Do you have plans to visit the Netherlands anytime soon for vacation? Would you like to enjoy all the sights and sounds this famous Northern European country offers? What you need is a short-stay Schengen visa Netherlands. With a short-stay visa, you can travel to any part of the country to explore the region, and we must say that the Netherlands is one of the nicest and most peaceful countries in Europe.
The Netherlands is called windmill country because it is home to more than one thousand windmills, many of which have remained standing since the 1850s and earlier. There are numerous museums in Amsterdam and other countries, including resorts by the beach, restaurants that serve international cuisines, and of course, the Eredivisie, which is the premier Dutch football league that showcases the top clubs in the country like Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, Utrecht, Groningen, and the likes.
Short Stay Schengen Visa For The Netherlands
A short-stay visa is available for those coming for short visits to the Netherlands. The visa is valid for 180 days and allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Schengen visas take less time to get compared to other long-term Dutch visas, and once you have them, you can travel to other countries in Europe without needing to apply for a new visa.
You can use this visa for
Tourism
Family visit
Business visit
Charity
Sports and Culture
Short study
This visa is not a work visa or a long-term visa. If you have any reason to stay in the country for longer, you must apply for a long-term or multiple entry visa for the specific purpose of your wish to visit the Netherlands.
How To Apply?
You cannot apply for a Schengen visa in the Area but must apply for it from the country you reside in, either as a citizen or a permanent resident. The documents required will depend on your status in your current address, but most of the documentation is the same.
Applicants must visit the Dutch embassy or consulate in their country to submit their application.
Aside from the documents, the Netherlands visa officer will ask them questions about their trip, where they plan to visit in the country, their itinerary, and other vital details.
If the embassy is convinced of their intention, the visa will be released after two weeks.
Netherlands Schengen Visa Documents
Here are the documents the applicant must submit to avail of this visa.
Form: A completed visa application form signed by the applicant. The information provided must be valid, and all sections must be filled.
Passport Photo: Two identical passport photographs with dimensions of 35mm x 40mm. The photo must meet all photo requirements for Schengen visas.
Valid Passport: A valid passport that will not expire in the next six months from the date of arrival. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages and be older than 10 years.
Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip and that it must be signed.
Travel Insurance: A copy of the medical insurance certificate proving a minimum cover of €30,000 for medical emergencies during their stay in the Netherlands.
Proof of funds: A statement of account showing the sufficient balance to cover the minimum daily expenses requirement of €34 per day for as long they stay.
Proof of Accommodation: A hotel reservation showing the check-in and exit date.
Itinerary: Travel itinerary showing all arrival and departure date, including confirmed flight tickets.
Processing Fee
Schengen visas have a processing fee of €40 for minors between the age of 6-11 and €80 for between 12-80 years. Minors below six are not charged a few for their application. How this fee is paid will depend on the procedure of the embassy, consulate, or visa center to which you submit your application.
When Should You Submit Your Schengen Visa Application?
This visa should be submitted three months before your planned trip to avoid unnecessary delays. Although the processing time is roughly two weeks, there are instances where the applicant may be delayed for much longer. This is common during the summer holidays of July and August when many tourists submit applications. During such peak periods, you may be forced to wait much longer. To be on the safe side, submitting your application at least three months before your trip is best, so you have ample time to plan your trip.
A short stay Schengen visa Netherlands is what you need if you want to visit the Low country for holidays or to spend time with family and friends but make sure you attach valid documents to your application form and submit them on time for processing at the embassy.