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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All corona measures for travelling (back) to the Netherlands have been lifted. You do no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a corona test upon entry.

VISA INFORMATION

Visa can be applied for in the following cities: Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg.  Application will be processed by VFS Global website.

  • The Issuing Authority (VFS Global) requires applicants to present themselves for biometrics
  • Register online and the earliest available date will be shown.
  • Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.
  • Children under 12 don’t require biometrics

Johannesburg VFS Global
1st Floor Rivonia Village
Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road
Sandton, Johannesburg

Pretoria VFS Global
1st Floor, Cherry Lane Office Park
114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk
Brooklyn, Pretoria

Cape Town VFS Global
47 Strand Street, 5th Floor, Cape Town, 8001

Portugal Visa Application Centre

Durban VFS Global

Unit 101A 1st Floor
91 -123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize)
Essenwood
Durban

Submission Timings: 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00 Monday-Friday
Passport retrieval time: 10:00 to 16:00 Monday-Friday

Tel:+27 (0) 12 425 3005 between 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 16:00 (Monday-Friday)
Email: Info.nlza@vfshelpline.com

  • South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
  • At which Embassy/Consulate/ Visa Issuing Authority should you apply? Read More
    – If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of that country.
    – If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority that is your main destination (i.e. your longest stay).
    – If you intend to visit several countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of the country of your first point of entry.
  • In South Africa, you can apply for this visa at the Netherlands embassy in Pretoria or at the consulate-general in Cape Town. As of 17 September 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 entry rules for travellers to the Netherlands.
  • Netherlands Embassy Pretoria, 210 Florence Ribeiro Ave, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181. Tel: 012 425 4500
  • Visas are required by South African passport holders.
  • Certain British passport holders do not need visas.
  • Namibians are subject to same conditions as South African passport holders. Visas are required by other passport holders.
  • Non South African citizens must have a valid residence permit for South Africa. Visas must be applied for at least 3 months in advance.

Cultural/Sports/Religious Events

  • An official invitation letter by event organizer, reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
  • Enrolment/Entry tickets/Event program and an official letter of institution sending the applicant.

Scholars 

  • An official letter from school confirming attendance.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport

Students

  • An official letter from college/university confirming attendance or copy of student card.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport.

Travelling with Children

  • New South African passports for minors under the age of 18 are being issued containing the details of the parents as a standard feature.  Children travelling on these new passports do not require any additional documentation when travelling abroad if accompanied by both parents.
  • If however the children are still travelling on the old passports then ​the following additional documents will be required for any minor travelling with a parent:
    – Copy of unabridged Birth Certificate
    – Copies of parents ID documents
    – Consent letter from each parent not accompanying the minor. ​
    – Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.
  • An official business letter from a company in the Schengen state, as well as from the employer stating purpose and date of visit must be presented.
  • An official invitation letter from inviting company reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
  • Hotel reservation is required unless the invitation letter clearly states that accommodation is provided and details of same provided.\
  • For conferences proof of registration and payment has to be submitted.

Incentives and Sponsored Trips

  • A letter of justification of the company and SA partner/branch explaining the purpose of the visit
  • A list of the participants

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.

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. You can travel freely between the 26 Schengen countries while your visa is valid.