Attention: As of 17 September 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 entry rules for travellers to the Netherlands. You can enter the Netherlands without proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result.
What do I need to do?
- You must submit a passport or other travel document issued within the last 10 years. This must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least another 3 months after the date you intend to leave the Schengen area.
- You must submit a completed and signed visa application form. Each person travelling with you on your travel document must submit their own visa form. Forms for children under the age of 18 need to be signed by a parent or guardian.
- If you are under 18 and are travelling without one or both of your parents or guardians, ask them to sign a consent form. Border guards may ask to see this form when you arrive in the Netherlands.
- In a country where visa applications are processed by an external service provider, your digital photo will be taken at the Visa Application Centre.Have you applied for a visa in the last 59 months? Then you yourself will have to submit a photowith your application. This photo must meet Dutch requirements for passport photos.
- When you submit your application your fingerprints will be taken. These will remain valid for 59 months. Some applicants, such as children under the age of 12, do not need to have their fingerprints taken.
Did you provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) within the last 59 months prior to your current application? Then you can choose to have someone else submit your application for you. You do not have to appear in person. This also applies if you had your fingerprints taken within the last 59 months for a visa application submitted through another Schengen member state.
Attention: Please note that if, during the assessment of your application, it appears that your fingerprints are not in the system, you will have to come and submit them. Also, you can always be invited for an interview if your application gives reason to do so.
How much does a visa cost?
When you apply for a visa at a Dutch embassy or consulate, you must pay a fee. You can find the fee on the fees page. If you apply through an external service provider, such as a visa agency, you will have to pay an extra fee to the provider.
The visa fee shall be waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories:
- children under 6 years;
- school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
- researchers travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research or participating in a scientific seminar or conference*;
- representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations.
*as defined in point (2) of Article 3 of Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 1 )
How long does it take?
The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you intend to travel. Seafarers can apply 9 months before intended travel date. You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance.
In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.
If you’ve applied for a visa for the Netherlands, you can track the status of your application online.
Longer waiting time for visa applications
You may experience longer waiting times to get an appointment. And it may take longer than 15 days to process your application.
This is because more applicants want to travel to the Netherlands after COVID travel restrictions have been eased worldwide.
We are working to expand the number of available appointments and to increase our capacity. We regularly offer new appointment slots, so please keep checking the appointment system.
Plan your trip well in advance. And make sure you have all the documents ready for your appointment.
How will my application be assessed?
Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities and can take up to 7 days.
Your application will also be checked in the Schengen Information System (SIS II). In addition, your application details will be checked and saved in the Visa Information System (VIS).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses information-supported decision-making to make better, quicker decisions on visa applications. For more information on how your data will be processed, see the privacy statement.
Do not useintermediary agencies
To submit your application, you have to make an appointment via an online appointment system. This system is accessible to everyone. There are intermediary agencies that take advantage of this by retaining appointments and selling them.
We recommend that you make an appointment yourself and that you do not use the service of these intermediaries.
Applying for a visa in this country or region
Visa application procedure in Ghana
The Netherlands embassy in Accra uses the services of VFS Global. Make an online appointment via the website of VFS Global.
The Netherlands has made representation arrangements for short-stay visa applications (for a stay of maximum 90 days per 180 days period) with Austria, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland and Portugal. Residents of Ghana travelling to 1 of these countries can also submit their application via VFS Global. Make an online appointment via the website of VFS Global.
Those wishing to settle in Austria, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland or Portugal and wishing to apply for a residence permit should however turn to the nearest embassy of these countries to start the proper procedure.
If you have received an approval after an appeal, you can submit your visa application at the embassy. You do not need to make an appointment.
You can walk in on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday between 8:00 and 10:00 hours to submit additional documents.
Before you come, please check the days the embassy is closed.
Bring the following documents with you to the appointment:
- a valid travel document
- the no objection letter (and a copy) stating that your objection has been successful
- any documents mentioned in the letter (if applicable). For example, a hotel or flight reservation, or proof of insurance.
You will not need to complete a new visa application form or pay for the visa again.
Holders of diplomatic and service passports have to make an appointment via the online appointment system to submit their application at the Netherlands embassy in Accra.
The average processing time of a visa application isfifteen (15) calendar days.
In case the application is incomplete, needs further investigation or in case the application has to be forwarded to the competent authorities in the Netherlands for further consideration, the assessment may take weeks or even longer.
Attention: You are advised to submit your application approximately 4 weeks before your planned departure date or even earlier.
You do not need to make an appointment to collect your document(s).
Collection times are: Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 10:00 hours.
Before you come, please check the days on which the embassy is closed.
If you are not able to collect your decision and passport, you may authorise another person to collect it on your behalf. In that case the embassy requires a written and signed authorisation letter from you, including a copy of your passport.
The embassy will report the use of false and counterfeit documents to the Ghanaian Police (CID) or GIS (Ghana Immigration Service) depending on the forgery; these documents will not be returned to the applicant.
