GoNetherlands Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

The Netherlands is a Schengen Agreement country. Chinese mainland residents, regardless of the place of issuance of their passports, can book and submit applications through the China Smart Visa (TLS) at any Dutch visa processing center in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuhan, Changsha, Xi'an, Kunming, or Fuzhou (please refer to the official website of the TLS for details). Individuals applying for a long-term visa (MVV) must personally submit their MVV application to the Dutch Embassy or Consulate General in China at the agreed time. Without appointment confirmation, they are not authorized to enter the visa area of the Embassy or Consulate General. Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region can apply for visas at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The required documents and other detailed information for visa application can be found on the website of the Dutch Embassy in China.

China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines have all opened direct flights to Amsterdam, while Royal Dutch Airlines has opened direct flights from Amsterdam to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and other destinations (please inquire with each airline for flight information). If the arrival flight is from China or a non Schengen agreement country, Chinese passengers need to handle entry procedures. If the flight comes from a Schengen Agreement country (such as connecting from Frankfurt or Paris), Chinese passengers, like citizens of other EU member states, do not need to go through immigration procedures (therefore they have already completed immigration procedures in the transit country of the flight). It should be noted that Chinese citizens who transit through Schengen Agreement countries and do not leave the airport within 24 hours do not need to apply for a Schengen visa. However, if they need to transit through two or more Schengen Agreement countries consecutively (such as Beijing Amsterdam Paris Cairo), they will be considered as entering Schengen countries and must obtain a Schengen visa in advance. In addition, some connecting flights from the Netherlands to non Schengen areas require passengers to re check in and check-in after exiting customs. Therefore, please confirm the baggage check-in status for different segments of the flight in advance and obtain a Schengen transit visa to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Before departure, please check the validity period of your passport, pay attention to the relevant principles of the Schengen Agreement, obtain a visa, ensure that the visa type is consistent with your travel purpose, and avoid being denied entry due to visa issues, which may delay your trip. When handling entry procedures, in addition to a valid passport and visa, please bring the original or photocopy of your hotel reservation, round-trip airfare, travel insurance, travel itinerary, and other visa application materials with you for spot checks. When leaving the Netherlands, as long as the visa does not expire and the border inspection personnel stamp the departure seal on their passport, they can smoothly leave the country. It should be noted that due to the increasingly prominent issues of illegal immigration and security in the Netherlands, airport police may conduct inspections on passengers at any time. Please be prepared for this and preferably express your city and travel purpose in English. If the foreign language is not good, it is best to have an accompanying translator or ask for help from passengers on the same flight.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

The Dutch Customs has clear regulations for inbound and outbound tourists carrying cash: anyone carrying foreign currency worth 10000 euros or more, or equivalent to 10000 euros or more, must declare in writing to the Customs when entering or leaving the border. If the cash carried exceeds this standard and is not declared, it may be detained by customs and subject to corresponding judicial procedures. Please comply with the relevant regulations to avoid unnecessary losses.

Dutch customs will conduct spot checks on the items carried by incoming passengers. According to EU regulations, passengers are not allowed to carry animal derived foods (such as meat, meat products, milk, dairy products) in their luggage, except for commercially packaged infant formula. Passengers are allowed to bring personal or household items or gifts into the country, but the quantity cannot be considered for commercial purposes. Customs officers have the right to value the items carried by passengers.

Non EU citizens aged 17 and above entering the Netherlands are exempt from carrying items worth less than 430 euros. They can also bring 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine, 16 liters of beer, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars. Any excess should be declared and taxed at the airport customs.

Non EU citizens who shop in the same store in the Netherlands marked with "Global Tax Refund, Duty Free Shopping" and make purchases exceeding 50 euros in one day can request the store to issue a tax refund voucher. When leaving the country within three months from the date of purchase, the tax refund can be processed at the airport customs. The actual amount refunded is approximately 10% of the product price.

