Netherlands
ISO Code: NL
holland.com- Member of Schengen Agreement
- Visa: Required
- Vaccination: None Required
- Capital
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Dialing Code
- + 31
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +1
- Daylight Savings Time
- Last Sunday of March to last Sunday of October: UTC / GMT +2
- Language
- Dutch
- Best Time to Go
- April to October
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
Travel Tips
- Frisian is spoken in Friesland. English is widely spoken
- Rain is frequent throughout the year. The fog and mist can be very cold during the colder months
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink
- The use of cannabis is allowed in designated coffee shops only. The trafficking, possession and use of drugs (including cannabis outside of licensed premises) is illegal and carries prison sentences
- Individuals over the age of 14 need to carry identification
Last updated 29 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Netherlands Embassy, Pretoria
210 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Cnr Muckleneuk Street, New Muckleneuk
Telephone: 012 425 4500
Website: www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/south-africa
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 - 17:00 | Friday: 8:00 - 13:00
Consulate-General of the Netherlands, Cape Town
100 Strand Street, Cape Town
Telephone: 021 421 5660
By appointment
Visa Information
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
April: 3, 5 - 6, 27
May: 5, 14, 24 - 25
December: 25 - 26
2027
January: 1
March: 26 - 29
April: 27
May: 5 - 6, 16 - 17
December: 25 - 26
Visa Application Centre
VFS Global
Telephone: 012 425 3005
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/nld/
Hours: Mon- Fri 08:00 - 12:30 | 13:30 to 17:00
- Cape Town: 8th Floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town
- Durban: Unit 409, 4th Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road), Essenwood
- Johannesburg: 2nd Floor, Rivonia Village, Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Sandton
- Pretoria: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders
Netherlands is a member of the Schengen Agreement
- If you intend to visit only Netherlands, you must apply at the Embassy of Netherlands / Visa Application Centre
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry
Requirements:
In addition:
- Visa application form to be completed online: consular.mfaservices.nl/schengen-visa/short-stay. Once completed, form must be printed and signed
- For every document, you must provide the original and one copy
- Proof of sufficient funds to the value of EUR 55 per day
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit, not more than 6 months before the visit.
The average processing time is 18 to 21 calendar days.
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR 90
Children (6-12): EUR 45
Children (under 6): Free
VFS Service Fees: EUR 27 (R502)
Payment must be credit / debit card or cash deposit at the bank. EFT payments are not accepted. Exchange rates are subject to change, please check before making cash deposit payments.
Entry Requirements
- It is advisable to take the documents from your visa pack with you when travelling, including proof of your travel insurance
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory Travel Vaccines:
- None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
Zeestraat 100, 6th Floor, 2518 AD The Hague
Tel: +31 61 561 0130
E-mail: info.thehague@dirco.gov.za
Web: www.zuidafrika.nl