If you will be visiting the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days – for a holiday, to do business or to see family, for example – you can apply for a Schengen visa. Follow the steps below to apply in Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Check before applying
Before starting your application, check whether you need a visa for the Netherlands and, if so, where you can apply for it.
Not everyone needs a visa to visit the Netherlands. If you’re unsure what applies to you, check whether you need a visa to visit the Netherlands.
Don’t need a visa?
If you don’t need a visa for the Netherlands, see what documents you do need to travel to the Netherlands.
Check what you need to travel to the Netherlands
To apply for a Schengen visa in Saudi Arabia go to the VFS Global application centre in Al Khobar, Aramco Dhahran, Jeddah or Riyadh. You can only submit an application there if you live in Saudi Arabia.
If you live somewhere else, go to the page Applying for a Schengen visa and select the country where you live to find out where to submit your application. If you still want to submit your application in Saudi Arabia, first check if that’s possible.
Check whether you can apply for a visa outside your country of residence
Diplomatic passport?
If you have a diplomatic passport, you can submit an application for a Schengen visa at the Netherlands embassy in Riyadh.
I want to visit more than one Schengen country
If you want to visit another Schengen country besides the Netherlands, check whether you should apply for a visa for the Netherlands or the other country.
Find out which Schengen country you should apply for a visa for
Step 2: Gather the documents you need
You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Which ones you need depends on your purpose of travel.
On the VFS Global website you’ll find a checklist with the documents you need based on your purpose of travel.
Find out which documents you need
Family member of an EU/EEA national or Swiss national?
If you are travelling with a family member who is a national of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, or you’re travelling to visit that family member, you may be eligible for free Schengen visa facilitation.
Find out whether you are eligible for visa facilitation
Step 3: Make an appointment
Once you have all the documents you need for your Schengen visa application, you can make an appointment. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. Apply no later than 45 days before your trip.
Make an appointment online at VFS Global in Saudi Arabia
- Making an appointment is free of charge. Do not make an appointment with an intermediary because they will charge you money.
- If you are applying for visas for multiple people, make a separate appointment for each person.
Diplomatic passport?
If you have a diplomatic passport, make an appointment online at the Netherlands embassy in Riyadh.
You must appear in person at your appointment to submit your application, even if you’re under 18.
Exception
You don’t need to appear in person to submit your application if:
- you have applied in person for a Schengen visa within the past 5 years (59 months), and:
- you submitted a photo with that application, and:
- your fingerprints were taken for that application (only applies if you are 12 or older).
If you meet all 3 conditions, you can have someone else submit your application for you. The appointment must be under the name of the person submitting your application.
If you are not certain whether VFS Global or the embassy has your fingerprints on record, you should submit your application in person. Neither VFS Global nor the embassy can check this for you.
To change or cancel your appointment, contact VFS Global in Saudi Arabia.
Diplomatic passport?
If you have a diplomatic passport and made an appointment at the embassy, you will receive a confirmation by email. The email contains a link that you can use to change or cancel your appointment.
Step 4: Go to your appointment
Go to your appointment, and bring all the documents on your checklist from step 2 with you, plus the checklist itself.
See the address of VFS Global in Saudi Arabia
See the address of the embassy in Riyadh
At your appointment you:
- submit the documents that are on your checklist, together with your passport
- provide your fingerprints (only if you are 12 or older)
- answer questions about your trip
- pay the visa fees
- indicate whether you want to collect your passport (with visa affixed) or have it sent to you
- receive a reference or tracking number to track the status of your application
See the overview of consular fees in Saudi Arabia to find out how much a visa costs and what forms of payment are accepted. In some situations you are not required to pay.
Find out in which situations you do not need to pay the visa fee
You will always need to pay service costs to VFS Global.
You’ll usually find out within 15 calendar days whether your application was successful. Sometimes it can take longer and may take up to 45 calendar days.
Find out more about processing times for a visa application
When you submit your application at VFS Global you’ll receive a reference number that you can use to track the status of your application online.
Diplomatic passport?
If you have a diplomatic passport and submitted your application at the embassy, you’ll receive a tracking number that you can use to track the status of your application online.
Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you
You’ll receive an email once your application has been processed. The email won’t say whether your application was successful. You can collect your passport or have it sent to you. If your application was approved, the visa will be affixed to a page in your passport.