In addition, the Netherlands has specific regulations for carrying protected animals, rare plants, counterfeit branded products, antiques, artworks, drugs, medicines, weapons, flowers, plants, fruits, fish, meat, dairy products, poultry, pets, etc. Please refer to the official website of Dutch Customs (website: www.douane.nl）。

The Netherlands allows the entry of animals, but requires the presentation of an official veterinary certificate of origin and health certificate at customs, which must record the animal's vaccination materials (especially rabies vaccine). Some hotels allow guests to bring dogs, cats, etc. to stay, but restaurants and other places do not allow pets to enter.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Customs contact phone number: 0800-0143 or+31 45 574 30 31 (from overseas).

Residency and Naturalization

（1） Immigration Policy

In recent years, the number of foreign immigrants in the Netherlands has shown an increasing trend. According to preliminary statistics from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, as of early November 2023, the total population of the Netherlands reached 17.93 million; In 2022, the Netherlands added nearly 227000 people, mainly due to immigration, with a natural population growth of about negative 1000.

The Dutch immigration policy stipulates that those who have legally resided in the Netherlands continuously for more than 5 years can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. If you need to learn about the latest developments in Dutch immigration policies and consult on immigration related issues, you can visit the official website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service（ https://ind.nl/en ）, or call 088 043 04 30 (within the Netherlands), or call+31 88 043 04 30 outside the Netherlands.

In order to effectively curb the influx of illegal immigrants, the Dutch government has vigorously cracked down on human trafficking and illegal immigration activities in recent years, and increased efforts to repatriate illegal immigrants. In 2022, the Dutch repatriation and departure center (DT&V) forcibly repatriated 1850 illegal immigrants.

（2） Nationality Policy

The Dutch nationality policy mainly adopts the principle of bloodline, which determines the nationality of newborns based on their parents' nationality rather than their place of birth. If one or both parents have Dutch nationality, the newborn has Dutch nationality from birth. The Netherlands adopts a limited recognition of dual nationality. If you need to learn about the Dutch nationality policy, you can visit the Dutch government website（ https://www.government.nl/ ）Search.

The risk level in the Netherlands is blue (low risk)

public security

（1） Overall situation

Overall, the Netherlands is one of the countries in Europe with relatively good social security. But in recent years, some major cities in the Netherlands (such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, etc.) have also experienced some social security issues. Chinese citizens are often robbed, robbed, or deceived at airports, train stations, trains, hotels, tourist attractions, and other places. In recent years, there have been multiple cases in cities such as The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam where Chinese citizens have rented vehicles that have been smashed or robbed, or where passengers have been robbed or scammed by fake police officers, resulting in the loss of passports and other identity documents or significant property damage to the parties involved, causing great inconvenience to their travels.

（2） Precautions

1. It is best not to go out alone. When going out for sightseeing, shopping, etc., it is important to travel in groups and take good care of your wallet and other personal belongings to prevent theft.

2. When going out, try to swipe your card for consumption, bring less cash, and keep cash in different pockets, avoiding putting cash or wallet in the back pocket or backpack. When using an ATM or withdrawing money from a bank, pay attention to the people around you. Do not place your handbag behind your back while dining. If your bank card is accidentally lost or stolen, please call the bank hotline as soon as possible to report the loss and inquire about compensation for theft. Phone number for reporting lost bank cards in some domestic banks: China Construction Bank 95533; Bank of China 95566; Bank of Communications 95559; Agricultural Bank of China 95599; Industrial and Commercial Bank of China 95588.

3. Take good care of personal important items. Special attention should be paid to theft and robbery prevention at airports, train stations, trains, and scenic spots. Beware of gang crimes and avoid property theft due to distracted attention. When staying at a hotel, one should pay attention to property safety and be cautious of getting off at the hotel gate, checking in or checking out, or being robbed while dining in the hotel.

4. Car rental tourists should avoid placing valuable items inside the car when leaving for sightseeing (even if they are placed in the trunk, it is not safe). In case of sudden incidents such as theft and robbery, it is necessary to report to the police in a timely manner and pay attention to collecting clues and information.

