If you want to stay in The Netherlands for a period less than 3 months you probably need a Schengen visa or short stay visa (this is the same!).
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa or short stay visa is a visa for the Schengen area, 25 countries with no border controls between them. Those countries are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Mid-2011 Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen area.
Although travellers no longer have to show their passports when crossing borders between Schengen countries, this does not mean that travelling within the Schengen area is the same as travelling within a single country.
Who needs a Schengen visa?
If you are a national of one of the countries listed above you do not need a Schengen visa. There are a few other countries whose nationals do not need a Schengen visa, check the list of countries. Countries whose nationals do need a Schengen visa are listed here, list of countries.
A Schengen visa's validity may be limited to only one country (e.g. The Netherlands) or a specified number of countries (e.g. Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands). In such cases, the visa holder may visit only the countries for which the Schengen visa is valid.
Other conditions for entering The Netherlands
As a rule, all visitors form outside the European Economic Area (with or without visa requirement) may enter the Netherlands as long as they meet the following conditions:
- You have a valid passport
- You have enough money with you (at least € 34 for each day of your stay)
- You have a valid reason for visiting the Netherlands
- You are not considered a threat to public order, national security, or international relations
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa?
You can apply for a Schengen visa at a Dutch Mission (embassy or consulate). Go to the mission in the country where you reside or are entitled to reside. In some countries, you may apply for a visa to an outside agency authorised to accept visa applications. For more information about visa, please check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or check the Residence Wizard on the IND website.
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