Netherlands

• Indian ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Visa to visit the Netherlands for tourism.

• The Netherlands should be the correct main destination.

Apply through the Netherlands when:

The Netherlands is the only Schengen destination

OR

The Netherlands is the main destination based on the longest stay or principal purpose.

• Applications are submitted through VFS Global India.

• Applicants normally submit their applications in person.

• The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request additional documents or an interview.

Passport Requirements:

• Original Indian passport

• Passport issued within the previous 10 years

• Passport valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area

• At least 2 blank visa pages

• Passport must be signed

• Colour copy of passport bio-data page

• Colour copy of the last page of the Indian passport

• Copies of previous Schengen entry/exit stamps where available

Application Form:

Completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form is mandatory.

The Netherlands requires the applicant to complete their own online application form.

The generated form contains a unique application code and should be printed and submitted at the VFS appointment.

Photograph:

Official specification: 

35 × 45 mm

Colour

White or light-coloured background

Not older than 6 months.

When applying through VFS Global, a digital photograph is normally taken at the appointment, so a separate physical photograph may not be required under the current Dutch instructions.

Cover Letter:

Mandatory.

The cover letter should include:

• Purpose of travel 

• Duration of stay 

• Travel dates 

• Names of accompanying travellers 

• Transportation details 

• Accommodation information.

Accommodation:

Required.

The applicant must provide accommodation covering the entire journey.

Acceptable evidence includes:

• Hotel reservation 

• Holiday rental 

• Rented accommodation 

• Other confirmed accommodation.

If travelling to several Schengen countries, provide accommodation for each country.

Flight / Travel Reservation:

Required.

Applicant must provide a reservation in their name showing travel:

To the Schengen Area

and

From the Schengen Area.

A fully paid flight ticket is NOT required.

The Netherlands specifically states that a travel reservation is sufficient.

Detailed travel plans should also be provided.

Travel Medical Insurance:

Mandatory.

Minimum Coverage: 

EUR 30,000

Insurance must:

• Cover all Schengen countries 

• Cover the entire duration of travel 

• Cover hospitalisation 

• Cover emergency treatment 

• Cover prescription medication where applicable 

• Cover medical repatriation 

• Cover repatriation in case of death.

Financial Requirements:

Minimum reference: 

EUR 55 per person per day.

Example:

5-day trip: 

EUR 275

10-day trip: 

EUR 550

15-day trip: 

EUR 825

If the traveller cannot demonstrate at least EUR 55 per person per day, a qualifying sponsor in the Netherlands may financially sponsor the traveller.

This is a minimum financial reference and does not guarantee visa approval.

Bank Statement:

The Netherlands' India Tourist Visa checklist accepts:

Personal bank statements for the previous 3 months.

Bank statements should be:

Stamped by the bank

and 

Signed by the bank.

Income Tax Returns:

The official India checklist also accepts proof of Indian Income Tax Returns from the previous:

2 tax years

as financial evidence.

For Employed Applicants:

Provide:

• Employment contract

• Recent employer letter approving leave

• Last 3 months payslips

• Last 3 months personal bank statements

• Income-tax documents where applicable.

For Self-Employed / Business Owners:

Provide:

• Company registration certificate

• GST registration number for an India-registered business

• Business bank statements

• Income Tax Return with verified barcode

• Personal financial evidence where applicable.

For Students:

Provide:

• School / College / University enrolment statement

• Student ID – recommended

• Parent/sponsor financial documents where applicable.

For Retired Applicants:

Provide:

• Pension statements for the last 3 months

• Evidence of other regular income or assets where applicable.

For Unemployed Applicants:

Unemployed applicants can apply.

They should provide evidence demonstrating:

• Who is financing the journey 

• Available financial resources 

• Sponsor's financial documents where applicable 

• Proof of relationship 

• Social/family/economic ties to India.

Sponsorship:

If the applicant does not have sufficient personal funds, a person in the Netherlands may sponsor them.

The Netherlands uses an official:

Proof of Sponsorship and/or Private Accommodation Form.

The form must normally be:

Completed by the sponsor

Signed

and

Legalised by the Dutch municipality where the sponsor lives.

Invitation Letter:

Not required for an ordinary tourist staying in a hotel.

For a private visit, appropriate invitation and sponsorship/private accommodation documents are required.

Biometrics:

Applicants aged 12 and above normally provide fingerprints.

Previously recorded Schengen fingerprints may generally remain reusable for up to 59 months, subject to availability and verification.

A digital facial photograph is taken at the VFS appointment.

For Minors:

Provide:

• Recent birth certificate extract

If travelling with one parent:

• Notarised consent from the non-travelling parent/legal guardian

If travelling alone:

• Notarised consent from both parents/legal guardians

Also provide:

• Parent/guardian identification 

• Passport copies 

• Custody documents where applicable 

• Death certificate where one parent is deceased, where applicable.

Aadhaar: 

Not listed as a mandatory Netherlands Tourist Visa document.

PAN: 

Not listed as mandatory.

Police Clearance Certificate: 

Not required for a standard Short-Stay Tourist Visa.

Medical Examination: 

Not normally required.

Vaccination Certificate: 

Not a standard Schengen Tourist Visa application requirement.