5. Prepare copies or photos of passport, visa, residence card, student ID, ID card and other documents in advance for future reference. Separate the original and photocopy of identification documents, identification documents, and property to prevent simultaneous loss.

6. The British Embassy and Consulates in the Netherlands do not accept visa applications or reissues for travel to the UK. Chinese students or tourists from the UK should pay special attention to keeping their passports, residence permits or visas in the UK safe. If the relevant documents are lost, it will have a serious impact on returning to the UK for study or continuing to travel to the UK.

In recent years, in cities and tourist attractions such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, there have been some fake police officers wearing civilian clothes and holding fake police cards who search tourists' clothes and wallets for passport, visa, counterfeit currency, and drug purposes, engaging in theft. If the above situation occurs, the search should be refused and the emergency hotline should be immediately dialed: 0900-8844.

In recent years, telecommunications fraud carried out under the names of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, domestic public security, procuratorial and judicial departments, and DHL courier companies has never ceased. Please strengthen prevention measures. Do not trust any personal financial information, phone calls, text messages, or emails requesting transfers or remittances. If you receive a suspected fraudulent phone call, it is recommended to ignore it or block it. If unfortunately deceived, please report to the Dutch police and domestic public security authorities immediately. If it is not possible to report the case directly to the domestic public security organs, you can report it through domestic relatives and request assistance from the anti telecom network fraud center in the place where the report is made (call 110 or 96110 to transfer to the anti fraud center).

The Netherlands is a coastal country with dense river networks. When playing at the seaside, it is important to be aware of the weather and tides in advance, and avoid swimming in the sea when the ocean currents are turbulent; Comply with beach regulations and do not swim alone or in undeveloped areas; When engaging in activities such as surfing, windsurfing, rowing, etc., please understand the safety regulations in advance and take responsibility for your own safety. When taking a canal cruise, please pay attention to civilized travel, avoid getting drunk on the boat, and do not play or frolic by the river or on the boat; It is recommended that tourists who are prone to motion sickness prepare motion sickness medication in advance and promptly explain the situation to the onboard staff when feeling unwell; At the same time, please choose a legitimate cruise company, comply with the regulations on board, and take good care of your own belongings to avoid disputes afterwards.

natural disaster

Due to its location in the high latitude region where the North Atlantic Warm Current flows, the frequency of natural disasters in the Netherlands is relatively low. On the other hand, due to the low terrain of the country, with a quarter of the land below sea level, and the global greenhouse effect causing sea level rise in recent years, floods are the biggest hidden danger in the Netherlands. But the Dutch have accumulated rich experience in the long-term struggle against floods, invested heavily in building the world's most advanced sea dam system, and constructed multiple prevention systems throughout society.

Due to factors such as geographical location, the Netherlands experiences heavy rainfall and strong winds throughout the year, especially during the autumn and winter seasons, where extreme weather such as storms and snow often occur. It is recommended to choose seasons such as spring and summer to travel to the Netherlands. Bring your own raincoat or umbrella with good windproof performance. In extreme windy weather, it is advisable to closely monitor the local weather forecast and road, traffic, and travel reminders, avoid going to dangerous areas such as near water and high altitude, and ensure personal safety.

The Netherlands is not located in an earthquake zone, and due to its unique geological structure, earthquakes occur less frequently within its borders. However, due to the long-term and large-scale exploitation of natural gas along the North Sea coast for over half a century, the natural pressure on the land in northern Netherlands, especially in Groningen province, has decreased, resulting in frequent small-scale earthquakes in recent years. Although the magnitude ranges from 2 to 4 and did not cause serious casualties, there were many damaged houses and roads, and residents' psychology was also affected. At present, the Dutch court has made a clear ruling to significantly reduce natural gas production, and the Dutch government has also promised to actively develop new energy and reduce natural gas production to reduce earthquake risks. It is recommended to learn about earthquake evacuation knowledge in advance when traveling to the Netherlands. If you encounter an earthquake or feel a shock during the trip, it is recommended to remain calm and ensure personal safety in the correct way. In case of emergency or other situations, you can also call the Dutch emergency hotline or our consulate's protection and assistance hotline.