If you choose to have your passport sent to you, you’ll discuss at your appointment how to arrange this.
You will have to pay the postage charge yourself. Arrange that the courier will get your card with the track & trace number. With this card, the courier can pick up your passport at the embassy and send it to you.
Having your passport sent to you is at your own risk.
If you choose to collect your passport, you’ll discuss at your appointment when you can collect it. You can also have someone else collect your passport for you.
If you collect your passport yourself, bring the following with you:
- a valid form of ID
- the proof of payment provided by VFS Global
If someone else collects your passport for you, they must bring the following with them:
- a valid form of ID
- a signed letter from you authorising them to collect your passport
- the proof of payment provided by VFS Global
Diplomatic passport?
If you have a diplomatic passport and submitted your application at the embassy, email riy-ca@minbuza.nl to make an appointment to collect your passport. Take into account the embassy’s opening hours and closing days.
Check whether the information on your visa is correct. Your name and the visa’s validity period, for example.
Find out more about the information on your visa
If any of the information is incorrect or you can’t use the visa, for example because the period of validity is later than the dates of the plane tickets in your application, contact the Netherlands embassy in Riyadh.
Email the Netherlands embassy
If your application wasn’t approved, you’ll receive a letter stating why. If you disagree with this decision, you have several options.
Find out what you can do if your visa application was refused
Step 6: Prepare for your trip
With your Schengen visa you can travel to the Netherlands or another Schengen country. You must show the visa upon departure and arrival.
Border control may also ask you for other documents. Find out what other documents you need in the checklist for travelling to the Netherlands.
Check what you need for travel to the Netherlands
Contact
Do you have a question about applying at VFS Global?
Contact VFS Global in Saudi Arabia
Do you have a question about applying at the embassy?
Contact the Netherlands embassy
FAQs
Can I apply for Netherlands visa from another country? ›
You can normally only apply for a visa for the Netherlands in your country of residence. For example, at a Dutch embassy or consulate-general.
How to apply for Netherlands visa from KSA? ›- Step 1: Check before applying. ...
- Step 2: Gather the documents you need. ...
- Step 3: Make an appointment. ...
- Step 4: Go to your appointment. ...
- Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you. ...
- Step 6: Prepare for your trip.
As a general rule, only applications from persons who reside legally in the jurisdiction of the competent consulate should be accepted.
How can I get Schengen visa from Saudi? ›- Application form. ...
- Your Saudi passport (original plus a copy). ...
- Identity photographs. ...
- Civil status certificate. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary. ...
- Travel health insurance. ...
- Proof of paid visa fee.
Yes. According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area. Please note, however, that you always have to apply at the consulate of the country which is your primary destination (see FAQ no 5).
Can I apply for a visa while in another country? ›In general, it is possible to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, including a B1/B2 travel visa, at any visa-issuing U.S. Embassy or consulate — technically, it's not a rule that the applicant can only apply from their home country.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa in Saudi Arabia? ›Schengen embassies/consulates in Saudi Arabia typically require you to schedule an appointment for your visa application 4-6 weeks in advance. So, start the application process ahead of your upcoming trip, considering it will take another two weeks for the embassy to reach a decision.
How much is Schengen visa in Saudi Arabia? ›What is the fee for a Schengen visa? The visa for adults costs 60 Euros (or the equivalent in Saudi Riyals). The visa for children under six years is free. Children from the age of six years and below the age of 12 years pay 35 Euros.
How long it will take to get Netherlands visa? ›An application for a Schengen visa or an airport transit visa for the Netherlands is usually processed within 15 days. In some cases, however, it could take up to 45 days. Due to technical issues, the processing of your visa application may take longer than 15 days.
Which country gives the quickest Schengen visa? ›- Luxembourg – with a rejection rate as low as 1.2 per cent out of a total of 2,383 Schengen visa applications received.
- Slovakia – 2.7 per cent out of 3,886 applications.
Can we apply Schengen visa online? ›
All Schengen applicants are kindly requested to fill in the online application forms according to VIDEX format, which can be found above. Please ensure that a high quality printout of the barcode is submitted with the application. This will shorten the time you spend at the VFS visa application center considerably.
