How long does a Netherlands tourist visa take to process?

A decision on a Netherlands tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a Netherlands tourist visa?

VFS Global centers in most countries; Dutch embassy for exceptions. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Netherlands tourist visa?

The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Schengen visa application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Flight reservation; Hotel bookings; Proof of sufficient funds (€55/day); Employment letter; Sponsor form + host's documents (if invited). Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

How do appointments work for a Netherlands tourist visa?

Appointment model: Online booking. Book online via VFS. Generally responsive with 1–3 week waits for appointments.

Can I apply for a Netherlands tourist visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Netherlands tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Netherlands tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Netherlands consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€90

Typical decision

15 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Netherlands tourist visa

VFS Global centers in most countries; Dutch embassy for exceptions.

Required documents

Valid passport
Schengen visa application form
2 biometric photos
Travel medical insurance €30,000+
Flight reservation
Hotel bookings
Proof of sufficient funds (€55/day)
Employment letter
Sponsor form + host's documents (if invited)

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Adult (standard)€90
Child 6–11€45
Child under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
VFS service fee€32

Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. VFS Global service fee is added on top of the consular fee.

Booking an appointment

Book online via VFS. Generally responsive with 1–3 week waits for appointments.

Practical tips

Netherlands is efficient — one of the faster processing countries. Complete all forms in English.

What is unusual about the Netherlands process

If invited by a Dutch resident, the sponsor must complete a "Bewijs van garantstelling" form, notarized at their municipality.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – London
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Service fee applies on top of the consular fee. Business hours Mon–Fri 08:30–14:30; passport collection 16:00–17:30.
Birmingham — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Birmingham
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Manchester — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Edinburgh — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Netherlands consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Netherlands tourist visa cost?: For a Netherlands tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €32. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. VFS Global service fee is added on top of the consular fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Netherlands tourist visa take to process?: A decision on a Netherlands tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Netherlands tourist visa?: VFS Global centers in most countries; Dutch embassy for exceptions. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Netherlands tourist visa?: The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Schengen visa application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Flight reservation; Hotel bookings; Proof of sufficient funds (€55/day); Employment letter; Sponsor form + host's documents (if invited). Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Netherlands tourist visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Book online via VFS. Generally responsive with 1–3 week waits for appointments.
Can I apply for a Netherlands tourist visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇳🇱 Netherlands tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time