Netherlands

πŸ‡³πŸ‡±

Phone Code

+31

Capital

Amsterdam

Population

17.5 Million

Native Name

Nederland

Region

Europe

Western Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

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Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

The Netherlands (commonly called Holland, though Holland technically refers only to two western provinces) is a Western European country known for its flat landscape, canals, windmills, tulips, cycling culture, and tolerant society. One of the world's most densely populated countries (17.5 million people in area smaller than West Virginia), the Netherlands is founding member of EU, Schengen Area, and Eurozone. Amsterdam, the constitutional capital (though government seat is The Hague), is famous for canal ring (UNESCO World Heritage), 17th-century Golden Age architecture, world-class museums, and liberal social policies. Dutch are world's tallest people (average 183cm/6ft men, 170cm/5'7" women) and among happiest. IMPORTANT: 26% of Netherlands is below sea level, protected by elaborate dike and pumping station systems - without these, half the country would flood. Visitors are drawn to Amsterdam canals and museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House), Keukenhof tulip gardens (spring), Kinderdijk windmills (19 preserved windmills, UNESCO site), The Hague (International Court of Justice, government, beach town Scheveningen), Rotterdam modern architecture and port, Utrecht canals, Zaanse Schans (windmill village), cycling throughout flat countryside, cheese markets (Alkmaar, Gouda), and Dutch art (Vermeer, Rembrandt). Netherlands offers quintessential European charm with exceptional infrastructure, English proficiency, and unique Dutch character.

Visa Requirements for Netherlands

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, following standard Schengen visa policies. Citizens of EU/EEA countries, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and 50+ other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No advance visa application required - simply show passport at entry (air, sea, or land borders with Belgium/Germany). Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Those requiring visas must apply for Schengen visa through Netherlands embassy or consulate with travel insurance, accommodation bookings, proof of funds, and return ticket. Netherlands is popular Schengen entry point due to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS, major European hub). Note: Netherlands left the EU regarding Brexit but maintains Schengen membership - UK citizens retain visa-free access but limited to 90 days. For longer stays, residence permits required through IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst). Netherlands is safe, welcoming destination with excellent tourist infrastructure and world's highest English proficiency for non-native speakers.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; passport valid 3 months beyond departure from Schengen; no visa sticker needed - stamped at entry; covers all 27 Schengen countries; proof of accommodation and return ticket may be requested; cannot work; most common entry method; Amsterdam Schiphol major entry airport.

For tourism or business for EU/EEA, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and 60+ other countries under Schengen rules.

Schengen Visa (C Visa)

Up to 90 days within 180 days; requires application form, passport, photos, travel insurance (€30,000+ coverage), hotel bookings, flight tickets, proof of funds (€34-95/day), return ticket; processing 15 days standard (can be 30-60 days); €80 visa fee adults, €40 children 6-12; biometrics required; strict documentation requirements.

For nationalities requiring visas for Netherlands/Schengen Area, applied through Netherlands embassy.

Airport Transit Visa (A Visa)

Transit only (airside); required for Afghan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopian, Ghanaian, Iranian, Iraqi, Nigerian, Pakistani, Somali, Sri Lankan, Syrian nationals transiting Schiphol even if not leaving airport; €80 fee; apply through Netherlands embassy; most nationalities do NOT need transit visa if staying airside.

For nationals of specific countries transiting through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport without entering Schengen Area.

Residence Permit / DAFT Treaty

1-5 years renewable; categories include highly skilled migrant, student, family reunion, self-employment; DAFT Treaty (1956) allows US citizens to self-employ in Netherlands (popular with digital nomads, entrepreneurs) with €4,500 investment; apply through IND (Immigration Service); MVV authorization may be required before arrival; Dutch residence permit popular with expats.

For long-term stays including work, study, retirement, or self-employment (Americans can use Dutch American Friendship Treaty).

Important Travel Information

NOT just Amsterdam: While Amsterdam dominates tourism, Netherlands has many worthwhile destinations. The Hague (government seat, Peace Palace, Mauritshuis museum, Scheveningen beach), Rotterdam (modern architecture, cube houses, Markthal, largest port in Europe), Utrecht (canals with wharves, Dom Tower, medieval center), Haarlem (Teylers Museum, Grote Kerk, charming city), Maastricht (southernmost city, hilly, different character). Don't skip beyond Amsterdam.

Cycling infrastructure world's best: Netherlands has 37,000km of dedicated cycle paths (fietspad). 27% of all trips by bicycle (vs 1% in US). Cycling is safest, fastest way to get around. Rent bike (€10-15/day) in any city. Rules: bikes have right of way, stay in bike lanes (separate from pedestrian), follow traffic lights, lock bike securely (theft common). Dutch cycling from childhood - confident cyclists. Bike parking garages at stations. Essential Dutch experience.

Tallest people on Earth: Dutch are world's tallest nationality - men average 183cm (6'0"), women 170cm (5'7"). Genetics plus nutrition (dairy-rich diet, healthcare access). Doorways, beds, bicycles all sized larger. Americans/British feel short. Often joked about but genuinely noticeable. Supermarkets have high shelves. Interesting anthropological quirk.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

The Hague
States & Regions in Netherlands

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Netherlands

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Netherlands
United States in Netherlands

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