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How to get a Netherlands visa from Gambia
Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for Gambian passport holders travelling to Netherlands.
Visa types & fees
3 visa options for travelling to Netherlands.
Student visa
Processing time15 days
Validity3 months- 5 years
Tourist visa
Processing time15 days
Validity90 days
Work visa
Processing time15 days
Validity1 year+
Application requirements
Documents Gambian applicants need to provide.
- A Gambian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
- Duly completed and signed visa application form.
- If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
- Passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) taken in grey background.
- Travel document.
- Proof of financial support.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Copy of return flight ticket.
- Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country.
- Travel medical insurance of 30,000 euros to cover duration of entire stay.
- Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
- Copy of travel itinerary.
Visa type details
Tourist visa
- A Gambian citizen who wants to visit the Netherlands (Holland) for the purpose of tourism and sightseeing will require a Netherlands tourist visa.
- The Netherlands is a party to the Schengen agreement so you can apply for a Schengen visa.
- This visa is also known as a short-stay visa or ‘type C’ visa. It is valid for up to 90 days.
- Applicants are required to provide a covering letter introducing themselves and explaining the purpose and duration of the visit and the itinerary for the corresponding period in brief.
- You must provide proof of your financial ability so as to support yourself monetarily during your entire period of study in the Netherlands and for your return transportation.
- The Dutch Ministry of Justice requires you to have a minimum of EUR 34 per day for staying in the Netherlands.
- You are required to provide a recent statement of your financial situation from your bank or your salary slip for the last three months.
- You are required to provide proof of having obtained travel insurance and medical insurance policy with the coverage of 30,000 euros. This must also include medical emergency evacuation cover corresponding with the period of your stay.
- You must provide a medical record that shows that you are in good physical and mental health and free from any contagious diseases.
- The currency restriction for entry and exit from the Netherlands is 10,000 euros.
- Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar. Traffic cameras are common throughout the Netherlands and it is possible to receive a ticket for traveling even 2-5 km/h over the limit. Different limits may apply to certain hours of the day, as posted.
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to vehicles and bicyclists coming from the right at intersections or traffic circles unless otherwise posted.
- The maximum allowable blood-alcohol content in the Netherlands is 0.05 percent.
- The maximum allowable blood-alcohol limit for those who have had a driver’s license for less than five years is 0.02 percent.
- The use of cellular telephones for talking or texting while driving without the use of a hands-free device is prohibited and is punishable by significant fines.
- Taxi service in the Netherlands is safe but expensive. Rail is the most convenient way of transportation.
Student visa
- Gambians who have been accepted into a higher education study program in the Netherlands are eligible for a Netherlands student visa.
- You must have already been provisionally accepted as a student into a full-time higher education course or program at a recognized Dutch university or college before applying for a visa.
- Students are allowed to work up to a maximum of 10 hours a week; or do seasonal labor during June, July, and August.
- In both cases, your employer must have a work permit (TWV) secured for you.
- If you have to work as an intern as part of your course, your employer won’t need to get a work permit for you but will need to sign an internship agreement with you and your university or college.
- Students are also eligible to apply for an additional one-year residency before their course ends, plus they are allowed to stay one year after graduation to look for work.
- Graduates of higher education or university studies (bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. degrees) can apply for an orientation year for a "graduate permit" within three years of graduating.
- This gives you one year to look for employment, during which time you can work without any restrictions or the need for an employer to secure a work permit for you.
- The university will be required to inform the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) if you discontinue your studies, terminate your registration as a student of the university, or if you no longer have sufficient funds to cover your living costs.
- This may result in the IND canceling your visa/residence permit.
Work visa
- Gambians looking to travel to the Netherlands for the purpose of work can apply for the Netherlands work visa.
- Gambians must apply for a combined residence and employment permit (GVVA) if they intend to work in the Netherlands for a period longer than three months.
- A foreign national or his or her employer can apply to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for just one permit to live and work in the Netherlands.
- Gambians exempted from the GVVA are those who intend to work in the Netherlands for less than three months, such as:
- Seasonal workers.
- Students.
- Asylum seekers.
- Employees of an international company who are seconded to the Netherlands.
- Other GVVA exempts include:
- Employees coming to work in the Netherlands for less than three months, or if the intended salary for the employee does not meet the minimum requirements for the skilled migrant category.
- Interns and trainees coming to the Netherlands for a relatively short period of time to gain experience might also need a work permit.
- The Netherlands has one of the most internationally focused, highly educated, motivated and multilingual workforces in the world, and the demand for highly skilled workers remains high.
Where to apply
Netherlands embassy & visa application centers in Gambia.
Banjul
AddressHenriëtte Brummer-Sonko, Off Brusubi-Brufut Highway Brusubi, West Coast Region.
Phone+2204410944
Email[email protected]
Website-
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a work permit in the Netherlands
After application with the IND, it will take about two weeks before the visa is approved. After this, you need to apply for your MVV Visa (provisional Residence Permit) at the Dutch authorities in your country of residence. In some cases, this process also takes about two weeks, but it can even take longer.
What is the drug policy in Netherlands
The Netherlands has a tolerant drug policy. All drugs are banned, but smoking cannabis is tolerated under strict conditions.
Are 'Holland' and 'the Netherlands' the same
Technically. Holland is part of the Netherlands and is also used as a synonym for the Netherlands.
What electricity voltage is used in Netherlands
The standard voltage in the Netherlands is 230V.
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest Netherlands visa
requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.