The embassy often receives e-mails from European citizens who are in contact with someone from this region through the internet. Often these contacts result in scamming whereby the scammer does not reveal his or her true identity and requests to transfer high amounts for various reasons (legalisations, costly visa procedures, medical check-ups and supporting documents not required by Dutch authorities in relation to consular procedures, hospitalisation, inheritance, gold ornaments). Beware of this (romance) scamming.
Other than warning for this type of scamming, the embassy cannot be of assistance in taking legal steps once Europeancitizenshave become victims of this type of scamming.
FAQs
How do I get a short-stay 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.
In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required. If you've applied for a visa for the Netherlands, you can track the status of your application online.
How do I get a short-stay visa in Netherlands? ›Applying for a short-stay Schengen visa
You can find out where to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa on www.netherlandsandyou.nl. This varies from country to country. In countries with a Dutch embassy or consulate you can apply for a visa there.
In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
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.
How long does it take to get a Schengen short-stay visa? ›You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.
How much is a short stay visa for Netherlands? ›Proof of civil status – birth certificate will suffice. Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
Does Netherlands visa get rejected? ›If your application for a visa for the Netherlands has been refused, you will receive an official letter explaining the decision. You will then have 4 weeks to object to this decision in writing. Read the letter to find out how to lodge an objection.
How do I apply for a Netherlands visa in Ghana? ›In Ghana, you can apply for this visa at the Netherlands embassy in Accra. As of 17 September 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 entry rules for travellers to the Netherlands. You can enter the Netherlands without proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result.
How much does short stay Schengen visa cost? ›
How much does the multiple-entry Schengen Visa cost? The fee for a multiple-entry visa is the same as an ordinary short-stay one (€80 or $90), even though it allows you to take multiple trips lasting fewer than 90 days for as long as the visa is valid (usually one, three, or five years).
Is there an interview for Netherlands visa? ›When you apply for a Schengen visa for Holland, you will likely be asked to attend a Schengen visa interview at the Dutch Embassy, Consulate, or visa application center you are applying through.
Which Schengen visa is the shortest? ›The short-stay visa is a Schengen visa. It allows you to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Your visa will be valid for a specific period. This period may be shorter than 90 days.
Which Schengen visa is fastest processing? ›iVisa.com has three available Germany Schengen Visa: Processing Time: the standard one takes 10 business days, the rush one lasts about 6 business days, and the super rush, the fastest one, takes only 4 business days to process your application.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa in Ghana? ›You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.
Can I get Schengen visa in 7 days? ›How far in advance do I need to apply? You must apply for your India Schengen Visa no more than six months, and no fewer than 15 days, before your trip. It is advised you apply at least three weeks before you leave, however, to allow for any delays in the processing of your application.
Should my first trip be to the country issued by Schengen visa? ›Should My First Point of Entry In The Schengen Area Be The Same As The Country That Issued My Schengen Visa? Yes, it is crucial that you enter the country which is your primary destination and which issued your Schengen visa before entering other countries unless the rules say otherwise.
How do I know if my Schengen visa is rejected? ›If your Schengen Visa is refused, you will receive a form that indicates the time you have to appeal the decision. If you do not appeal within this time frame the decision won't be reversed.
How do you know Schengen visa is approved? ›You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Schengen Visa Application Centre. If you can't access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone.
What are the documents required for Netherlands visa? ›- Application. 1.1 A completed and signed Schengen visa application form. ...
- Travel Documents. 2.1 A passport or other travel document. ...
- Evidence of legal residence. ...
- Photo. ...
- Proof of financial means and socio-economic situation. ...
- Proof of travel. ...
- Proof of health insurance. ...
- Visa.
What is the difference between short stay and long stay Schengen visa? ›
A long stay visa or a residence permit issued by a Schengen State allows you to travel or stay in other Schengen States, while respecting the maximum duration of a “short stay” (a stay of "90 days in any 180 day period").
How much is visa from Ghana to Netherlands? ›Visa | EUR |
---|---|
Schengenvisum normaal tarief / Schengen visa normal fee | 80,00 |
Schengenvisum laag tarief*** / Schengen visa, low fee**** | 35,00 |
Caribisch visum kinderen tot 6 jaar / Caribbean visa child (under 6) | Gratis |
Caribisch visum kinderen 6 t/m 11 jaar / Caribbean visa child (6 - 11) | 40,00 |
What should I know about the Netherlands Schengen Visa Cost? The general visa fee is EUR 80 ($90), and for minors (between 6 to 12 years of age) the price goes down to EUR 40 ($45).
Can you work in the Netherlands on a short-stay visa? ›Short-stay Dutch work visas
This is the Schengen category C visa for stays of up to 90 days, or a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. You can use this visa for work-related trips, business trips, and short-term work contracts lasting less than three months.
Submitting the bank statements as proof of financial means is a mandatory requirement when applying for a Schengen Visa, no matter your employment status or your purpose of entry into the Area.
