Adjustments in the rules for applying for a Schengen visa and a Caribbean visa
As of February 2, 2020, new rules will apply if you apply for a Schengen visa or Caribbean visa. The changes to the rules for the Schengen visa are a result of new EU regulations.
The most important changes as of February 2, 2020 at a glance:
Extended application period
You can apply for a Schengen visa from 6 months before the planned travel date (this was 3 months). For seafarers this will be 9 months.
Airport transit visa
Do you have a valid visa or residence permit for Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba? Then you do not need an airport transit visa if you are traveling through the international zone from an airport in the Schengen area to an airport outside the Schengen area.
Increase visa fees
The Schengen and Caribbean visa fees will be increased:
| Type of visa | Old rate in EUR | New rate in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa | 60 | 80 |
| Schengen visa child 6-12 years | 35 | 40 |
| Schengen visa child 0-6 years | free | free |
| Caribbean visa | 35 | 80 |
| Caribbean visa child 6-12 years | 35 | 40 |
| Caribbean child visa 0-6 years | free | free |
Multiple entry Schengen visas for regular travellers
Do you regularly travel to the Netherlands/Schengen area? Then you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa with a longer period of validity. You must meet a number of conditions:
- multiple entry visa for 1 year: if you have received a Schengen visa* 2 times in the past 3 years and have used it correctly;
- multiple-entry visa for 2 years: if you have received a multiple-entry visa for 2 year in the past 1 years and have used it correctly;
- 5-year multiple-entry visa: if you have obtained a 3-year multiple-entry visa in the past 2 years and have used it correctly.
* An airport transit visa does not count.
You cannot derive any rights from the above. It is always up to the deciding authority whether or not to issue a multiple-entry visa with a longer period of validity.
Apply at a visa office of an external service provider (EDV)
In countries where the Netherlands uses the services of an EDV, such as VFS Global or TLS Contact, you must now submit a visa application to the EDV and no longer to the embassy.
Issuing biometrics/applying in person for Schengen visa applications
Have you provided biometrics (fingerprints and photo) within the last 59 months prior to your current application? Then you can choose to have the application submitted by someone else. You do not have to appear in person.
Please note: If, when assessing your application, it appears that your fingerprints are not in the system, you must still provide them. You can also always be called for an interview if a request gives cause to do so.
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