How to Apply for a Netherlands Tourist Visa in Qatar

The Netherlands (sometimes informally called Holland) is a country in Europe. It is famous for its windmills, which play an important role in managing the waters surrounding the land. There are many more attractions such as the canals and tulips, that are worth your time to explore as much as you can.

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As is required in most European countries, visitors who wish to stay for a short period must apply for a Schengen visa. This rule applies to Philippine passport holders as well, whether they are on holiday, visiting family members, or conducting business.

Tourist Visa Application for Filipinos

Filipinos planning to visit European countries such as The Netherlands are required to apply for a Schengen visa. With this type of visa, tourists can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa Application Requirements

You can find the requirements on the VFS Global website. Here are the documents you’ll need:

Application form: You can find the application form on the website of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fill out all the necessary details within the 30-minute time frame.
Valid passport: It should have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned visit to the Schengen country. The passport should also have at least 2 blank pages left.
Personal details page of the passport
Any previous passport and the personal details page
Passport photo: It should meet the Dutch passport requirements.
If traveling with minors: You should also present their birth certificate, a document showing the parent’s signature, court order giving responsibility to the parent, and a declaration form from the minor’s school.
Qatar ID or any proof of legal residence
Work permit (if applicable)
Travel itinerary: You only need to present the travel reservation, and it must bear your name.
Documents proving that you are in The Netherlands to travel
Hotel reservation for the duration of your stay
Bank statement: It should reflect your transaction within the last 3 months.
Letter from your employer: It should include information about the duration of your tour.
Documents showing that you intend to return to your country after the trip
Health insurance: It should be valid throughout the Schengen area and for the duration of your stay. It should have a coverage worth €30,000, including hospital care, emergency treatment, and repatriation.

Note: You will also need to print the checklist from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Procedure for Visa Application

To visit this Dutch country, you will need a Schengen visa. Follow these steps to process your application:

Step 1: Gather the necessary documents

Step 2: Make an appointment with VFS Global in Qatar. Visit the VFS Global website to schedule your appointment.

Step 3: Submit the documents on your appointed date. During this visit, you will provide your fingerprints and pay the visa fee. Additionally, you can indicate how you want to receive your passport during the interview.

Step 4: Wait for the decision

Visa Application Fees

Here is the list of the fees for the various services:

Schengen visa for adult: € 80
Schengen visa for child (6-11): € 40
Schengen visa for child (under 6): FREE
Courier costs: € 15

Address and Contact Details of the Netherlands Embassy in Qatar

Address: Alfardan Office Tower, 18th Floor, 61 Al Funduq Street, West Bay, P.O. Box 23675, Doha
Phone: +974 4495 4700
Fax: +974 4483 6340
Email: doh@minbuza.nl
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 8:00 – 16:00

Map of the Netherlands Embassy in Qatar

Video About Visa Application

If you want to get an idea of how to apply for a tourist visa for the Netherlands, you can gain insights from this YouTube video by Budek Umila. While the vlogger shares his experience with the visa application from Abu Dhabi, there are still some similarities in the procedure even if you are in Qatar.

Be sure to watch the video until the end to learn how to rebook your flight, produce your passport photo, and prepare the employer’s letter.

You can watch the full video here:

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the OFW shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.

How to Get to the Netherlands from Qatar

If you’re still trying to choose which airlines can take you to the Netherlands from Qatar, your choices include Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Virgin Australia, and RwandAir. Most airlines fly to Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and the average flight time is about 7 hours. It has also been observed that the cheapest month to fly is in December.

You can compare the frequency of flights offered by these airlines to the Netherlands. Additionally, you can check which flight time is more cost-effective or convenient for you.