Urgent Help

If there is a public security incident, you should immediately report it to the police station or call the emergency hotline. Emergency hotline: 112 or 0900-8844.

The emergency system in the Netherlands is well-developed, and dialing 112 can quickly provide emergency services.

Emergency contact information for consular protection of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands:+31-682278165 (emergency)

air traffic

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an important aviation hub in Europe, located 15 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam and serving over 300 destinations in more than 90 countries or regions. In 2022, the airport's passenger flow reached 52.5 million, making it one of the busiest airports in Europe. The airport has complete facilities, including foreign currency exchange offices, currency exchange machines, restaurants, duty-free shops, luggage storage areas, travel agencies, hotel reservation centers, news centers, etc. The airport is equipped with coin operated fax machines, computers, and printers, and mobile phone devices can be rented through KPN Telecom Rental Center. There are train and bus stations underground at the airport, and passengers can use railways and buses to reach various parts of the Netherlands after getting off the plane.

land transport

The main types of international railway trains applicable in the Netherlands are as follows:

Firstly, ICE International express trains run through countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, passing through Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem in the Netherlands, Oberhausen, Duisburg, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich in Germany, Basel, Zurich in Switzerland, and Vienna in Austria.

Secondly, the Eurostar high-speed train operates between London in the UK, Lille in France, Brussels and Antwerp in Belgium, Rotterdam, Schiphol, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Thirdly, Thalys high-speed trains operate in cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Lille, Paris, and Marseille.

water communication

The water transportation in the Netherlands is very convenient. The rivers within the territory are crisscrossing and the waterways are well connected. The Rhine River, which flows through the south and empties into the North Sea, is one of the busiest shipping rivers in the world. Its mouth, Rotterdam, is a world-class port with a throughput that has been ranked first in the world for 42 consecutive years. The capital city of Amsterdam is known as the 'Venice of the North', with a total length of over 100 kilometers of canals, more than 90 islands, and 1500 bridges. Except for Amsterdam and Rotterdam, many other cities in the Netherlands have well preserved ancient canals, and most of the canals are operated by cruise companies for canal tourism. Tourists can conveniently and quickly inquire or handle boat procedures through the tourist centers located throughout the country (VVV in Dutch, symbolized by the three inverted triangles).

Urban transportation

The Dutch railway network is well connected, with modern "intercity express trains" departing on average every half hour between most cities. Each major city center has a train station, which is an ideal means of transportation for traveling.

The train station is equipped with automatic ticket machines and ticket windows, and tickets can be purchased according to needs. The discount for using the train discount annual card is up to 40%. The card can be used during non peak hours (9:00 to 16:00, 18:30 to 6:30), and can be used all day on weekends and holidays. There is no discount during peak hours. It should be noted that special applications are required for train discount cards, especially for annual cards that offer a 40% discount. Real name applications and local addresses are required. It is not recommended for short-term tourists to apply for annual cards in the Netherlands. When taking the train, pay attention to Check In and Check Out, and carry your train ticket and ID with you for verification. If you need to know about ticket information, you can log in to the NS website of Dutch Railways（ http://www.ns.nl/en ）Search.

More than 400 train stations throughout the Netherlands provide passengers with on-board bicycle transportation services. Passengers only need to buy a ticket for their bicycle and can put it in the luggage compartment for check-in. Many hotels in the Netherlands offer bicycle rental services.

Dutch taxis are different from those in China, as they cannot wave or stop taxis on the streets. Taxis stop at specialized stations to wait for passengers, which can be found at airports, train stations, large hotels, and conference centers. You can also call the taxi company's phone number to book a taxi or book through the hotel. Dutch taxis are in good condition, with Mercedes Benz cars being the majority. If traveling to and from the airport or other places, you can specifically book airport taxis. These taxis are not priced based on specific mileage, and both parties can negotiate the price themselves. Please follow the instructions within the airport to take a legally operated taxi to the designated area. Non regular taxi drivers often take the initiative to provide passenger services at airports. After arriving at the destination, they charge several times higher than the normal fare, and it is not recommended to take the taxi.

