Is Schengen visa valid for Netherlands? Yes, it is; the Netherlands is one of the major issuing countries of Schengen visas, with over a hundred thousand visas issued yearly for a short term. The tourism industry in the Netherlands is quite big, with so many side attractions to see and enjoy in the low country. Perhaps the most fascinating feature of the country is the abundance of windmills numbering thousands of scattered scores across the country.
The social scene in the Netherlands is also quite exciting, with festivals, social events, and sports boosting the country's image. If you intend to visit the Netherlands in the coming months, you may need a visa, but you have to be sure o why you are coming before submitting an application.
Is Schengen Visa Valid For the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is one of the signatories to the Schengen Agreement, which automatically made it a Schengen country officially. Being a member nation of the Schengen bloc, the country not only issues Schengen visas to visitors but also accepts visas issued by other Schengen countries, and the explanation for this is simple.
Schengen visas are multinational visas issued by 27 countries in Europe. By subscribing to the Schengen charter, all member states, including the Netherlands, practice an open border policy that allows citizens to move freely in and out of the countries. They also practice a similar immigration policy that grants widespread acceptance for valid Schengen visas regardless of the issuing country. This means a visitor can enter the Netherlands with a Schengen visa issued by France, Germany, Spain, Slovakia, or any other Schengen country.
Who Needs A Schengen Visa?
This visa is required for all visitors from countries not listed on the Visa exempt list. Such visitors cannot enter the Netherlands without a visa, and the visa must be obtained while they are in their home countries before they can visit the Netherlands. Visitors from visa exempt countries don't need the visa, only the ETIAS visa waiver.
How Long Is The Visa Validity?
This visa is valid for 180 days and is issued as a single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa. However, they all have the same validity regardless of how many times you can use them. Also, holders of this visa can stay for up to 90 days but not a day more. Staying for 91 days and above will be termed a long visit requiring a long visa that will expire in one year or more.
What Is The Primary Destination Rule?
The primary destination rule is a Schengen rule which guides travelers looking to visit more than one country. Due to the free entry to multiple countries in the zone, visitors may want to enter as many counties as they wish, but they must first visit the country they listed in their form as their primary destination. If they eventually visit a different country besides the one they filled in their form, they may not be allowed to enter it.
This rule was implemented to ensure orderliness and for the authorities to track visitors' movement into the Schengen zone.
What Is The 90/180 Rule?
Another travel regulation visitors should bear in mind is the 90/180 rule. This rule guides the number of days visitors can stay in the country. Under this rule, visitors cannot stay in the Schengen country for more than 90 days within 180 days. This rule still applies even if they intend to visit several countries. Once they step foot on European soil, the rule is activated and starts counting. Spending more days inside the Schengen zone will be treated as a violation and attract sanctions like fines, deportation, or an outright ban from visiting the zone for a period.
How To Get A Schengen Visa For The Netherlands?
Getting a Schengen visa for the Netherlands can be done in two ways, and the first method is to apply for it online.
Online Application
An online application is the easiest way to apply for a Schengen visa, but this option is restricted to only a few countries, so not everyone can apply online. Check if visitors from your country are allowed to submit online applications; if they can, here are the steps to take
Visit VisaHQ
Choose the Netherlands as your destination
Choose your country of citizenship
Select the Schengen visa option
Fill out the application form
Attach all necessary documents
Pay the visa application fee
Submit for approval
The process will take a few days, and the visa will be forwarded to your inbox if your application is accepted.
Embassy Application
If the online option is not open to your country, you must book an appointment with the Dutch embassy and submit your application in person or through licensed visa collection agents.
Is Schengen visa valid for Netherlands? Yes, it is, and holders of this visa can stay in the country for up to 90 days.