting your visa processed in just a few days, but it also incurs substantial additional costs.

Both services can help you get your visa sooner, but they do come with a significant price tag. Be sure to check with the VFS centre for specific details on the costs and processing times for these expedited services.

While face-to-face interviews aren’t typical, be prepared for the possibility of additional questions or follow-ups. If necessary, the visa authorities might contact you for more information. Staying prompt and responsive to such requests can help keep your application on track and demonstrate your willingness to cooperate.

Always provide truthful and accurate information in your application. Misrepresenting facts or providing false information can lead to severe consequences, including visa rejection or a ban on future applications. Honesty is the best policy when dealing with visa applications.

Even small details from previous visa applications can impact future ones. For instance, if you claimed to be travelling with family on your visa but travelled alone, this discrepancy could lead to visa denial or even deportation. Your past actions are stored in immigration databases, and dishonesty in any visa could affect your applications for up to five years.

To enter the Netherlands from India, you need to apply for a Schengen visa, which allows you to travel to any Schengen area country, including the Netherlands, for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). The process includes filling out an application form, gathering necessary documents (like passport, photos, travel itinerary, financial proof, and insurance), and scheduling an appointment at the VFS or the Dutch embassy/consulate.

The Netherlands requires you to show sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay. As a general guideline, you must prove that you have at least €34 (around ₹3,000) per day of stay. Depending on your trip length, the required balance may vary. It’s recommended to show a healthy balance, sufficient for your entire trip, to strengthen your application.

Yes, if you're employed, a leave approval letter from your employer is usually required to demonstrate that your employer is aware of your travel plans and that you have responsibilities to return to after your trip. This adds credibility to your intention to return to India after your visit.

While the process can be straightforward if you meet all the requirements and provide accurate documentation, approval is not guaranteed. Factors like complete paperwork, financial stability, travel history, and genuine travel intentions play a role in the decision.

Yes, the embassy has the right to verify the authenticity of your financial statements. You are required to submit original bank statements, and they may contact your bank or scrutinise your financial documents to ensure accuracy.

You cannot apply for a Netherlands visa without showing financial means. If you do not have sufficient funds, you can provide your father's bank statement, but you'll need a sponsorship letter from him, along with proof of your relationship (like a birth certificate). The sponsor must also explain how they plan to support your trip financially.

As of 2024, the Schengen visa fee for adults applying from India is €80 (around ₹7,000). Children between 6-12 years old pay a reduced fee of €40 (around ₹3,500). Fees may vary slightly depending on the VFS service charges.

To successfully apply for a Netherlands visa:

• Complete the visa application form accurately.

• Gather all necessary documents (passport, photos, financial proof, itinerary, travel insurance, etc.).

• Ensure your financial statements are up-to-date and sufficient.

• Book your travel itinerary and accommodation (without full payment if possible).

• Attend your visa appointment at the VFS or embassy on time.

• Be honest and clear about the purpose of your visit.

Interviews are not always required but can be requested at the discretion of the embassy or consulate. If an interview is needed, you will be informed after submitting your application.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for a Netherlands (Schengen) visa. It must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and be valid for all Schengen countries for the duration of your stay. The insurance should also cover repatriation and emergencies.