Ever dreamed of visiting the land of windmills, tulips and canals? The Netherlands has so many attractions and sights to explore, from its picturesque villages to its vibrant capital city, Amsterdam. Follow this easy and insightful guide on how to apply for your Netherlands visa (Schengen visa). We’ve included everything you’ll need for the Netherlands visa application process. Now all that’s left to do is pack your bags!
South African passport holders do require a Schengen visa for the Netherlands, and with this guide, the process can be a relatively painless one! You will need to apply at VFS Global (Netherlands Visa Application Centre) in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg or Pretoria. Always apply for your tourist visa at least 21 days before your departure date to allow for ample processing time.
Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.
Image courtesy of @visit.utrecht via Instagram
Types of Visas
Short-Term Visa:
- Tourist Visa – This visa is for the sole purpose of leisure travel, including vacationing, sightseeing, visiting family and friends. It allows stays of up to 90 days in the Netherlands.
- Business Visa – For people who intend to conduct business activities such as attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs or training in the Netherlands. It is valid for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
Processing Time:
Under normal circumstances, the Netherlands visa application takes up to 15 days to process. Applicants can apply as early as three months before their travel date. The Netherlands Embassy in Pretoria (where applications are processed) recommends that you apply well in advance to accommodate any unforeseen processing days.
How to Book an Appointment:
All Netherlands visa application appointments must be scheduled on the VFS Global website. Register and schedule an appointment online. You’ll be shown the earliest available date.
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Visa Costs
| Visa Category | Visa Fee |
| Schengen visa normal tariff | EU 80 (R1 365) |
| Schengen visa low tariff (minors 6-11 years) | EU 35 (R545) |
Please note:
There is a VFS Global service charge of R465 for applicants who require biometrics, and R434 for applicants who do not need to do their biometrics which will be charged in addition to the visa fees.
Applicants can make use of the courier facility for the return of processed applications. It costs R150 for application delivery. This optional service must be paid at the submission counter.
Payment must be paid via credit or debit card at the Visa Application Centre. A cash deposit can be made at the bank, and your (original) deposit slip must be presented at the VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre.
Bank Details
Bank Name: Nedbank
Branch Name: Corporate Client Services
Branch Code: 198765 (Universal Code)
Account Name: Visa Processing SA – Netherlands
Account No: 1454112530
Reference: Your passport number
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Netherlands Visa Requirements
- Schengen visa application form – Fill in online, print and sign. The application form must be taken to the Visa Application Centre.
- Passport – Valid for at least three months after your last day of stay in the Schengen states. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
- Passport copy: Biographical data page and all used pages, including previous Schengen, non-Schengen visas and all pages with stamps.
- 1 x recent colour passport photo – Not older than three months and not previously used (no smiling, no teeth showing, no obstructions to face, white or light background, no shadows. If the applicant is wearing specs then make sure that there is no glare or reflection in it.)
- Full round-trip flight reservation (name must reflect clearly with travel dates. Travel date cannot be in less than 10 working days).
- Hotel reservations/hotel vouchers/cruise itinerary for the full stay in the Schengen state – guest names should be reflected clearly. (Each night must be accounted for and must clearly show the Netherlands as the main destination.)
- Signed employment letter (on company letterhead and signed) confirming position, exact travel dates and salary.
- If self-employed, provide your company’s document (CK, CC), SARS invoice, or a letter from your accountant confirming that the business exists.
- Signed school letter (for students, on school letterhead and signed) confirming applicant is an enrolled student and awareness of travel dates and will commence schooling after the trip.
- Signed official registration letters (for tertiary education students, on letterhead and signed)
- Most recent three calendar month (from application date) bank statements with an original bank stamp on each page.
- Extra documents: proof of home/car ownership, motivation letters (any additional information that you feel might strengthen your application.)
Additional Documents for Minors (Children under 18):
- Unabridged birth certificate or official letter from Home Affairs confirming it has not been issued.
- Certified copy of parents’ passport or ID.
- For children travelling with one or no parents, submit the parental consent form signed by both parents and certified.
Use the tourist visa checklist to make sure that you have all the necessary documents.
Image courtesy of @northseajazz via Instagram
Where to Apply
All Schengen visa applications for the Netherlands are done at VFS Global – Netherlands Visa Application Centre in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. All visa applications must be submitted by the applicant in person.
Cape Town
| Address: | 47 Strand Street 5th Floor, Office 504 Cape Town |
| Contact: | 021 824 2393 / 012 425 3005 |
| Business Hours: | Submission of Application Monday to Friday 08:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00 Passport Collection Monday to Friday 10:00-12:30 and 13:30-16:00 |
Durban
| Address: | Unit 101A 1st Floor 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road) Essenwood Durban 4000 |
| Contact: | 012 425 3005 |
| Business Hours: | Submission of Application Monday to Friday 08:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00 Passport Collection Monday to Friday 10:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00 |
Johannesburg
| Address: | 1st Floor Rivonia Village Corner Boulevard and Mutual Road Sandton, Johannesburg |
| Contact: | 012 425 3005 |
| Business Hours: | Submission of Application Monday to Friday 08:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00 Passport Collection Monday to Friday 10:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00 |
Pretoria
| Address: | 1st Floor, Cherry Lane Office Park 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk Brooklyn, Pretoria |
| Contact: | 012 425 3005 |
| Business Hours: | Submission of Application Monday to Friday 08:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00 Passport Collection Monday to Friday 10:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00 |
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Where to Print Documents and Photos
Cape Town
Tommy’s Books and Internet Café
| Address: | 130 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre |
| Contact: | 021 424 7675 |
| Business Hours: | 09:00-17:00 |
Durban
Zzcnet Copy Centre
| Address: | Shop A, Logbro Centre, 176 Lillian Ngoyi Road, Morningside, Durban |
| Contact: | 031 825 3615 |
| Business Hours: | Monday-Friday: 08:00-17:00 |
Johannesburg
Internet Café
| Address: | Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2194 |
| Contact: | 011 051 9214 |
| Business Hours: | Monday-Saturday: 08:00-17:00 |
Pretoria
Umate Internet Café
| Address: | 495 Hilda Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028 |
| Contact: | 012 362 7440 |
| Business Hours: | Sunday-Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: 07:00-22:00 |
Image courtesy of @dkmntl via Instagram
With this valuable guide, you should be ready to start your Netherlands visa application today! Soon you’ll be exploring cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam.
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Disclaimer:
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.
Featured image courtesy of @amsterdam via Instagram