Do I Need ETIAS for the Netherlands? What Travelers Need to Know

From Amsterdam to the world-famous tulip fields of Bollenstreek, millions of people travel to the Netherlands each and every year. With historical places like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum, this Dutch country has a rich history with many popular tourist destinations.

When planning a trip to the Netherlands, understanding all of the travel requirements is a must – and this includes ETIAS. 

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming trip to Rotterdam, The Hague, or wherever it is you’re headed to in this remarkable country. 

Do I need ETIAS to visit the Netherlands?

Yes. If you do not have a Dutch visa or Schengen visa and are not a current resident of the Schengen zone, you will need ETIAS to travel to the Netherlands from 2025 on, even if you didn’t need it before.

For context, the Schengen area (of which the Netherlands is a part) has a visa waiver agreement with several countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and others. That means most citizens from these countries don’t need to obtain a visa to visit the Netherlands (or any of the 29 countries in the Schengen area). Instead, they will need to obtain ETIAS authorization. 

It’s important to understand that ETIAS isn’t a visa – it’s approval to enter the Schengen area, thus it isn’t a substitute for a Schengen visa. 

If you’re from a country that does not have a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen area (such as India or China), you do not need ETIAS to travel to the Netherlands. Instead, you still need a Schengen visa. 

Do I need ETIAS if I have a Dutch visa?

No. If you hold a valid visa for the Netherlands (or Schengen area), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Travelers need to have either a valid Dutch visa/passport or ETIAS approval. Residents of the Schengen area do not need ETIAS either.

How to apply for ETIAS for the Netherlands

Obtaining your ETIAS authorization for the Netherlands is very easy and takes place entirely online. It should only take you a matter of minutes.

How to get ETIAS for the Netherlands: step-by-step

• Step one: fill out the form on the official ETIAS site. You’ll need to provide a few personal details such as your name, travel plans, nationality, and passport number.
• Step two: answer a few questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.
• Step three: pay the application fee. ETIAS approval comes with a small fee. You’ll need to pay this fee online at the time of application. You can expect to pay 7 euros per person, excluding those under the age of 18 or over the age of 70. In their case, the fee is waived. 
• Step four: wait for approval. Approval, in the majority of cases, is immediate or only takes a couple of minutes. With that being said, approval can take up to 30 days. Because of that, it’s best to plan accordingly and apply for your ETIAS well before your departure date. 
• Step five: travel to the Netherlands! Your ETIAS approval will be automatically (digitally) linked to your passport. This means that border authorities will be able to see that you have been approved to enter the Schengen area, without the need for additional papers and documents. However, it’s never a bad idea to save a digital copy on your phone, or even print out your proof of approval – just in case. 

How long is ETIAS for the Netherlands valid for?

Your Dutch ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 

What if my ETIAS for the Netherlands is denied? 

If your ETIAS for the Netherlands is denied, you’ll receive an email detailing the reason(s). In this email, you’ll also receive instructions on how to file an appeal. Keep in mind that if you require ETIAS approval, you won’t be able to visit the Netherlands without it.

If I get an ETIAS for the Netherlands, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for the Netherlands: Key Takeaways

• ETIAS is required for visitors to the Netherlands who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2025 on. 
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes. 
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• Dutch/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Netherlands visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 7 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country. 
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea. 
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards. 
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application. 
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
• US citizens need ETIAS to travel to the Netherlands (including to Amsterdam) from 2025 on.
• UK citizens need ETIAS to travel to the Netherlands from 2025 on.