Visas
Tourists from nearly 60 countries – including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the USA and most of Europe – need only a valid passport to visit the Netherlands for up to three months. EU nationals can enter for three months with just their national identity card or a passport that expired less than five years ago.
Nationals of most other countries need a so-called Schengen visa, valid within the EU member states (except the UK and Ireland), plus Norway and Iceland, for 90 days within a six-month period.
Schengen visas are issued by Dutch embassies or consulates overseas and can take a while to process (like two months). You’ll need a passport valid until at least three months after your visit, and prove you have sufficient funds for your stay and return journey. Fees vary between €35 and €60, depending on your nationality.
Visa extensions are handled by the Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst (Immigration & Naturalisation Service; 0900 123 45 61, per minute €0.10; www.ind.nl ; Postbus 3211, 2280 GE Rijswijk). Study visas must be applied for via your college or university in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam
Things to do
- Entertainment (172)
- Restaurants (143)
- Shopping (158)
- Sights (122)
- Hotels & hostels