What is the fastest processing time for Schengen visa? ›When making travel plans to Schengen countries, it is important to consider the processing time for Schengen visas. Fastest Schengen Visa processing time: Less than 72 hours. Slowest Schengen Visa processing time: More than 15 days.
How can I get Schengen visa fast? ›Unfortunately, there's no way of speeding up the process beyond the 15-day Schengen Visa processing time. However, you may be able to avoid delays by ensuring your visa application is clearly filled in, concise, and easily explainable alongside your supporting documents.
Can I go to VFS without appointment for Saudi visa? ›If you need to travel urgently, miss your pre-booked appointment, or simply cannot book an appointment at your preferred date and time, the Walk-in Without Appointment service, available for select countries, allows you to submit your visa application on a day you choose.
Can I get visa on arrival in Saudi with Schengen visa? ›Tourist can apply for Visa on Arrival* at one of Saudi Arabia's entry points if any of the following conditions apply: The tourist is from one of the countries in the eligible countries list. The tourist is holding USA, United Kingdom, or Schengen visas.
How do I get a 5 year Schengen visa? ›5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 27 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Where can I get a Schengen visa in USA? ›To apply for a Schengen visa in the United States go to the VFS Global application centre in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco or Washington D.C. You can only submit an application there if you live in the United States.
Can you renew your visa while in another country? ›Can I renew my visa while outside the United States in a country other than my home country? Yes, but the Department of State recommends that you apply for a visa in your home country. For more information about visa applications, visit the DoS website.
How long does it take to get a visa from another country? ›| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| F-2 visa | Few days to 2 weeks |
| J-1 visa | 1 to 4 months |
| Q-1 visa | 15 days to 3 months |
| M-1 visa | At least 4 weeks |
If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.
How can I go from Saudi to Europe? ›
- Complete the Application form and sign it by the applicant.
- Original Passport valid for a period of not less than 6 months.
- Holding Ticket with Confirmed reservation.
- Address of the place of residence (Hotel Booking).
Yes, Saudi passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone.
How to get 6 months Schengen visa? ›- Visa application form. ...
- Two recent photos. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Roundtrip reservation or itinerary. ...
- Travel Health Insurance. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Letter of tour organizer. ...
- Proof of financial means.
All applicants need to schedule an appointment to submit their application at the VFS Visa Application Centre for the Netherlands . As a general rule, every applicant has to submit the application in person (this includes babies and children).
What are the documents required for Schengen visa? ›- Schengen Visa Application Form.
- Passport.
- Photograph.
- Schengen Travel Insurance.
- Biometric Data.
- Copies of Previous Visas.
- Flight Itinerary.
- Cover Letter.
Therefore, the amount of money your bank statement of the last 6 months must show varies by country. As a general rule, you should have at least 50-60 Euros in your account for each day you spend within the Schengen Area.
Is Netherlands tourist visa easy to get? ›Netherlands Visa Eligibility
You are eligible for getting a Schengen Netherlands Visa if you have a valid passport of your home country. You will need to furnish proof of accommodation, journey details and proof of sufficient funds to cover your entire trip to the Netherlands.
As soon as you have submitted your visa application form, you will be required to attend an interview with a visa officer at the consulate of the Schengen country.
What is the approval rate for the Netherlands visa? ›With a rejection rate of 16.8% and an approval rate of 83.2%, the Netherlands is another country where you should be extra cautious when applying for a Schengen Visa.
Which country has the toughest visa process? ›Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is known for its strict visa policy and low approval rates. All travelers need to first secure a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a sponsor in the country, either a local travel agency or business. This must then be approved by the State Migration Service.
Which Schengen visa is easy to get from Saudi Arabia? ›
Easiest Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia
Lithuania. Estonia. Finland. Iceland.
- Estonia, which also receives relatively few requests, is the next easiest, granting 98.4 percent of applications.
- Finland is next, with 98.3 percent, but it receives a higher volume of visa requests.
Making your appointment
In order to make your appointment, you will need to go to the website of the embassy or consulate that you dealing with and use their online booking system and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. If they do not have an online booking system, you can phone or email them.
- Step 1: Check before applying. ...
- Step 2: Gather the documents you need. ...
- Step 3: Make an appointment. ...
- Step 4: Go to your appointment. ...
- Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you. ...
- Step 6: Prepare for your trip.
