If you are transiting through the Netherlands on your way to another country, you may require a special visa, depending on your nationality, travel route, and airport procedures. This guide explains who requires a Netherlands Airport Transit Visa (ATV), the necessary documents, the application process, and other essential details for a smooth transfer through a Dutch airport.

The Netherlands Airport Transit Visa allows travellers to wait for a connecting flight in a Dutch airport's international transit zone without entering the Schengen Area. It's strictly for airport transits; leaving the zone or rechecking luggage requires a short-stay Schengen visa.

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Do You Need a Transit Visa?

Not everyone needs a transit visa to pass through the Netherlands. Whether or not you require one depends on your nationality and travel plans.

Indian passport holders typically do not require a transit visa if they remain in the international transit zone and do not switch to a Schengen flight or collect baggage. However, some nationalities, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka, are generally required to have a transit visa, even if they stay airside.

Indian nationals may, under specific circumstances, be required to obtain a transit visa for the Netherlands. These situations are detailed in the following section.

Important Things to Note Before Applying for the Netherlands Transit Visa

In the following situations, a transit visa will be required by the Indian national: 

• You may require a transit visa if you are arriving on an intercontinental flight and connecting to a flight within the Schengen area. This often involves clearing passport control.

• You will also need a visa if your baggage is not checked through to your final destination and you must collect and recheck it yourself.

• If you are transiting through any Dutch airport other than Amsterdam Schiphol, such as Eindhoven or Rotterdam, you will always need to exit the international transit zone and obtain a short-stay visa.

• Some airlines, especially low-cost or regional carriers, do not transfer baggage between connecting flights, even if the connection is at the same airport. In such cases, travellers must go through passport control to collect and re-check their baggage.

Budget carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air typically do not permit airside transfers. Booking flights on separate tickets or from different airlines can also force a self-transfer situation, which requires exiting the transit area and may trigger visa requirements.

• Through ticket allows the airline to handle baggage transfers, ensuring the passenger remains airside. No visa is required for eligible travellers.

• A self-transfer means the passenger must clear immigration and check in again for their next flight, which generally requires a visa. This is common with separately booked flights or low-cost carriers.

If you are unsure whether your transfer involves leaving the transit zone, it is best to confirm with your airline before travelling. To reduce the chance of needing a transit visa, travellers should ideally book all legs of their journey on a single ticket with a full-service airline that handles baggage transfer.

Documents Required for an Airport Transit Visa

If you do need a Netherlands Airport Transit Visa, the following documents must be submitted:

• A passport or travel document issued within the last ten years. It must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of transit and contain at least two blank pages.

• A completed and signed Schengen visa application form. You must indicate "airport transit" as the purpose of travel.

• One recent passport-size photograph that meets Dutch photo specifications.

• Proof of onward travel, such as a confirmed airline ticket to your final destination.

• If required, a visa or entry permit for the country you are ultimately travelling to.

• Supporting evidence of your financial means, if asked.

• If you have previously submitted fingerprints and a photo for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, you can authorise someone else to submit your application.

Children under the age of 12 are not required to provide fingerprints for this purpose.

Netherlands Transit Visa Application Process

If you are transiting through a Dutch airport on your way to a non-Schengen country, you may need an airport transit visa. However, Indian passport holders are generally exempt from needing a Netherlands Airport Transit Visa (Type A) if they remain in the international transit area and hold a valid visa or residence permit for countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Japan.

Types of Transit Visas

1. Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
   Required only for passengers from certain countries transiting through the international zone of a Dutch airport without entering the Schengen Area.

2. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
   Needed if you must pass through immigration, leave the transit area, or have a connecting flight within the Schengen Area.

When You Need an Airport Transit Visa

You will need this visa only if:

• You are transiting without a valid visa or residence permit from listed exempted countries.

• You are not staying airside or need to switch terminals through passport control.

How to Apply

1. Check if you need a transit visa on the Netherlands Worldwide site.

2. Gather required documents like a passport, a visa form, a photo, and flight details.

3. Book an appointment at the Netherlands Visa Office.

4. Submit your application and give biometrics.

5. Pay the visa and service fees.

6. Track your application and collect your passport.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Double-check flight details to confirm if you are staying within the transit area.

• Always carry a printed copy of your connecting flight and visa for the final destination.

• Apply at least three weeks in advance, especially during peak travel periods.

• Do not assume exemption from a transit visa without checking your visa/residence permit status for destination countries.

Visa Fee and Fee Waivers

The standard visa fee for a Netherlands Airport Transit Visa is approximately 25 euros. 

Certain applicants are exempt from paying the visa fee. These include children under 6 years of age, students and accompanying teachers travelling for academic purposes, researchers attending scientific events, and participants in youth exchanges or cultural programs organised by non-profit organisations who are under 25.

Application Timelines

You can apply for a Netherlands transit visa up to six months before your date of travel. For seafarers, this period extends to nine months. It is recommended to apply at least three to four weeks in advance to account for processing time.

In most cases, decisions are issued within 15 to 45 days. During busy travel seasons or if additional documents are required, processing may take longer.

Application Process and Biometric Data

When you submit your visa application, you will usually be required to appear in person and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.

If you have submitted biometric data within the past 59 months for a Schengen visa, you are exempt from appearing in person. You may have someone else submit your application on your behalf.

However, if your previous biometric data is not retrievable in the system, or if an interview is deemed necessary, you may be asked to appear in person.

Tracking Your Application

If you apply through the Netherlands Visa Office, you can track the progress of your application using the tracking portal.

If you apply directly at the Dutch embassy or consulate, you may receive updates through the email address or application portal you used.

How Your Application is Assessed

Your visa application will be checked in the Schengen Information System to ensure there are no alerts against your entry. Your biometric data will be stored in the Visa Information System and used to assess your eligibility.

If any inconsistencies or doubts arise, you may be invited for an interview. The embassy also reserves the right to request additional documents during the process.

When Will You Leave the Transit Zone

Your visa requirements depend largely on whether you will remain in the airport’s international transit zone.

You will leave the transit zone if:

• You switch from a non-Schengen flight to a Schengen flight

• You need to collect and recheck your baggage

• You exit the airport for any reason

Only Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has an international transit area that allows for airside transfers without requiring entry into the Schengen zone. If you are transferring at any other airport in the Netherlands, you will automatically exit the transit area and must apply for a short-stay Schengen visa instead.

Advice for Travellers

• Before your trip, double-check with your airline to confirm whether your baggage will be checked through and whether you will be required to remain in the transit zone.

• Apply for your visa well in advance, especially if your journey involves multiple layovers or if your nationality requires obtaining transit permission.

• Have all necessary documents ready at immigration, including your visa, onward tickets, and identification.

• Allow enough layover time in case you are required to undergo immigration formalities. A minimum of three hours is recommended for international transfers.

• If your journey involves multiple transits, for example, from India to the UK via the Netherlands and France, make sure you check the visa policies of each country in your itinerary.

If a transit visa is required, ensure that your documents are complete and submit your application early to avoid delays. Remember that transiting through any airport other than Schiphol will almost always require you to exit the transit zone and obtain a Schengen short-stay visa. Being informed about airline practices, ticket types, and the visa application process will help you avoid unexpected complications during your transfer through the Netherlands