Anyone from outside Europe to the Netherlands or other countries in the Schengen area wants to travel and is required to have a visa, has some rights and obligations. In this article you can read what they are.
Those requiring a visa who want to travel to the Schengen zone must submit a visa prior to their trip Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the country where they have been staying the longest.
Below is an explanation of the most important topics that visa applicants should know before traveling to the Schengen zone.
Rights of travelers with a Schengen visa
Foreign travelers who want to travel to the Schengen zone with a Schengen visa enjoy various rights during their stay. Here are some of the most important rights they have:
- Free movement within the Schengen zone: With a valid Schengen visa, travelers can travel freely within the Schengen zone without being subject to border controls at the internal borders. This means that they are several Schengen countries can visit in one trip without applying for separate visas for each country.
- Duration of stay: Holders of a Schengen visa for short stay (type C) may stay in the Schengen zone for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. This rule applies to tourist, business or family visits.
- equality of treatment: Schengen visa holders are entitled to equal treatment with regard to access to goods and services available to the public, such as accommodation, transport, medical care and tourist attractions.
- Right to medical care: Schengen visa holders must have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case they need medical attention during their stay in the Schengen zone. In case of emergency, they are entitled to the same medical care as nationals of the host country.
- Protection of personal data: Foreign travelers traveling to the Schengen zone with a Schengen visa have the right to protection of their personal data, in accordance with the European legislation about data protection.
- Consular assistance: In case of emergency, such as loss of travel documents, illness or arrest, Schengen visa holders can seek consular assistance from the embassy or consulate of their country of origin in the Schengen country where they reside. In cases where their country of origin does not have diplomatic representation in the relevant Schengen country, they can seek assistance from the representation of another country acting on behalf of their country of origin.
It is important to note that Schengen visa holders must abide by the laws and regulations of the host country. And that they are not allowed to use their visa to stay in the Schengen zone longer than allowed or to look for illegal work.
Obligations of travelers with a Schengen visa
Travelers who want to travel to the Netherlands with a Schengen visa should be aware of their duties and responsibilities during their stay. Here are some of the main duties they must fulfill:
- Valid visa and travel documents: Travelers must be in possession of a valid Schengen visa and a passport or other travel document valid for at least three months after the end of their intended stay.
- Medical travel insurance: Visa applicants must have a correct medical travel insurance which covers medical costs, repatriation for medical reasons and repatriation of human remains, with a minimum cover of €30.000.
- Respect the allowed length of stay: Travelers must limit their stay in the Netherlands and the Schengen zone to the duration stated on their visa, usually a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Sufficient financial resources: Travelers must have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in the Netherlands and must be able to demonstrate this if requested. Or else have proof of financial guarantee.
- Compliance with laws and regulations: Travelers must comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the Netherlands, including, but not limited to, traffic regulations, public order and safety, and local customs and traditions.
- No unauthorized activities: Travelers must not engage in unauthorized activities, such as looking for illegal work, criminal activities, or participate in activities that endanger public order and safety.
- Update information: In case of changes in personal details or conditions of stay, such as change of address, travelers must inform the relevant authorities.
- Leave at the end of the stay: Travelers must leave the Schengen zone at the end of their authorized length of stay, unless they are eligible extension or another residence permit.
Compliance with these obligations is important to avoid problems with the authorities and to ensure a pleasant and undisturbed stay in the Netherlands and the Schengen zone.
General information about a Schengen visa
Schengen visa types
There are different types of Schengen visas, depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of stay. The most common type is the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), which allows visitors to stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other types include airport transit visas (type A) and long-term residence visas (type D).
Visa application process
Those requiring a visa must submit a Schengen visa application to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where they intend to have their main residence. The application must be submitted in person, with the applicant biometric data, such as fingerprints. It is recommended to submit the application at least 15 days, but preferably four to six weeks, before the planned travel date.
Mandatory documents
When applying for a Schengen visa, those requiring a visa must provide various documents. These include a completed visa application form, a valid passport, recent passport photos, proof of medical travel insurance, an itinerary with the intended length of stay and destinations, and proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay or proof of guarantee. Depending on the purpose of the trip, additional documents and evidence may be required.
Visa fees
There are costs associated with applying for a Schengen visa, which vary depending on the type of visa and the age of the applicant. In many cases, the costs for a short-stay Schengen visa are €80 for adults and €40 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Some categories of applicants, such as diplomats, students and researchers, may qualify for a reduced fee or exemption from visa fees.
Once in the Schengen zone
With a valid Schengen visa, travelers requiring a visa can travel freely within the Schengen zone without being subject to border controls at the internal borders. However, it is important to know that the visa is only a conditional permission to enter the Schengen zone. Upon arrival at the first gateway to the Schengen zone, such as an airport or a land border crossing, border control officers may request additional documents or information to confirm that the traveler meets the conditions for entry into the Schengen zone. It is therefore important to have all relevant documents at hand, such as a valid passport, medical travel insurance, proof of accommodation, return ticket and proof of sufficient financial means or proof of guarantee.
Permitted length of stay
Please note that exceeding the length of stay of a Schengen visa can have serious consequences, such as fines, an entry ban and possible denial of future visa applications. Visa-required travelers should carefully plan their length of stay and adhere to the dates specified on their visa.
Access to Schengen countries only
In addition, it is important to note that the Schengen visa is only valid for travel within the Schengen zone. If you plan to visit countries outside the Schengen zone, such as the United Kingdom or Ireland, you must apply for separate visas at the embassies or consulates of these countries.
Change or extend Schengen visa
In some cases you may need to extend visa or change it while you are in the Schengen zone, for example due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in your travel plans. In such cases, you should contact the competent authorities in the Schengen country where you are staying to inquire about the procedure for extending or changing your visa. In the Netherlands, you must submit this to the IND.
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