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2 ways to enter

Netherlands visas

Netherlands transit visa

Many passengers can change flights without a visa if they stay in one airport's international transit area for less than one day. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even when staying there.

Ways to get a Netherlands transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who can transfer within one airport's international transit area in less than one day and are not subject to airport transit visa requirements, or have an exemption.

    Stay
    Less than one day.

Who needs it

Ordinary passport holders from the common airport transit list and the Netherlands' additional list need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies.

Who doesn't

Exemptions include holders of certain visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European Union single market citizens and flight crew.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If your transfer requires leaving the international transit area, the visa-free airport transfer rule does not apply. You must meet the normal entry rules for the Netherlands.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Change flights at one airport, remain in its international transit area and stay for less than 24 hours. The connection and airport layout must allow this. Travellers subject to airport transit visa requirements need a qualifying exemption.

What to bring

  • A qualifying visa, residence permit or diplomatic passport if using the relevant exemption.

Good to know

  • The visa-free transfer rule depends on staying inside the international transit area.
  • Check whether your connecting flights allow a transfer without entering the Netherlands.
  • The 24-hour field means less than 24 hours, not a full 24-hour allowance.
  • An airport transit permission covers the airport transfer; leaving the transit area is subject to normal entry rules.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for the Netherlands?

Ordinary passport holders from the common airport transit list and the Netherlands' additional list need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include holders of certain visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European Union single market citizens and flight crew.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for the Netherlands?

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a the Netherlands transit visa?

Visa-free airport transit must be less than one day.

What documents do I need for a the Netherlands transit visa?

A qualifying visa, residence permit or diplomatic passport if using the relevant exemption..

How long can I stay in transit in the Netherlands?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Change flights at one airport, remain in its international transit area and stay for less than 24 hours. The connection and airport layout must allow this. Travellers subject to airport transit visa requirements need a qualifying exemption.

Can I stay inside the airport in the Netherlands without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If your transfer requires leaving the international transit area, the visa-free airport transfer rule does not apply. You must meet the normal entry rules for the Netherlands.

What rules do I have to follow on a the Netherlands transit visa?

The visa-free transfer rule depends on staying inside the international transit area. Check whether your connecting flights allow a transfer without entering the Netherlands.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for the Netherlands?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Netherlands visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for the Netherlands be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest the Netherlands transit visa rules?

On the Netherlands's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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