Netherlands (Holland) is going to implement new Schengen visa changes. The new rules are a part of the new visa code system adopted by European union for all Schengen countries. The new rules bring all good and positive things except an increase in the visa fees.
The proposed Schengen visa changes related to the new visa code were approved by the EU council on the 6th of June 2019, for tourism in Schengen Area, business, trading by collaboration with the security inside.
After Switzerland, the Netherland became the 2nd country which is a member of the Schengen moving area with new rules for the applicants. According to the official immigration website of the Netherlands, the new rules will be implemented right from the 1st of February 2020. All applicants applying for a Schengen visa from the Holland embassies and consulates abroad will have the following changes:
- Schengen visa fees to increase from €60 to €80.
- The visa fee for the children aged 6 to 12 will have to pay €40 instead of €35.
- People who already hold a Carribean territories visa(a regular visa or permit for the areas like Saint Marten, Saba, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao or Saint Eustatius) will not be asked for the transit visa for Netherland.
- Instead of 3 months, the candidates will able to apply for a Schengen visa in 6 months in advance.
- The seafarers can apply for this kind of visa 9 months before their trip.
NETHERLANDS AT A GLANCE
| Surface area: | 41,528 km² (18.41% water) | |
| Total population: | 17 million | |
| Population density: | 488 people per km2 | |
| Capital city: | Amsterdam (inhabitants: 834,119 in 2014) | |
| Government: | The Hague | |
| Official languages: | Dutch, Frisian (only spoken in Friesland) | |
| Type of government: | Constitutional monarchy – parliamentary democracy | |
| Religion: | 44% No religion, 29% Roman Catholic, 19% Protestant, 6% Muslim, 1% Hindu, 1% Buddhist | |
| Currency: | Euro | |
| National holidays: | King’s Day (27 April) Liberation Day (5 May) | |
| Highest point: | 323 m (Vaalserberg, Limburg) | |
| Lowest point: | 6.7 m (Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, Zuid-Holland) | |
| The average temperature in July: | 17.4 °C | |
| The average temperature in January: | 2.8 °C |
More ease will be brought for frequent travelers through Multiple entry visas and additional facilities will be made for well-known artists and high-performance athletes touring in the EU.
In order to respond to the available tools for illegal migration challenges, the visa’s price was increased and the visa code will also introduce the visa fee mechanism that would be changed or still stay the same every 3 years. The European Union members are required to collaborate with service providers in non-EU countries where they are represented or supported by the other EU country.
TYPES OF VISIT VISAS OFFERED BY NETHERLANDS
- Visiting family/friends (invitation required)
- Tourist visa (no invitation required)
- Business visit visa (invitation required)
- Transit visa (proof required or short stay reason in Holland)
KEY FACTS ABOUT NETHERLAND’S VISIT VISA
- The tourist visit visa allows you vacationing, cruising, sightseeing and other recreational activities in Holland and in member states.
- Do not apply for the Holland visit visa if you are to stay longer in other Schengen countries. In this case, do apply for the visa where you need to stay most of your time.
- Visa processing timings may vary from country to country, but currently, it takes around 15 days to get a decision on your visa. In some cases, it could reach to 30 days and exceptionally 60 days.
- Additional fees of €28 to €40 are also payable in some countries where the visa application is submitted through VFS Global.
- The total Schengen visa duration is of 3 months.
- You are only allowed to stay in Holland for the intended time period that you have mentioned in your visa application and not the full 3 months. If you overstay, you might get a ban of 2 years in the future to enter any other Schengen states.
- You can also apply with your family if you want, in this case, each applicant must pay individual fees and fill in the separate application form.
- You will have to provide your fingerprints and the data will be kept in records (through Schengen Information System SIS) for up to 5 years for all Schengen states.
- If you are under 18 and are traveling without one or both of your parents or guardians, ask them to sign a consent form.