Note: This information is no longer current. Since September 17, 2022, there are no longer any corona rules for travelers to the Netherlands. You can travel to the Netherlands without a long-distance relationship statement, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or negative test result. If you are subject to a visa requirement, you must of course first apply for a Schengen visa.
Frequently asked questions about the consequences of the coronavirus (Covid-19) and staying in the Netherlands with a Short stay Schengen visa.
Below you will find answers to important questions about the consequences of the corona crisis for your application or stay in the Netherlands. Those answers may change if the situation surrounding the coronavirus changes.
Can I apply for a short-stay visa (Schengen visa)?
In countries for which no entry ban applies, the Netherlands will again issue visas if possible. This depends on the local situation in that country. Read more information about visas in the Q&A on Nederlandenu.nl. Is the information you are looking for not there? Please contact the contact center of Foreign Affairs. Click here for contact details.
I have applied for a short stay visa to come to the Netherlands. Or I have already received a visa. I can't use this visa in time. Where can I go with questions?
Read more information about visas in the Q&A on Nederlandenu.nl. Is the information you are looking for not there? Please contact the contact center of Foreign Affairs. Click here for contact details.
I am in the Netherlands with a short-stay visa that is (soon) no longer valid. I can't leave. Can I request an extension?
You can apply for an extension of your short-stay visa (Schengen visa) if you cannot return to your country of origin. The following situation must apply to you:
- Your visa is no longer valid or expires within 1 month; and
- The airline has canceled your flight. Or you hadn't booked a flight yet. You cannot book a (new) flight; and
- You still meet the conditions for a short stay visa.
Do you want to apply for a visa extension? Then call the IND information line. Click here for the telephone number. Have your visa number and passport at hand.
Does the IND extend your Schengen visa? Then you will temporarily not receive a visa sticker in your passport. You will receive a confirmation by letter. This visa extension is only valid within the Netherlands. Not in the other Schengen countries. An application for extension of the visa is free.
My visa has been extended to 180 days but is about to expire. Can I renew one more time?
The total stay with a visa may never exceed a maximum of 180 days. It is not possible to extend it for longer than 180 days. Does your total stay exceed 180 days? The government expects you to try to return when your right of residence expires. Do you need help to return? Then please contact the representation of your country in the Netherlands. Extension due to corona does not count in the calculation of the total stay. This means that you do not have to wait 90 days outside the Netherlands (Schengen) before re-entering the Netherlands with a visa. Are you not returning home even though there are already possibilities to do so? Then you can get an entry ban from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee when you leave. Unless you can show that early departure was not possible.
I have extended my short stay visa in the Netherlands. I can travel to the country I come from via another Schengen country. Can this be done with my visa?
If you now extend your short-stay visa, it will only be valid in the Netherlands. But you may travel to an airport in another Schengen country for your flight to your country of origin. You are not allowed to stay in another Schengen country with your extended visa.
I am in the Netherlands without a visa (visa not required), but my free period has ended or will soon expire. Do I have to leave the Netherlands?
You cannot request an extension of a free period, the period of 90 days within 180 days that you are allowed to be in the Netherlands (and the Schengen area). Is your free period ending and you cannot leave? You do not have to report this to the IND. The Dutch government understands that it may be more difficult to return during this period. The government does expect you to try to return when your right of residence expires. Do you not return in time even though there are already possibilities to do so? Then you can get an entry ban from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. Unless you can show that early departure was not possible. Do you need help to return? Then please contact the representation of your country in the Netherlands.
I have a short stay visa (or I am not required to have a visa) and I want to travel to the Netherlands. Is that possible?
Since Thursday, March 19, 2020, an entry ban has been in effect for many nationalities from countries outside Europe. Europe means: EU countries, Schengen countries and the United Kingdom. The travel restriction does not apply to everyone. Since July 1, 2020, there is no longer an entry ban for a number of countries. Are you a resident of a country to which the entry ban does not apply? Or is your trip necessary? Then you can travel to the Netherlands.
I am in the Netherlands with a short stay visa from another Schengen country. Can I apply for an extension of my visa here?
You can apply for a visa extension at the IND. Then call the IND information line.
Source: IND
