3 Simple Steps

Requirement to show printed negative COVID-19 test result and signed declaration

Since 15 December 2020, certain travellers are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result less than 72 hours old from the arrival time in the Netherlands and a signed negative COVID test Please carefully study this general information and list of exemptions from this new rule.

Verify your relevant COVID-19-related travel restrictions before departure!

All travelers are responsible for verifying the travel restrictions in place before departure

Verify your relevant COVID-19-related travel restrictions before departure!

As part of the measures to contain the spreading of COVID-19, individual Schengen States have introduced travel restrictions, including at certain borders between those states. Depending on the development of the epidemiological situation both within and outside the EU, travel restrictions may be eased or reintroduced.

All travelers are responsible for verifying the travel restrictions in place before departure. Holders of a Schengen visa are not automatically entitled to enter the Schengen area but must respect the travel restrictions in place.

EU entry ban now applies to UK residents

European Union and Schengen country nationals and residents plus members of their families, as well as residents of third countries on the list established by the EU can presently travel to the Netherlands. Please note this list is subject to change, according to developments regarding Covid-19.

The situation has changed for (British and non-British) UK residents, as the United Kingdom no longer is an EU country and is now subject to the EU entry ban.

For countries under the EU entry ban, there is only a limited number of exemptions (where it ís possible to travel to the Netherlands).

Visit the relevant page on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to view the lists of countries, to learn more about the exemptions and to see if you can / must apply for a visa.

Please note: your application will only enter the decision phase if it fulfills all Schengen visa requirements and explicitly and clearly meets the criteria for an exemption.

URGENT – New rules for short-stay Schengen visa and airport transit visa effective 01 January 2021

As the United Kingdom will be considered a ‘third country’ from 01 January 2021 onwards, certain rights arising from a UK residence permit or as a result of having / being a UK family member will no longer apply.

Short-stay Schengen visa

If you arrive back in the Netherlands on 01 January 2021 or after, you will need a short-stay Schengen visa. This is the case if:

• you reside in the United Kingdom and you are a non-EU-country national as well as a family member of a British national;
• you reside in the United Kingdom and you are a non-EU-country national as well as a family member of an EU national residing in the United Kingdom.

Non-EU-country family members of Dutch nationals who have already exchanged their old residence permit for a residence permit under the EU settlement scheme remain entitled to

a so-called facilitation visa.

Airport transit visa

If you arrive for airport transit in the Netherlands on 01 January 2021 or after, you will need an airport transit visa – even if you have a visa or a residence permit for the United Kingdom.

European Union, Schengen country and United Kingdom nationals and residents plus members of their families, as well as residents of third countries on the list established by the EU can presently travel to the Netherlands. Please note this list is subject to change, according to developments regarding Covid-19.

For countries still under the EU travel ban, there is a limited number of exemptions (where it ís possible to travel to the Netherlands).

Visit the relevant page on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to view the lists of countries, to learn more about the exemptions and to see if you can apply for a visa.

Please note: your application will only enter the decision phase if it fulfills all Schengen visa requirements and explicitly and clearly meets the criteria for an exemption.

Temporary visa category partner in long-distance relationship

A new temporary short-stay visa category ‘partner in long-distance relationship’ has been created by the Netherlands.

Additional Covid-19 fee and mandatory passport return by courier.

2 euro Covid-19 fee:

For the time being, until 31 December 2020 (subject to prolongation), the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given VFS permission to charge an additional ‘Covid-19 fee’ of 2 euros (or the equivalent in local currency) per application. This non-refundable allowance will be levied at the VAC.

Passport return by courier:

Until further notice, the use of a courier service for returning your passport(s) is mandatory. This measure has been taken to reduce the number of people in a particular Visa Application Centre.

The Netherlands Visa Application Center in Qatar partially re-opens on Thursday, 20th August for limited categories only.

To check if you may apply, please visit: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/qas-travel-restrictions-for-the-netherlands

Until further notice, Schengen Member States have suspended visa representation for other Schengen member countries. This means that the Netherlands VAC, until further notice, only accepts visa applications for the Netherlands itself. Please contact the local representation of the Schengen state you are trying to apply for to receive more information.

Attention: holding a Travel Medical Insurance is a requirement to apply for a Schengen visa or a Caribbean visa. The TMI has to cover any expenses that may arise in relation to repatriation for medical reasons and/or emergency treatment during the visa holder’s stay. Expenses made as a result of pandemic situations (including covid-19) cannot be excluded from coverage. If your TMI does exclude the coverage of pandemic situations, your application may be refused.

Applicants falling under Long Distance Relationship (LDR) Visa please click the below URL:-

https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/documents/publications/2020/08/14/checklist-visa-application-long-distance-relationship