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Netherlands

Western Europe · Schengen area

Updated 10 days ago
Checked against official source
AI-generated
Avg. processing
15 days
Consular fee (from)
€45
Booking model
Outsourced center

Do US citizens need a visa? No — up to 90 days

US passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in 180 days. ETIAS will apply once implemented.

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Fees & exemptions

  • Adult standard
    €90
  • Child 6-11
    €45
  • Child under 6
    Free

Standard Schengen fee plus separate VFS Global service fee always payable.

Where to apply

VFS Global application centre (Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, or Washington DC)

Appointment system

Book via VFS Global website (visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/nld); apply up to 6 months before travel, at least 15 days before departure.

Required documents

  • Passport (3+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
  • Online Schengen application form (unique code required)
  • Photo
  • Travel medical insurance (min €30,000)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Round-trip itinerary
  • Proof of financial means
  • Proof of legal US status if not a citizen

Editor tips

Complete the online application form yourself to get the unique code; do not reuse someone else's form.

Country-specific quirks

Applicants from Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos, USVI may also use the Miami VFS centre and can keep their passport initially, sending it later.

Who can apply where

Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Netherlands are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.

  • If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
  • Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
  • Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
  • Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Netherlands mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.

Where to submit if you apply from the US

Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United States hand in Netherlands visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Netherlands mission covering your country of residence.

  • Washington, DCVFS Global
    VFS Global Visa Application Centre for the Netherlands

    See VFS Global website for current address

    Embassy of the Netherlands also located in Washington DC.

    Covers
    DCMDVAWVDE
    Official page
  • New YorkVFS Global
    VFS Global Visa Application Centre - New York

    See VFS Global website for current address

    Covers
    NYNJCTPA
    Official page
  • ChicagoVFS Global
    VFS Global Visa Application Centre - Chicago

    See VFS Global website for current address

    Covers
    IL and Midwest states
    Official page
  • HoustonVFS Global
    VFS Global Visa Application Centre - Houston

    See VFS Global website for current address

    Covers
    TX and surrounding states
    Official page
  • Los AngelesVFS Global
    VFS Global Visa Application Centre - Los Angeles

    See VFS Global website for current address

    Covers
    Southern CA and Western states
    Official page
  • MiamiVFS Global
    VFS Global Visa Application Centre - Miami

    See VFS Global website for current address

    Also serves Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos, USVI residents; also handles Luxembourg Schengen visas.

    Covers
    FLPRUSVI
    Official page
  • San FranciscoVFS Global
    VFS Global Visa Application Centre - San Francisco

    See VFS Global website for current address

    Covers
    Northern CA and Western states
    Official page
Official resources
Official consulate siteApplication form / portal

Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.

Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Netherlands

Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Amsterdam and attach the confirmations to your application.

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