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for less than 90 days, you may need a short-stay Schengen visa.
What is the most difficult Schengen visa to get? ›- Malta 36.4 percent.
- Sweden 29 percent.
- Belgium 28.4 percent.
- France 22.2 percent.
- Norway 20.3 percent.
It usually takes around two weeks or 15 days to process a Schengen Visa from the U.S.A.. It may - however - take as long as 30 or even 60 days in exceptional circumstances.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa from VFS? ›In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. Sometimes it can take up to 30 days if more time is needed, and up to 60 days in exceptional cases, for example if extra documents are required.
Which Schengen country has available appointments? ›“To cater to the rising travel demand, a few of the popular Schengen destinations like Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Slovenia have made appointments available ranging from the very next day to within a week,” the spokesperson said.
Why are there no appointments for Schengen visa 2023? ›Such a thing is happening as the embassies are unable to meet the high demand due to the fixed number of visas they can issue.
Why there is no appointment available for Schengen visa? ›
Background. Schengen C visa appointment delays have been ongoing since 2021, due to high application volume as travel resumed after the pandemic, reduced government staffing and adjusted government policies during pandemic recovery.
Can I get visa on arrival at Saudi Arabia? ›Note: U.S. visa holders and Schengen visa holders from Group 2 may get their visas upon arrival at the Saudi port of entry, provided their U.S. visa or Schengen visa has been used at least once. Health insurance must be purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Can Schengen visa be applied from any embassy? ›You will have to apply at the embassy or consulate / VAC under the jurisdiction of which, the area where you live falls.
How to apply for Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia to Italy? ›- Italian visa application form. ...
- One passport-size picture. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Your residence permit card along with a copy (if you are not a citizen of the country from which you are applying).
- Proof of accommodation: ...
- Proof of travel (as applicable):
Same purpose of travel for each country
If your purpose of travel is the same for two or more countries (holiday, for example), apply for a visa for the country you plan to stay in the longest. If you plan to spend an equal amount of time in each country, apply for a visa for the country you will be visiting first.
You may submit your visa application at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Please note: not all travel documents are recognized by the Netherlands. If you apply for a visa with such a non-recognized travel document, your visa application can be declared inadmissible.
Can I apply for Schengen visa from USA with Indian passport? ›If you're an Indian citizen or a citizen from outside of Europe and the US, you'll need to contact the consulate or embassy of the country that you're travelling to in order to apply for a Schengen visa.
How to apply for a tourist visa to Netherlands? ›- Dutch visa application form. ...
- Two passport photos. ...
- Your valid passport. ...
- Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
- Netherlands Travel Health Insurance. ...
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Proof of civil status.
An application for a Schengen visa or an airport transit visa for the Netherlands is usually processed within 15 days. In some cases, however, it could take up to 45 days.
Where to apply for Schengen visa for Amsterdam? ›Applying for a short-stay Schengen visa
You can find out where to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa on www.netherlandsworldwide.nl. This varies from country to country. In countries with a Dutch embassy or consulate you can apply for a visa there.
How do I get a Schengen visa if I have a US visa? ›
- Schengen Visa Application Form. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Two identical photos. ...
- Schengen Travel Health Insurance for Europe. ...
- Proof of Accommodation. ...
- Flight Itinerary. ...
- Cover Letter. ...
- Proof of financial means.
American citizens traveling to the Schengen Area for fewer than 90 days do not need to apply for a visa. From the end of 2023, they will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver before travel, which can be obtained online and will cost €7 ($7.82).
Can I get Schengen visa in 3 days? ›You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
Is Netherlands visa easy to get? ›Netherlands Visa Eligibility
You are eligible for getting a Schengen Netherlands Visa if you have a valid passport of your home country. You will need to furnish proof of accommodation, journey details and proof of sufficient funds to cover your entire trip to the Netherlands.
Do I need a visa? If you are the holder of an American passport, you do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands. If you have a different nationality and are unsure what the visa requirements are, check whether you need a visa to visit the Netherlands.
What is the acceptance rate of Netherland tourist visa? ›With a rejection rate of 16.8% and an approval rate of 83.2%, the Netherlands is another country where you should be extra cautious when applying for a Schengen Visa.
Can I go to VFS without appointment for Schengen visa? ›Walk In Without Appointment*
If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.