Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — TourismVerified 2026-04-24Netherlands Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
The Netherlands Tourist Visa is a Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa for Indian travellers visiting the Netherlands for leisure — vacationing, cruising, sightseeing, or other recreational activities. It allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and is valid across all 29 Schengen-area countries. If any part of your visit involves business, paid work, or official duties, you must apply under a different visa category instead.
Processing
Average 15 calendar days from submission; maximum 45 calendar days
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen area-wide)
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
- Leisure travel, sightseeing and holidays in the Netherlands
- Cruises departing from or arriving in Dutch ports
- Short recreational tours combining the Netherlands with other Schengen countries
- Private events, cultural festivals, and family-style holidays (non-paid)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Visits primarily to family or friends — apply under "Visit to Family & Friends" instead (requires sponsorship/accommodation form)
- Business, commercial activities, meetings, conferences or training — apply under "Business and Official Visit"
- Paid or unpaid work with a Dutch entity — requires an MVV long-stay visa and work permit
- Stays longer than 90 days — requires a Type D long-stay (MVV) visa
- Study programmes longer than 90 days — requires an MVV study visa via the TEV procedure
Previously Refused?
SPECIAL OFFERYour The Netherlands visa refusal isn't the end — it's a fixable situation.
Most refusal letters read like code. We decode the real reason behind your refusal — often different from what the letter says — and rebuild your case with a refusal-specific strategy. Refused applicants pay the same fee as first-time applicants, and we back it with our dedicated refusal-rebuild process.
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 and signed Schengen visa application form (with unique code)
Must be filled ONLINE only. Forms without a unique code may be rejected. Handwritten forms are not accepted.
- !Valid passport (original)
Not more than 10 years old, at least 2 blank visa pages, valid for at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area, and signed.
- !Colour copy of passport bio-data page + last page + any previous Schengen entry/exit stamps
The last page copy is specifically required for Indian nationals.
- !Recent biometric photograph
Colour, no more than 6 months old, 3.5cm × 4.5cm, with a white or light-coloured background. Digital photo may be taken at VFS instead.
- !Proof of legal residence in India
Passport / Indian residence permit valid 3+ months after your Schengen departure / visa / work permit. Bring original + colour copy. If you are not a resident of India, explain why you cannot apply in your country of residence.
Proof of social or economic ties to India (choose what fits your situation)
- ○If employed: employment contract + employer leave-approval letter + last 3 months' payslips
Bring colour copies.
- ○If self-employed / company owner: company registration certificate (with GST number if Indian) + business bank statements + ITR with verified barcode
- ○If retired: pension statements from last 3 months + other proof of assets (business income, house, land)
- ○If a student: enrolment statement from your educational institution
- ○If none of the above: caregiver document / proof of real estate ownership in India / proof of children attending school in India
Any one or combination to demonstrate ties.
Documents relating to travel and stay in the Schengen area
- !Cover letter
State reason for visit, duration of stay, names of fellow travellers (if any), and information about your transport and accommodation.
- !Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands
Hotel / holiday rental / rented accommodation / campus reservation covering the entire duration of your trip. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, bring proof for each.
- !Proof of financial means for the trip
Personal bank statements from the last 3 months, stamped and signed by the bank, OR Indian Income Tax Returns for the last 2 tax years.
- !Travel reservation (outbound + return)
A flight reservation / itinerary in your name is sufficient — you do NOT need a paid ticket. If joining an organised tour, also show the tour booking.
- !Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Must cover all Schengen countries for the entire trip including arrival and departure dates. Must cover accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation, and repatriation of mortal remains (including in the event of death). Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from this requirement.
Documents relating to minors (if applying for a child under 18)
- !Recent extract of the child's birth certificate
Bring original + colour copy.
- !Notarised consent statement from the non-travelling parent/guardian
If the child travels with only one parent/guardian. If both parents are non-travelling, a notarised consent from BOTH is required. If the travelling parent has sole custody, bring court ruling or official custody proof instead.
- !Proof of identity of both parents/guardians (with photo + signature)
- !Colour copy of a valid travel document of the parent(s)/guardian(s) who have custody
- ○If a parent already has a valid Schengen visa: colour copy of their passport bio page + valid Schengen visa
- ○If a parent/guardian is deceased: death certificate
- ○If a guardian has been appointed: official proof of guardianship
- ○If there is a court ruling: copy of the court permission allowing the child to travel
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Plan your trip and gather dates
Decide your travel dates, cities you'll visit, and tentative itinerary. You can apply up to 6 months before travel, but not later than 15 days before departure. Aim for 4–8 weeks before travel.
Complete the online Schengen application form
Fill the form ONLINE to receive your unique code. Print the completed form and sign it. Handwritten forms are not accepted.
Book accommodation and flight reservations
Use a flight reservation (not a paid ticket) and confirmed hotel bookings for the full duration. Don't purchase non-refundable tickets before the visa is approved.
Buy travel medical insurance
Must be at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries for the entire trip (arrival + departure days included), covering illness, accident, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.
