Netherlands Transit Visa for Indians

Although the Netherlands provides an airport visa for foreign nationals, it is not required for Indian nationals. As long as you do not leave the transit zone of the designated airport between your connecting flights, you do not require a transit visa.

If you plan to enter the country outside the transit zone, you would require a suitable tourist visa.

No, the visa-on-arrival option has not been made available for Indian nationals opting for a Schengen visa. You will not need a Netherlands transit visa application for layovers not exceeding 24 hours.

However, for longer layovers or if you plan to actually visit the country, a suitable tourist visa application must be made well in advance to ensure entry into the country.

Since the Netherlands is part of the Schengen area, it follows the visa regulations of most Schengen states. You would need a pre-approved visa to enter the country.

For example, if you’re travelling to Belgium, you would require a Belgium visa for Indians before entering the country.

Just as mentioned above, since a transit visa is not required, a suitable tourist visa will be necessary for Indian nationals wanting to visit the Netherlands for a short period of time.

A Short stay Schengen visa allows Indian nationals to enjoy and experience the Netherlands for a period of 90 days.

Since Indian nationals do not need to apply for a transit visa Netherlands, here are the following ways to obtain a Short Stay Schengen Visa for travel of shorter durations:**

Netherlands Transit Visa Application for Indians Online

Here’s how you can acquire a Short Stay Schengen Visa for the Netherlands.

Step 1: Navigate to VFS Global and download the Schengen visa application form.

Step 2: Along with the application, gather all the required documents.

Step 3: Make an appointment at the nearest VAC.

Step 4: Ensure all documents are handy during the appointment.

Step 5: Pay the visa fee and wait for it to be delivered via post.

Netherlands Visa Application Offline

Step 1: Book a visa appointment at the Embassy or a VAC.

Step 2: Visit the VAC on the scheduled date and carry all the required documents along.

Step 3: Complete the visa application and submit all the necessary documents.

Step 4: Pay the visa application charges and request an acknowledgement receipt for future use.

• A duly filled Application Form

• A valid passport

• Evidence of legal residence in India

• A passport photo that meets Dutch passport requirements

• Proof of travel

• Proof of financial means

• Proof of health insurance

Since Indian nationals with layovers in the Netherlands do not require a transit visa, here are the applicable fee rates for short stay visa, in case of layovers exceeding 24 hours or for longer stays in the country.

[Disclaimer: Visa fee rates are subject to change based on external factors such as immigration laws, additional service charges and currency conversion rates. Please be advised to check current rates from the official Government of Netherlands portal before proceeding with any payment services.]

The general processing time for a Short Stay Schengen Visa is around 15 calendar days. However, the processing time may vary for other applications depending on the type of visa applied for.

Any issues with the processing of the documents could also lead to a delay in the application process. Hence, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance while also ensuring all requirements are met successfully.

Immigration Procedures: Upon arrival head to the immigration to complete any formalities needed. When in transit, it is not required to go through immigration. However, if you plan on leaving the transit zone, going through the immigration is mandatory.

Rest in the Transit Area: When switching between flights with longer layovers, use the designated transit area at the airport to rest while waiting for your flight.

Avoid Leaving the Transit Zone Without a Valid Visa: It is important to note that leaving the transit zone without a valid visa can create complications and, hence, must be strictly avoided.

Consider Transit Tours: If available book yourself a transit tour to enjoy your long layover. Ensure you check with authorities before booking a tour to avoid any complications related to tour requirements.

Explore Amenities: Another great way of killing time during a long layover is to take advantage of amenities like shopping stores, duty-free shops, and cafes or restaurants. For example, the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has showers and lounge chairs for you to indulge in.

Currency Exchange: You can exchange currency at the airport if necessary to avoid any currency-related issues.

Just like having health insurance is mandatory for travelling to the Netherlands, investing in overseas travel insurance is crucial to ensuring a stress-free trip.

A travel insurance plan acts as a financial shield in the face of unexpected travel incidents that can cost you a pretty penny. Moreover, investing with a reliable insurance provider like us at Tata AIG ensures you receive tailor-made travel insurance packages that align with your needs.

We offer online travel insurance policies on our website where you can get insured in just a few clicks without having to make the trip down to one of our offices!

• The Dutch immigration regulations do not provide transit visas for Indian citizens. Hence Indian nationals wanting to explore the Netherlands during their long layoffs must acquire a short-stay Schengen visa.

• The short-stay Schengen visas are valid for 180 days and allow a stay of 90 days in the Netherlands and other Schengen regions.

• Securing health insurance is absolutely mandatory before entering the Netherlands.

• Working or performing business-related activities is prohibited under the short-stay Schengen visas.

• Dutch immigration authorities retain the right to detain Indian nationals who overstay their visa.

• It is advisable to convert the currency at the airport before setting out on a city tour to avoid currency issues.