Schengen Airport Transit (Type A)Verified 2026-04-24Netherlands Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required by nationals of certain countries who need to change aircraft at an airport in a Schengen country (for example, Amsterdam Schiphol). It permits the holder to remain only within the international transit area of the airport — it does NOT allow entry to Dutch territory or any other part of the Schengen area.
Indian passport holders typically do NOT require an Airport Transit Visa to transit through Schengen airports, provided they remain in the international transit zone. The ATV requirement applies only to nationals of specific third countries. Verify your need using the Netherlands Worldwide visa advisor BEFORE applying. If you plan to leave the airport during a long layover, you need a regular Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa, not an ATV.
Processing
Average 15 calendar days from submission; maximum 45 calendar days
Stay Duration
Transit only — no entry to the Schengen area
Starting Fee
₹9,790
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL The Netherlands visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Your travel document (passport) must NOT be more than 10 years old, have at least 2 blank visa pages, be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the Schengen area, and carry your signature.
- 2Not all travel documents are recognised by the Netherlands — non-recognised documents will result in an INADMISSIBLE application. Check the European Union website if you are uncertain.
- 3Diplomatic and Official passport holders can use the walk-in facility at all Netherlands VFS centres between 09:00 and 10:00 on working days — no prior appointment needed.
- 4In most cases you must submit your application in person. This applies to babies and children too.
- 5Pilots and flight attendants do NOT need to hand over their passport during processing — all other applicants must submit it for the duration of processing.
- 6At the appointment you will sign a declaration acknowledging (a) you understand that all documents must be submitted for the application to be processed, and (b) an incomplete application may be rejected with no refund of visa fees.
- 7If you overstay a Schengen visa, you risk a two-year visa sanction across all Schengen countries.
- 8If you notice a mistake on your visa when collecting it at VFS, notify the agent immediately. If you notice it later or received the visa by courier, contact the Dutch embassy without delay.
Who Can Apply
- Nationals of specific third countries flagged on the Netherlands Worldwide visa advisor as requiring ATV
- Travellers who will NOT leave the airport transit zone during layover at a Schengen airport
Not eligible under this visa:
- Indian passport holders in most cases — verify via the visa advisor before applying
- Travellers who plan to leave the airport during layover — apply for a Schengen Type C visa instead
- Travellers staying overnight outside the airport — Type C required
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa — adult (normal fee) | ₹9,790 |
| Schengen visa — child 6 to 11 years | ₹4,890 |
| Schengen visa — child under 6 years | FREE |
| VFS service charge (per application, with biometrics) | ₹1,855 |
Fees effective 1 April 2026 as published by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Payment accepted in cash, debit/credit card, or UPI at VFS. All fees (visa + service charge) are non-refundable, regardless of visa outcome. Schengen "low fee" of €35 applies only to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus under visa facilitation agreements — not applicable to Indian nationals.
Documents Required
Personal documents
- !Completed airport transit visa form (with unique code)
Filled ONLINE only.
- !Valid passport + colour copy of bio page + last page + previous Schengen stamps
<10 years old, 2 blank pages, valid 3+ months after departure from Schengen.
- !Biometric photograph (3.5cm × 4.5cm, ≤6 months old, white/light background)
- !Proof of legal residence in India
Proof of social or economic ties to India
- !Employer letter / payslips / business registration / pension / student certificate
As applicable to your situation.
Travel documents — transit specific
- !Cover letter outlining travel purpose and duration
- !Proof of legal stay in your final destination (visa/residence permit of destination country)
Original + colour copy. The final destination is the country you are travelling onward to AFTER transiting through the Schengen area.
- !Confirmed onward transport ticket + full travel itinerary
Including information about onward journey to final destination after airport transit.
Documents relating to minors (if applicable)
- !Birth certificate + parental consent + parent ID + travel document copies
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Check whether you actually need an ATV
Use the Netherlands Worldwide visa advisor with your nationality. Indian passport holders typically do NOT need an ATV.
Confirm your transit stays within the airport zone
ATV only covers the international transit area. Leaving the airport requires a Type C short-stay visa instead.
Complete the online application form
Fill online to receive the unique code. Print and sign.
Gather proof of onward destination + ticket
Your visa/residence permit for the final country and a confirmed onward flight ticket are mandatory.
Book VFS appointment and submit + biometrics
Apply at least 15 days before travel. Pay €90 visa fee + ₹1,855 VFS service charge.
Track + collect
15 days average, 45 days maximum. Cannot apply for or collect ATV on arrival at Schiphol — must be obtained before flying.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Online Schengen Visa Application Form
Must be completed ONLINE only — the form generates a unique code that the embassy uses to process your file. Print the completed form and sign it. Handwritten forms are NOT accepted.
Proof of Sponsorship and/or Private Accommodation (IND form)
Only if you are being hosted by a Dutch resident. Host completes the form, signs it, and has it legalised at the Dutch municipality (gemeente) where they are registered, then sends the original to you.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Complete the Schengen visa application form ONLINE only — forms without a unique code can cause processing issues. Handwritten forms are rejected.
- Travel medical insurance covering minimum €30,000 is MANDATORY and must be valid across all Schengen states for the entire duration of your trip, including arrival and departure dates.
- Personal bank statements must be from the last 3 months, stamped and signed by your bank. Plain print-outs without a bank stamp are not accepted.
- Photo must be colour, no more than 6 months old, 3.5cm × 4.5cm, with a white or light-coloured background. If applying through VFS, a digital photo may be taken at your appointment instead.
- Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — apply 4 to 8 weeks ahead to be safe, especially in peak holiday season.
- Do NOT purchase non-refundable flight tickets before your visa is approved — a flight reservation in your name is sufficient proof.
- If your biometrics were submitted for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, you may not need to give them again — but bring your old passport as proof.
- The decision on your application is made by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs — VFS has no role in approvals or rejections.
- If in doubt, use the Netherlands Worldwide visa advisor before booking a VFS appointment — it tells you whether your specific nationality requires an ATV.
- Make sure your onward visa for the final destination is valid at the time of transit — an expired destination visa invalidates the ATV logic.
- ATV cannot be issued on arrival in the Netherlands. If you show up without one (when required), you'll be denied boarding at origin.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Final destination visa/residence permit not valid or missing
- 2.Onward ticket not confirmed or inconsistent with itinerary
- 3.Applied in a country other than country of legal residence without justification
- 4.Unclear transit purpose
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian passport holders need an Airport Transit Visa for Schiphol?+
Can I leave the airport during a layover on a transit visa?+
What counts as "transit" at Schiphol?+
Can I get an ATV on arrival at Schiphol?+
Is travel medical insurance required for an ATV?+
What documents prove my onward journey?+
Let us prepare your Netherlands Airport Transit Visa — (Type A) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other The Netherlands Visa Types
Netherlands Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Netherlands Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) from India. Official fees, complete document checklist, processing time, and VFS application guide — sourced from the Dutch embassy and VFS Global.
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Apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa to attend cultural events, sports competitions, religious gatherings, or as a film crew member. Only for travellers not paid by a Dutch entity. Complete documents, fees, and process.
Netherlands Orange Carpet Visa (Facilitated Business — Schengen Type C)
Fast-track business Schengen visa for employees of companies registered with the Netherlands Embassy in India as Orange Carpet eligible. Walk-in submission, priority processing, simplified documentation.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global The Netherlands website and Embassy of The Netherlands. Last verified 2026-04-24. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.