- Capital
- Amsterdam (AMS / SPL)
- 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 17 September 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Netherlands Embassy, Pretoria
210 Florence Ribeiro / Queen Wilhelmina 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 St., Cape Town 8001.
Telephone: 021 421 5660
By appointment
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
April: 3, 5 - 6, 27
May: 5, 14, 24 - 25
December: 25 - 26
Visa Application Centre
Visa Applications through VFS Global
Telephone: 012 425 3005
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/nld/
Cape Town: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001
Durban: Unit 409, 4th Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road), Essenwood, Durban
Johannesburg: 1st 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
See also: www.netherlandsworldwide.nl for visa information
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:
See General Schengen 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
- Refer to the checklist (see VFS Global website) for required documents
- Copy of all pages of passport
- An appointment must be made at VFS for the submission of documents and biometrics. Applicants must appear in person to submit biometrics
For every document, you must provide the original and one copy
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit, not more than 6 months before the visit
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
VFS Service Fees: EUR 27 (ZAR 556)
The only acceptable modes of payment of visa fees are by credit/debit card (only at the Visa Application Centre) and cash deposit (at bank). Original deposit slip needs to be carried as evidence of payment when submitting your application at VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre. All fees are non-refundable
Visa Forms
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
- None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
36 Wassenaarseweg, 2596 CJ The Hague
Tel: + 31 70 392 4501
E-mail: info.thehague@dirco.gov.za
Web: www.zuidafrika.nl