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Visa Information
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General Info
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to the Netherlands.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

Tourist Visa

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Consulate

Cape Town:

Embassy

Pretoria:

VFS Application Centre:

Johannesburg:

  • Address: 1st Floor Rivonia Village Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road Sandton, Johannesburg, 2128

Pretoria:

  • Address: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181

Cape Town:

  • Address: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001

Durban:

  • Address: Unit 409, 4th Floor 91 -123 Cowey Road, Essenwood, Durban, 4000

WEATHER

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year, often accompanied by breezy conditions.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in the Netherlands is a beautiful time to visit, with temperatures gradually rising from 5°C to 17°C. Tulip season is in full bloom, particularly from mid-April to early May, drawing visitors to the famous flower fields and Keukenhof Gardens. Expect occasional showers, but also plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for cycling and exploring cities.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is warm and lively, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 25°C. This is peak tourist season, perfect for canal cruises, open-air festivals, and visiting coastal beaches like Scheveningen. Rainfall is still possible, so a light jacket or umbrella is advised.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees cooling temperatures from 18°C down to 8°C, with colourful foliage and fewer tourists. It’s a great time for museum visits and enjoying the cosy café culture. Rain becomes more frequent, particularly in November, so waterproof gear is recommended.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, with temperatures hovering between 0°C and 6°C. Snowfall is occasional but possible. Short days and grey skies are common, yet the festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and ice skating rinks bring charm to the cities. Amsterdam’s canals sometimes freeze, offering a rare chance to skate on them.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (especially mid-April to early May) is ideal for tulip viewing and outdoor activities, while summer offers the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere. Autumn is great for avoiding crowds, and winter suits travellers drawn to festive city experiences.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Netherlands
Capital City: Amsterdam
International Airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Groningen Airport Eelde
Area: 41,543 km²
Population: 18,228,742 (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT+1
Religion: Over half (55%) of Dutch people aged 15 and over identify as non-religious.
Of the remaining 45%:
– 20% are Catholic
– 14% are Protestant
– 5% are Muslim
– 6% belong to other religious groups
Language: Dutch (official)
English is widely spoken
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: MasterCard and Visa are accepted, but some stores may not accept credit cards.
Carrying cash is advisable.
ATM Accessibility: ATMs are widely available in towns and cities, particularly near bank branches, shopping centres, and supermarkets.
Rural areas may have limited access, so it’s wise to carry cash.
Dialling Code: +31

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Standard voltage is 220V (50Hz).
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Business Hours: 08:00 – 17:00/18:00, Monday – Friday
Banking Hours: 09:00 – 17:00/17:30, Monday – Friday
Major banks and post offices are open on Saturdays.
Photography Restrictions: Photography is not allowed of sex workers in the “Red Light” district. Respect their privacy.
Tipping: Not compulsory but appreciated, especially for good service.
Vaccination Requirements: None required. Be aware of any COVID-related restrictions.
Dress Code Restrictions: No formal dress code. Casual attire such as jeans, T-shirts, and comfortable, but attractive shoes are appropriate.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Bike Paths: Avoid walking in bike lanes.
– Gifting: Bring a gift, such as flowers (preferably an odd number, not thirteen), a book, quality chocolates, or a potted plant when visiting a Dutch home.
– Greetings: Shake hands upon meeting and departing with those you do not know well or have a formal relationship with. For close friends, kiss on the cheek three times starting with the left. Men usually shake hands and may not be open to being kissed by another man. A simple ‘Hallo’ is a good general greeting.

FESTIVALS

  • The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) – Maastricht
  • Keukenhof Flower Gardens – Lisse
  • King’s Day – Nationwide
  • National Mill Day – Nationwide
  • Holland Festival – Amsterdam
  • Rotterdam Summer Carnival – Rotterdam
  • Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival – Scheveningen
  • Gay Pride Amsterdam – Amsterdam
  • Sneekweek Sailing Regatta – Sneek
  • Netherlands Film Festival – Utrecht
  • Sinterklaasintocht – Nationwide
  • International Documentary Film Festival – Amsterdam
  • Magical Maastricht – Maastricht
  • Flower Parade (Bloemencorso)
  • Amsterdam Winter Paradise – Amsterdam
  • New Year’s Dive – Nationwide
  • International Film Festival – Rotterdam
  • Redhead Day (Roodharigenda)
  • Carnival – Nationwide
  • Amsterdam Canal Festival – Amsterdam
  • Formula 1 – Zandvoort, August

MAP

“I love Amsterdam. The city is vibrant and alive. It’s fresh and so open. It’s definitely one of my favourite places.”

– Stefon Harris