The road conditions in the Netherlands are good with clear traffic signs, making it very convenient to drive. However, it is important to follow local traffic rules and avoid speeding, running red lights, and drunk driving. When driving outside, it is advisable to avoid peak commuting hours from 8am to 9am and from 5pm to 6pm. To drive a motor vehicle in the Netherlands, one must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license. Holders of a valid Chinese driver's license (recommended to have their English translation notarized) can use their driver's license to drive within 185 days from the date of arrival in the Netherlands. If this period is exceeded, they must replace or obtain a new Dutch driver's license.

major city

（1） The Hague

The Hague is located on the west coast of the Netherlands, 3 kilometers from the North Sea, with a population of 560000. It is the third largest city in the Netherlands and the location of central government departments, as well as the parliament and foreign missions.

The Hague "means" the Count's forest ". In 1248, Count Wilhelm II of the Netherlands built a castle here. Due to historical reasons and considerations for balancing the North and South powers, the Netherlands decided to establish Amsterdam as its capital and The Hague as the location of the central government department after overthrowing Napoleon's rule.

The Hague is a famous cultural center in the Netherlands, with academic institutions such as the International Law School and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts; It is also a tourist destination, and nearby Scheveningen is a famous seaside resort. The Peace Palace in the city is the office of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

（2） Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is the largest city and the second largest port. The population is 921000. Ashi is located in the northwest of the Netherlands, adjacent to Lake Aisle, and connected to the North Sea through the North Sea Canal in the west, with a long history. The urban area of Ashi is crisscrossed by canals, with a total length of over 100 kilometers and 165 canals dividing the city into more than 90 islands. The islands are connected by 1500 traditional arch bridges and modern retractable bridges, and are regulated by 16 water gates to regulate water levels. It is known as the "Venice of the North".

In October 1994, Amsterdam established sister city relations with Beijing.

（3） Rotterdam

Rotterdam is located on both sides of the New Maas River in the Rhine estuary region of southwestern Netherlands, 28 kilometers away from the North Sea. The second largest city in the Netherlands with a population of 664000 and an important port in Europe. The tall tower "European Mast", built in 1960 to welcome the Rotterdam International Flora Exhibition, is 185 meters high and offers a bird's-eye view of the entire city.

In November 1979, Rotterdam established sister city relations with Shanghai.

Shopping consumption

Credit card is a common payment method in the Netherlands. Most tourist attractions or large shopping centers accept credit card payments, but some family hotels, small supermarkets, small shops, etc. do not accept them. In addition, the magnetic stripe credit or debit cards commonly used in China are also unable to be used in many shops, and chip based bank cards are commonly used locally. Hotels, restaurants, and shops generally accept traveler's checks, but require a passport to be presented. Dutch merchants generally do not accept large denomination cash of over 100 euros for small purchases and consumption. Carrying a large amount of cash with you is actually neither convenient nor safe. In the Netherlands, foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, and the external business hours are from 9:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday. There are also specialized foreign currency exchange offices in some big cities. Banks in airports, stations, and other places have long business hours, and even operate as usual on weekends and holidays.

Insurance Medical

The Netherlands has a well-established healthcare network, with densely distributed health centers and hospitals that can provide primary diagnosis and specialized care, making it very convenient to seek medical treatment in the Netherlands. In addition, the Dutch emergency system is well-developed, and dialing 112 can quickly provide emergency services. Medical treatment in the Netherlands is relatively expensive, so it is recommended to purchase medical insurance for oneself before traveling.