Popular Destinations in the Netherlands

Whether you have planned your itinerary or not, knowing the best places to visit in this Dutch country might help you manage your time and resources better. Don’t forget to look for the best places to pick up some famous souvenirs, such as wooden clogs and Gouda cheese. Here are some suggestions:

Amsterdam

When you visit the country’s capital, one of the striking features you will notice are the canals. Exploring the city by the canals, especially the Jordaan and the Grachtengordel, is a must as these areas boast historic charm and eye-catching architecture.

While in Amsterdam, be sure to visit Dam Square to try their local restaurants and cafes. Other must-see attractions include the New Church and the National Memorial Statue. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House, an important historical site from World War II.

Amsterdam is also home to the Royal Palace. To visit, make a reservation online or buy the ticket on-site. Before you make an appointment, check the palace calendar for any Royal Events that might limit visitors’ access.

Another popular way to get around the city is by using bikes, and the city even offers free bikes for visitors to use.

Lisse

The town of Lisse is renowned for its massive collection of colorful tulips. In particular, you can go to Keukenhof to see more than 700 varieties of tulips. The best time to visit is between April and May. Aside from tulips, you can also admire hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils.

In addition to the tulip gardens, you can visit churches and cathedrals, including Sint Agathakerk or Salemkerk Lisse.

Getting to Lisse from Amsterdam is convenient, whether you are self-driving or using public transport; the town is only 45 minutes away.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the country, boasting many interesting structures, restaurants, and shops for you to explore.

If visiting churches and cathedrals is on your list, consider a visit to the Church of Saint Laurence. Built in the 1400s, this house of worship has witnessed many important events in the city’s history.

Rotterdam also features intriguing architecture, such as the Cube House, Rotterdam Central Station, Euromast Tower, and Markthal Rotterdam, each boasting colorful designs and unique facades.

Kinderdijk

When in Kinderdjik, make sure to see the windmills, iconic structures that give the country its identity. Several windmills line the canals and are truly a sight to behold. For further exploration of this town, consider joining bike tours and enjoying the sights with other visitors.

The windmill network is a UNESCO Heritage site, symbolizing modern water engineering. However, it’s worth noting that there are many other windmills scattered throughout the Netherlands.

The Hague

The Hague is the third-largest city in the country and offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy the beach and try out various restaurants.

This city is also renowned politically, being the seat of the Dutch government. The Binnenhof complex houses the office of the prime minister, and you may also be familiar with the International Court of Justice, whose headquarters are in The Hague.

The Noordeinde Palace serves as the office of the current king of the Netherlands. For four centuries, this palace has been home to the Royal Family. Apart from the palace, visitors can enjoy boutiques and galleries in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between the Netherlands and Holland?

The main difference is that Holland is just a part of the country, while the Netherlands refers to the entire country. These two names were used interchangeably before, but now the government is reworking the branding to showcase other regions aside from Holland to tourists.

What is a partner visa in the Netherlands?

This type of visa is also called the Netherlands spouse visa. With this kind of visa, foreign nationals can join their Dutch partner (whether they are citizens or legal residents) in the country. One of the requirements for this visa is the marriage certificate or any registered partnership certificate. The Dutch partner should also be able to show proof that they can financially support their spouse.

Can someone sponsor me to live in the Netherlands?

Yes, someone can sponsor you to live in the Netherlands, and that sponsor will be the one to apply for your residence permit. The sponsor could be your employer, an educational institution, or a partner with whom you intend to live. Additionally, the sponsor will be the one to submit an admission and residence application on your behalf. Once your application has been approved, and you are finally in the Netherlands, you will claim your residence permit from the Immigration and Nationalisation Service office.

Summary

The Netherlands is a country in Western Europe and is part of the Schengen region, allowing tourists to enter other countries with their Schengen visa. For Filipinos, applying for a Schengen visa is the first step to being allowed to visit.

Some of the requirements include the application form, passport, passport photo, bank statement, Qatar ID, among others. You will need to schedule an appointment with the visa processing center, where you will submit your documentary requirements and provide your biometrics. Then, you will wait for the result of your application.