Visa-free travel to the Netherlands and Schengen
There are a number of conditions to travel to the Netherlands without a visa. Without visa the Schengen countries visits are only allowed for 62 nationalities. Nevertheless, there are also conditions and rules that must be observed for these nationalities, which you can read more about here.
After 2021, due to the arrival of the ETIAS travel authorization, the rules for visa-free travel are about to change radically.
How long can you stay in the Netherlands?
It does not matter for the period of stay in the Netherlands whether or not you do Schengen visa Need. A foreign visitor/tourist may stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days. You can also travel in and out of the Schengen area during this period. The 90 days can be spread over 180 days, but they can also be used consecutively in one go. If you stay in the Netherlands/Schengen area for 90 days in a row, you must wait 90 days before you can travel to the Netherlands/Schengen area again.
Different period of stay for a number of nationalities
Contrary to the above rule, a different calculation of the length of stay applies to the nationalities below. If you have the nationality of one of the following countries, you may stay in the Netherlands/Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per 180 days.
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Mauritius
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Seychelles
Schengen Visitor Insurance OOM
Please note: Allianz no longer offers Travel Risk Insurance for a Schengen visa. Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative: the Schengen Visitor insurance from OOM Insurance. This Dutch insurer from Rijswijk specializes in Schengen insurance.
The policy offers visa guarantee (if the visa is rejected, you will get the premium back) and extensive coverage up to €500.000. With a low premium starting at €1,60 per day, it is a reliable and affordable choice. You can take out the policy online immediately, and you will receive it within an hour.
✔ More than meets all requirements for a Schengen visa application.
✔ Affordable and good: From €1,60 per person per day.
✔ The policy by email (iDEAL, credit card or PayPal) within 1 hour.
✔ Also for people over 70 years old
✔ Coverage for medical costs up to €500.000
✔ VISA GUARANTEE: If your Schengen visa is rejected, you will receive the premium back.
✔ Liability can possibly be co-insured.
The Schengen Visitor insurance is the best choice for the successful application for a Schengen visa!
Would you prefer to receive the policy in English? Click here: Calculate premium and finalize.
More information about OOM's Schengen insurance:
- Coverage overview Schengen Visitor Insurance
- Policy conditions Schengen Visitor Insurance
- Schengen Visitor Insurance Insurance Card
Conditions and rules for visa-free travel
Although you do not need a visa, you can be checked at Schiphol (Koninklijke Marechaussee), at the border or at the Aliens Police (AVIM) to see whether you meet the conditions for entering and staying in the Netherlands. The following documents may be requested:
- A valid travel document, for example a passport. The travel document must be valid for 3 months after the end of your stay in the Netherlands. It may also not be older than 10 years.
- Evidence that demonstrates your purpose of travel. For example:
- A reservation for a hotel or other accommodation; or
- An invitation from the person with whom you will be staying in the Netherlands.
- Evidence that shows that you have sufficient financial means for the stay in the Netherlands, the transit and/or the return journey. You must be able to demonstrate that you have access to € 55 per day. This can be done, for example: with one or more bank statements, traveller's checks or cash. Does someone in the Netherlands guarantee the costs of your trip and accommodation? Then make sure you have the form proof of guarantee and/or private accommodationhave with you. It is then not mandatory to legalize the signature at the municipality.
- A copy of proof of a medical travel insurance which is closed in your name. The person in the Netherlands who invites you can also take out the insurance for you. The medical travel insurance covers at least € 30.000 for medical costs in the Schengen area. The insurance will in any case cover the following costs:
- Costs for returning to the country of origin for medical reasons.
- Urgent medical care.
- Emergency treatment in hospital.
- Evidence that demonstrates that you have sufficient reasons to return to your country of origin or residence. For example:
- An employer statement.
- Proof of enrollment in a school of school-going children.
- Proof of ownership of an owner-occupied home and/or other immovable property.
- An option on or (provisional) reservation of a return ticket.
Official foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated to Dutch, English, French or German.
Please note: If you do not meet the above conditions or cannot provide the required documents, for example the policy of a medical travel insurance, entry to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries may be refused.
ETIAS travel authorization
Travelers who are allowed to travel to the Schengen area without a visa must request prior permission to visit these Schengen countries from May 2023. This so-called travel authorization is not a visa. You request the travel authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The application can only be made online. It is not yet known when exactly the change will take effect.
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