Can I get Schengen visa without bank statement? ›For those on company travel / spouses / children / dependents who do not have their personal bank statements, he / she sponsoring the trip must submit their original bank statements along with a letter stating the same.
Are payslips enough for Schengen visa? ›You will have to submit proof of sufficient funds for the entire stay in your destination country, that could be a work contract and bank account statement from your parents or host (if applicable). Evidence of employment – it can be an original signed letter from an employer or recent payslip.
Which country rejected visa most? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
What if I made a mistake on my Schengen visa application? ›What if I make a mistake on my Schengen Visa form - can I correct it? If you made a mistake on your visa application form - you will need to fill out a new one before your appointment at the consulate or visa application center.
Is Schengen visa difficult to get? ›There's no need to worry too much, as the financial requirements are not too difficult to pass, but they do vary from country to country - with different levels of means of subsistence applying in each Schengen state. As such, some states' requirements will be easier to meet than others.
What documents are needed for a Schengen visa to Netherlands? ›
- a passport or other travel document containing at least 2 blank pages. ...
- a completed Schengen visa application form. ...
- the portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
- your travel itinerary for your journey to the Netherlands.
From 02.02. 2020, the fee for processing a visa application is 80 Euros. The visa fee is only payable in cash in Ghana Cedi at the current exchange rate of the Embassy. The processing fee is not refundable in case of denial of the visa.
Do embassies check bank statements? ›One of the requirements for obtaining a visa is the submission of a bank statement. The embassies want to make sure that the person applying for the visa has enough money to cover their travel expenses.
Can I apply Schengen visa as walk in? ›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.
All applicants will be able to lodge their application fully online (fill in the application form, pay the visa fee, upload supporting documents and check if biometrics are still valid).
How do I answer visa interview questions? ›While answering the questions asked by the consular officer, the applicant needs to answer directly with confidence and also reassure his/her ties to the native country. The applicant needs to stress his/her intentions of coming back to the native country after the completion of the trip.
Which country gives maximum Schengen visa? ›Ranking right after Belgium is Malta – with 14.8%, followed by Sweden 10.3%, Portugal 10.1%, France 9.6%, and Norway with a rate of 8.7%. Subsequently come Spain and the Netherlands with an equal rate of visas not issued – 6.1%. Switzerland reaches close to the top with 6.0%.
How do I know if my Netherlands visa is approved? ›At a Dutch embassy or consulate-general
Go to the track & trace system. Select the country where you submitted your application and your language. Click 'Submit'. Enter your tracking number (the code on the card).
How much does the multiple-entry Schengen Visa cost? The fee for a multiple-entry visa is the same as an ordinary short-stay one (€80 or $90), even though it allows you to take multiple trips lasting fewer than 90 days for as long as the visa is valid (usually one, three, or five years).
How do I get a short-stay visa for Paris? ›- A passport(or other travel document) meeting both the following conditions: ...
- Short-stay visa application form (Cerfa no. ...
- Three standardized passport photos.
- Evidence of sufficient financial means:
Can I apply for Schengen visa on my own? ›
Yes. If you must apply for a Schengen visa in a country where you are not a resident, the justification for why you are applying from that country will suffice. The applicant must attend the designated meeting in person when handing in the application form and the attached documentation.
How much bank balance do I have to show for a Schengen visa? ›Proof of civil status – birth certificate will suffice. Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
How much money do you need on your account to apply for a Schengen visa? ›According to the European Commission, if you want to enter France by applying for a France Schengen Visa, you must attest to financial sufficiency of at least 120 EUR per day.
Can I get a Schengen visa in 2 weeks? ›The Schengen visa processing time around the world is approximately two weeks. Still, depending on your case, your application may take longer to be processed. In specific cases, the embassies take 30 days to process a visa, whereas in extraordinary cases you will have to wait for 60 calendar days.
Which country has the fastest Schengen visa processing time? ›iVisa.com has three available Germany Schengen Visa: Processing Time: the standard one takes 10 business days, the rush one lasts about 6 business days, and the super rush, the fastest one, takes only 4 business days to process your application.
What is single short tourist visa? ›There are four types of tourist visa: Type 1: For short-term tourist visa single entry, which is 30 days from the date of entry and not extendable, the Fees will be 250 AED. Type 2: For short-term tourist visa multiple entries, which is 30 days from the date of entry and not extendable, the Fees will be 690 AED.
Can you get a Schengen visa without a personal interview? ›2. Is Your Personal Appearance Mandatory to Apply for a Schengen Visa? If you are not clear whether or not you must appear in person at the Embassy or Consulate to submit your application, the simple answer is yes; you have to apply for a Schengen Visa in person.
How do I apply for a Schengen visa in Ghana? ›- You must submit a passport or other travel document issued within the last 10 years. ...
- You must submit a completed and signed visa application form. ...
- If you are under 18 and are travelling without one or both of your parents or guardians, ask them to sign a consent form.