Gather all supporting documents
Use the checklist above. Bank statements must be stamped and signed by your bank. Photo must meet Dutch specifications.
Book a VFS appointment
Book online via the VFS Global Netherlands portal. Diplomatic/Official passport holders can walk in 09:00–10:00 on working days without appointment.
Attend your VFS appointment
Submit your documents in person (including babies and children). Biometrics (fingerprints + digital photo) will be taken — unless you submitted them for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months. Pay the visa fee + VFS service charge (cash / debit / credit / UPI). You will sign a declaration acknowledging the application is complete.
Submit your passport
Your passport stays with VFS throughout processing — you cannot take it home. Pilots and flight attendants are exempt.
Track your application
Use your track & trace code on the VFS website. Do NOT contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy — processing cannot be sped up. If no update after 45 days, contact the VFS application centre.
Collect your passport + check your visa
Once notified, collect in person or by courier. Immediately verify name, validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay. If you spot a mistake at VFS, tell the agent on the spot; if found later or received by courier, contact the Dutch embassy without delay.
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
Schengen Tourist Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 quick questions to see your likelihood of approval. This is not a guarantee — final decision is always with the Embassy — but it flags common weak spots so you can address them before applying.
What's the primary purpose of your trip?
How long do you plan to stay?
Have you previously visited any Schengen country?
Have you ever been refused a Schengen (or any country's) visa?
Past refusals must be disclosed — they show up in VIS database across Schengen countries.
Do you have confirmed travel bookings?
Reservations are enough — don't buy tickets until visa approval.
What's your current employment status?
What's your typical 3-month bank balance?
Schengen needs ~₹700/day covered. For a 10-day trip, minimum ₹70,000 stable balance.
How many years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) can you show?
What are your strongest ties to India (return-intent)?
Embassies want evidence you'll come back — not overstay.
Who are you travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 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.
- Write a clear cover letter with a day-by-day itinerary — "Day 1: Amsterdam canals & Rijksmuseum, Day 2: Keukenhof, Day 3: Zaanse Schans" reads stronger than a generic "tour the Netherlands for 10 days".
- Strong ties to India (job, ITRs, property, dependants) are the single biggest factor the embassy weighs for first-time applicants.
- If you've travelled to Schengen / USA / UK / Canada / Japan / Australia before, include those old passport copies — prior travel history significantly strengthens credibility.
- If you'll be primarily staying with family or a friend, apply under the "Visit to Family & Friends" category (requires sponsorship form) — tourist category is for genuine leisure travel.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- 2.Weak proof of financial means — bank balance not supporting trip cost, or unexplained large deposits
- 3.Unclear travel purpose, or itinerary inconsistent with bookings
- 4.Insufficient ties to India — embassy not convinced the applicant will return
- 5.Travel medical insurance missing, below €30,000, or not covering all Schengen states for the full trip
- 6.Forged documents, falsified bank statements, or misrepresented employment
- 7.Previous Schengen visa overstay or violation on record
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the Netherlands on a Tourist Visa?+
Can I visit other Schengen countries on a Dutch Tourist Visa?+
Do I need to buy confirmed flight tickets before applying?+
Is travel insurance mandatory?+
Can I stay with friends or relatives instead of a hotel?+
Do I have to submit my passport during processing?+
Can the embassy speed up my application if my travel date is close?+
Can SureshotVisa help me with the Tourist Visa application?+
Let us prepare your Netherlands Tourist Visa — (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other The Netherlands Visa Types
Netherlands Business & Official Visit Visa (Schengen Type C)
Apply for a Netherlands Business or Official Visit Visa from India. Covers meetings, conferences, training, trade fairs, and official visits. Complete fees, documents, and VFS application guide sourced from the Dutch embassy.
Netherlands Visit to Family & Friends Visa (Schengen Type C)
Apply for a Netherlands Visit to Family & Friends Visa from India. Covers visits to Dutch resident family, friends, and partners. Sponsorship form requirements, complete checklist, fees, and processing time.
Netherlands Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
Information on the Netherlands Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for changing aircraft at a Schengen airport. Indian passport holders typically do NOT require an ATV — check before applying.
Netherlands Entry Visa (Return Visa for Residence Permit Holders)
Apply for a Netherlands Entry Visa (Return Visa) if your Dutch long-term residence permit was lost, stolen, or expired while you were abroad. Complete documents, fees, and process.
Netherlands — Family Member of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen (Facilitated Schengen Visa)
Facilitated Schengen visa for family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens travelling to or joining them in the Netherlands. Visa fee is WAIVED under EU Directive 2004/38/EC. Includes Chavez-Vilchez route for parents of Dutch minor children.
Netherlands Seafarer Visa — Blue Carpet Programme (Schengen Type C)
Facilitated Schengen visa for Indian seafarers joining a ship in a Dutch port under the Blue Carpet Programme. Priority processing, multi-entry visas, 9-month advance application window. Complete documents and invitation requirements.
Netherlands Cultural, Sports, Religious & Film Crews Visa (Schengen Type C)
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.