Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Netherlands?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Netherlands
Nationals of countries without a Schengen visa-exemption agreement must apply for a short-stay Schengen visa through the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) or a Dutch embassy or consulate before travelling.
Checked 26 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Netherlands does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Netherlands embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Netherlands government page →
Amsterdam
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter Netherlands for stays of up to 90 days. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to Netherlands. Processing takes netherlandsWorldwide lists an average processing time of 25 calendar days for a Schengen visa during the current high season. In some situations, such as high volume, further consideration, or a request for additional documents, processing can increase to 45 calendar days. Bring a completed and signed Schengen visa application form, filled in online so that it carries a unique code, every document on the visa application centre checklist for your main purpose of travel, your passport, submitted together with the documents at the appointment and fingerprints, unless you are under 12, were fingerprinted for a Schengen visa application in the past 59 months, or fall within another listed exception. This was last checked on 26 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Netherlands
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Processing time
- NetherlandsWorldwide lists an average processing time of 25 calendar days for a Schengen visa during the current high season. In some situations, such as high volume, further consideration, or a request for additional documents, processing can increase to 45 calendar days.
- Documents
- A completed and signed Schengen visa application form, filled in online so that it carries a unique code
- Every document on the visa application centre checklist for your main purpose of travel
- Your passport, submitted together with the documents at the appointment
- Fingerprints, unless you are under 12, were fingerprinted for a Schengen visa application in the past 59 months, or fall within another listed exception
- Conditions
- A Schengen visa for the Netherlands covers visits of up to 90 days, for example a holiday, business, or seeing family. It allows a stay in the Schengen area of at most 90 days in any 180-day period, and the visa may be valid for a shorter period. Applications can be made up to 6 months before the trip and at least 15 days before travelling, and applicants must appear in person, even if under 18. The visa fee is waived for some applicants, including children under 6, but service costs are always payable to the visa application centre. Border control may ask for other documents on arrival.
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Netherlands
Check whether you need a visa and where you can apply, based on your country of residence
Complete the Schengen visa application form online and gather every document on the checklist for your purpose of travel
Book your own appointment at the visa application centre, at least 15 days and no more than 6 months before travelling
Attend in person with your passport and documents, give fingerprints, answer questions about your trip, and pay the visa fee and service costs
Collect your passport or have it sent to you, then check that the name and validity dates on the visa are correct
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Netherlands
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Netherlands. This was last checked on 26 September 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Netherlands uses EUR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 26 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →