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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇳🇱NetherlandsSA-NL

Saudi Arabia to Netherlands visa requirements

Yes. Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to the Netherlands for tourism. Saudi nationals are on the EU visa-required list (Annex I), so they cannot enter visa-free and do NOT use ETIAS. The visa must be applied for in advance through VFS Global in Saudi Arabia. The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, and Saudi Arabia is classified among the third countries whose nationals require a visa to enter the Schengen zone for short stays (EU Regulation 2018/1806, Annex I). Therefore a Saudi ordinary passport holder must apply for and obtain a Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C) before departure. There is no visa-on-arrival and no visa-free channel. Because Saudi nationals are not visa-exempt, the forthcoming ETIAS travel authorization (expected to launch in Q4 2026) does NOT apply to them — ETIAS only covers visa-free nationalities. Applications are lodged through the official Netherlands visa service provider VFS Global, with centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar/Dhahran. The Schengen visa permits a maximum stay of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen states. As of June 2026 the standard adult Schengen visa fee rose to EUR 90, on top of a VFS service charge and mandatory travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage. Travelers should apply no later than 15 working days (recommended 3-4 weeks, and up to 6 months ahead) before the trip and no later than 45 days before departure per the Dutch guidance.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — applied for in advance
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 adult visa fee + VFS service charge (approx. SAR 122 / EUR 9)
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days
standard track
Validity
Issued for the trip dates; multiple-entry visas may be valid up to 1-5 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm visa type and purpose
Identify the correct category — a Schengen short-stay (Type C) tourist visa filed with the Netherlands as the main destination (where you spend the most days, or first point of entry).
· Type C· Tourism
/02
Book an appointment at VFS Global
Create an appointment online with VFS Global, the official Netherlands visa partner in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar/Dhahran). Apply at least 15 working days before travel, ideally 3-4 weeks, and no later than 45 days before the trip.
· VFS Global· 45-day deadline
/03
Complete the application form
Fill in and sign the harmonised Schengen visa application form, and gather two recent passport photos meeting Schengen biometric specifications.
· Application form· 2 photos
/04
Assemble supporting documents
Prepare passport, travel insurance (min. EUR 30,000), confirmed round-trip flight reservation, hotel/accommodation bookings, day-by-day itinerary, bank statements and proof of funds, and employment/residence proof.
· Itinerary· Proof of funds
/05
Attend appointment and give biometrics
Submit documents in person, pay the visa fee and service charge, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics, unless captured within the last 59 months).
· Biometrics· Pay fees
/06
Collect passport and verify visa
Track the application online, collect the passport once a decision is made, and check the visa sticker dates and number of entries before traveling.
· Track online· Check sticker
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Netherlands · Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — applied for in advance
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, issued within last 10 years, with 2+ blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (Schengen specification)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering all Schengen states, minimum EUR 30,000
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight itinerary/reservation
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host invitation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredDetailed day-by-day travel itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredRecent bank statements / proof of sufficient funds
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedProof of employment, business, or residence status in Saudi Arabia
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredBiometric data (fingerprints) — required unless captured in past 59 months
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesNetherlands Worldwide — Apply for a Schengen visa in Saudi Arabia (official)EU — Travel to Europe: Revised timeline for EES and ETIASFrance-Visas (Schengen) — Saudi Arabia
Application link included: Netherlands Worldwide — Apply for a Schengen visa in Saudi Arabia (official)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Increased from EUR 80 effective June 2026; payable in SAR equivalent
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service chargeapprox. SAR 122 (EUR 9)Per application, in addition to the visa fee
Travel medical insuranceapprox. EUR 30-60Mandatory; minimum EUR 30,000 coverage across Schengen
Total estimateEUR 100 — EUR 160incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing
15 calendar days
Typical decision time after a complete application is submitted at VFS Global.
Extended review
Up to 30-45 days
Applies when additional documents or verification are required, or during peak periods.
Early application window
Up to 6 months before travel
Applications accepted from 6 months ahead; submit no later than 45 days before the trip.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Saudi nationals are on the Schengen visa-required list
Saudi Arabia is listed in Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806, so ordinary passport holders must hold a visa before entering the Schengen area.
High
/02
Netherlands is a full Schengen member
As a Schengen state, the Netherlands applies the common short-stay visa policy and the 90/180-day rule.
High
/03
No visa-on-arrival for Saudi tourists
There is no VoA facility at Dutch/Schengen borders for Saudi ordinary passport holders; the visa must be obtained beforehand.
High
/04
ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals
ETIAS (expected Q4 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationalities; Saudis remain in the full-visa category.
Medium
/05
Insufficient documentation leads to refusal
Missing insurance, weak proof of funds, or unclear itinerary are common refusal reasons that make a visa effectively required to be carefully prepared.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Netherlands route verified
Confirmed via Netherlands Worldwide official guidance and EU rules that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa (no visa-free/ETIAS channel); noted June 2026 adult visa fee increase to EUR 90.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can a Saudi citizen travel to the Netherlands without a visa?—
No. Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders are visa-required for the Schengen area and must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa before traveling to the Netherlands.
Do Saudi travelers need ETIAS for the Netherlands?+
Where do Saudi nationals apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa?+
How long can I stay on a Schengen visa?+
How much does the Netherlands Schengen visa cost in 2026?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

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