In the Netherlands, drugs must be purchased at pharmacies, and prescription drugs must have a prescription issued by a doctor. Some commonly used over-the-counter drugs, such as painkillers, can also be purchased in supermarkets and daily grocery stores. Pharmacies are widely distributed in the Netherlands, making it very convenient to purchase medicine. In some big cities, pharmacies take turns on duty at night and on weekends, operating 24 hours a day. The duty dates can be found on the pharmacy website. When traveling, you can carry anti-inflammatory drugs, cold medicine, fever reducing medicine, anti motion sickness medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, wound dressings and other medications with you in case of urgent need. However, it is not recommended to bring traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations, because it may contain illegal ingredients specified by Dutch customs. If necessary, the prescription should be brought along.

When submitting visa application materials to the Dutch Embassy or Consulate General in China for short-term travel or visiting relatives and friends in the Netherlands, a medical insurance policy must be provided. By completing insurance procedures in advance, compensation and medical expenses can be obtained in the event of an accident. If studying, working or living in the Netherlands for more than three months, corresponding medical insurance must also be purchased.

Customs taboos

According to official statistics from the Netherlands, about 18.2% of Dutch residents believe in Roman Catholicism, about 13.2% believe in Protestantism, and about 5.6% believe in Islam. About 57.2% have no religious beliefs.

The Netherlands implements daylight saving time, which starts from 1am on the last Sunday of March each year and lasts until 1am on the last Sunday of October. During the implementation of daylight saving time, the time difference between the Netherlands and China is 6 hours, and the time difference for other times is 7 hours.

Dutch statutory holidays include: New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter (the first Sunday after the full moon of the Spring Equinox), Second Resurrection Day (the second day after Easter), King's Day (April 27), National Liberation Day (May 5), Ascension Day (the 39th day after Easter), Pentecost (the 49th day after Easter), Pentecost (the 2nd day after Pentecost), Christmas (December 25), and the second day of Christmas (December 26). Dutch people are famous for their furniture and interior decoration, so they like others to "compliment" their furniture, art, carpets, and home decor. Dutch people have a strong sense of time and value punctuality. It is essential to make an appointment before visiting.

Dutch people avoid the 13th and Friday. In mutual communication, it is taboo to have others take photos or inquire about religious beliefs, salary, marital status, etc.

Communications Power

The international long-distance area code for the Netherlands is 0031, and the SIM card is generally available for free, but the phone cost is relatively high, and there are multiple packages to choose from. Chinese dual band phones can be used directly by purchasing a SIM card in the Netherlands, with the option to choose between prepaid or contracted options.

The voltage of the Dutch power supply is 220 volts, 50 hertz, and the power socket is a European style double round plug.

contact information

（1） Emergency hotline: 112 (fire alarm, first aid) or 0900-8844 (non emergency situation),+31-343 578 844 (call from abroad)

Website: www.politie.nl (reporting, complaining, searching for people, etc.)

（2） Global Consular Protection and Services Emergency Call Center of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-65612308

（3） Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands

Consular consultation hotline:+ 31-682065084

Consular protection assistance hotline:+31-682278165 (emergency)

（4） China Visa Application Service Center (The Hague)

Phone:+ 31-702 629 150

Fax:+ 31-703 886 595

（5） Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands

Switchboard:+ 31-20-6019111

Lost and Found Office: 0900-0141 or+31-207 940 800 (call from overseas)

Medical emergency station:+ 31-20-649 2566

（6） Dutch Customs: 0800-0143 or+31-45 574 30 31 (call from abroad)

（7） Royal Dutch Airlines customer service hotline:+ 31-20 4747 747

（8） Dutch Immigration Office

Consultation and appointment hotline:+ 31-88 043 04 30

Complaint hotline:+ 31-88-043 0470

Website: www.ind.nl (for inquiries, appointments, complaints, etc.)

（9） Western Union remittance

Phone: 0800-022-8781 (Chinese service available)

（10） Dutch Railways (NS)

Lost and Found Office:+ 31-30-7515155

（11） Hong Kong SAR Government Immigration Department Assistance Hotline for Hong Kong Residents Outside: 00852-1868

（12） Macau SAR Public Security Police Service Hotline for Overseas Macau Residents Encountering Document Issues: 00853-2857-3333