Netherlands visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Netherlands

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Dutch Visa.


  • Correctly filled, signed and stamped copy of application form.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after intended date of exit from Netherlands or any other Schengen area.
  • Your passport must have 2 empty visa pages and cannot have been issued more than 10 years ago.
  • Two 35x45mm. passport photograph that meets the visa application requirement.
  • For minors travelling alone, the application form must be signed by the parents/legal guardians while a consent form required from the non travelling parent when the minor is traveling with one.  
  • Birth certificate is required for minors as well as identity documents of the parents.
  • National ID or residence permit to prove residence in South Africa
  • Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies up to a minimum of €30,000
  • Travel itinerary showing entry and exit dates from the country.
  • Proof of sponsorship signed by your host or proof of financial capability that shows you can take care of your expenses during your trip.
  • Documentation proving status either as an employee, student or business owner.
  • Letter of invitation from the person you are going to visit if purpose is to visit a friend or relative or hotel reservations spanning the duration of your stay in Netherlands.
  • A letter detailing purpose, duration and any other necessary information about trip.
  • For every document, you must provide the original and one photocopy.
  • All documents must be drawn up in or translated into Dutch, English, French or Spanish.
  • The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.
  • The visa is eligible for  a stay of 90 days and expires after 90 days.

Netherlands Visa for South Africans

Facts about Netherlands


The Netherlands is renowned for its landscapes of canals, extensive cycling routes, impressive windmills. tourists can find pleasure in exploring the waterways, museums. One notable spot not to be missed is the Keukenhof known as the Garden of Europe which has over 700 varieties of tulips, and the largest public garden in the world.  

The Netherlands translates to 'lower countries' as a reference to its low and flat topography. the country is the second-largest exporter of food in the world owing to its rich soil and mild climate. 

Tourism in The Netherlands has been steadily on the rise compared to other European countries with the number of foreign tourists growing at a rate of 5.5 percent yearly. 


Demonstrations could occur in the Netherlands as a result of various political issues, tourists are advised to be careful or completely avoid demonstration areas. The rate of violent crimes is very low but tourists are often targeted by petty thieves, backpack snatchers, and pickpockets you are advised to be cautious when moving around.

Types of Netherlands Visa


Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10 working days 90 days
Official visa 10 working days 30 days
Business visa 10 working days 90 days
Student visa 10 working days 90 days

General Requirements for Netherlands Visa


  • Correctly filled, signed and stamped copy of application form.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after intended date of exit from Netherlands or any other Schengen area.
  • Your passport must have 2 empty visa pages and cannot have been issued more than 10 years ago.
  • Two 35x45mm. passport photograph that meets the visa application requirement.
  • For minors travelling alone, the application form must be signed by the parents/legal guardians while a consent form required from the non travelling parent when the minor is traveling with one.  
  • Birth certificate is required for minors as well as identity documents of the parents.
  • National ID or residence permit to prove residence in South Africa
  • Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies up to a minimum of €30,000
  • Travel itinerary showing entry and exit dates from the country.
  • Proof of sponsorship signed by your host or proof of financial capability that shows you can take care of your expenses during your trip.
  • Documentation proving status either as an employee, student or business owner.
  • Letter of invitation from the person you are going to visit if purpose is to visit a friend or relative or hotel reservations spanning the duration of your stay in Netherlands.
  • A letter detailing purpose, duration and any other necessary information about trip.
  • For every document, you must provide the original and one photocopy.
  • All documents must be drawn up in or translated into Dutch, English, French or Spanish.
  • The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.
  • The visa is eligible for  a stay of 90 days and expires after 90 days.

Netherlands Visa Fees


Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Return Visa

60.00 (EUR)

60.00 (EUR)

Official visa

Seafarers Visa

Official Delegation Visa

60.00 (EUR)

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

60.00 (EUR)

Netherlands Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa


Location

Address

Pretoria

210 Florence Ribeiro / Queen Wilhelmina Avenue Cnr Muckleneuk Street 0181 New Muckleneuk Pretoria210 Florence Ribeiro / Queen Wilhelmina Avenue Cnr Muckleneuk Street 0181 New Muckleneuk Pretoria

https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/south-africa

pre@minbuza.nl

+27124254500

.

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I get a tourist visa to the Netherlands?

To get a tourist visa to the Netherlands, you must take the required documents as well as a correctly filled visa application form to a visa application center.


Is it easy to get a Netherlands visa?

Yes, it is relatively easy to get a Netherlands visa.


Can I work in the Netherlands without a visa?

No, you cannot work in the Netherlands without a visa. A work permit is needed to take up paid employment in the Netherlands. 


Are Dutch descendants in South Africa (Afrikaners) entitled to Dutch citizenship today if they return to the Netherlands?

No, they are not offered citizenship. Netherlands will be an alien city to them as they never lived in the Netherlands.


Do I qualify to immigrate to the Netherlands?

South Africans wishing to immigrate to the Netherlands are not automatically allowed to settle down. They must obtain a residence permit which can be gotten under certain circumstances.


Can I visit other Schengen countries with this visa?

Yes you can . With a single entry visa, you can visit other Schengen countries during your trip as long as you do not leave the Schengen area. With a multiple entry visa, you can leave the area and return again as long as your visa is still valid.


Hi if I’m a South African citizen living in Mauritius with Mauritian residence permit. Where would I need to apply for a schengen visa to visit the Netherlands Thanks in advance ( only wanting to travel next year)?