Netherlands
About
| The Netherlands is a lively mix of tradition, in the form of windmills and tulips, and fast-paced modern European life. The Netherlands is an ideal destination for those who enjoy pursuits like cycling or walking without over-exerting themselves. A glass-topped boat tour round Amsterdam's many waterways and harbour is an excellent way to see the city's most interesting areas. Another option is to take the Museum Boat. Stroll around the historic city of Gouda, following the Cheese Map (available from the local tourist office) which leads visitors around the various landmarks, including the Weighhouse Museum, associated with cheese making in the city. Take a trip to the Hoge Veluwe national park near Arnhem, with its underground museum dedicated to subterranean life, and also visit the Kröller-Müller Museum. |
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| Capital: | Amsterdam (AMS / SPL) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | Dutch. Frisian is spoken in Friesland. English is widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 31 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Public Holidays: |
Jan 1; Apr 15, 17-18, 27; May 5, 26; Jun 5-6; Dec 25-26 |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | Mid-April to mid-October. Rain is frequent throughout the year. The fog and mist can be very cold during the colder months. |
| Best for: | Medieval Architecture, Museums & Galleries, Tulips |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin European-style plugs are in use |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. The Dutch have tolerant attitudes, and are known for their directness. Orange is related to the Royal Family and the national identity of the country, it is frequently worn during sport events. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | 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. Smoking in public is prohibited. Individuals over the age of 14 need to carry identification. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | There have been reports of a scam whereby “plain clothes policemen” who claim to be investigating credit card fraud and counterfeit currency will approach tourists and ask to see credit cards and cash. Visitor passes are offered by some cities and offer free / reduced admission to museums and attractions. |
| Duty Free: | The Netherlands is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22% volume, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into the Netherlands by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of €430 or €300 if arriving by private aircraft or yacht. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Counterfeit goods, endangered plant and animal species, arms and ammunition, narcotics, antiques without an export permit from the country of origin, and uncertified plants, meat and dairy products from outside the EU. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Counterfeit goods, uncertified plant and animal products, endangered plant and animal species, arms and ammunition, and unlicensed cultural artefacts. |
Issuing Authorities
Netherlands Embassy, Pretoria
210 Florence Ribeiro / Queen Wilhelmina Avenue, Cnr Muckleneuk Street, New Muckleneuk
Tel: 012 425 4500
Web: www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/south-africa
Mon-Thurs: 9:00 - 17:00
Fri: 8:00-13:00
Consulate-General of the Netherlands, Cape Town
100 Strand St., Cape Town 8001.
Tel: 021 421 5660
By appointment
Visa Applications through VFS Global.
See also: www.netherlandsworldwide.nl for visa information.
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
VFS Global
Tel: 012 425 3005
Email: info.nlza@vfshelpline.com
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, First floor, 217 Bronkhorst Street (entrance on Tram Street), Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: Applicants must appear in person to submit biometrics.
For every document, you must provide the original and one copy.
- Application form: to be completed online, printed and signed: consular.mfaservices.nl/
- Passport: Valid for 3 months from date of departure from Schengen area with 2 blank pages. Copy of bio page and previous schengen visas.
- Minors: the minor’s birth certificate (unabridged), certified copies of ID/passport of both parents. If the minor travels alone: certified parental consent by both parents. If the minor travels with only one parent, the other parent must produce the certified consent. If only one parent has guardianship of the minor, the relevant court documents must be presented.
- Non-South Africa nationals: South African residence permit or temporary residence permit valid at least three months beyond the planned stay in the territority of the Member States.
- A passport photo that meets Dutch passport requirements.
- Round trip reservation and detailed itinerary including dates and flight numbers specifying the dates of entry and exit from the territory of the Member State.
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence during the intended stay: bank statement for the past three months, unless all the expenses are coveren by the employer of the host.
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of the intended stay. If accommodation costs are covered by another entity, this mist be clearly stated in the invitation letter.
- If applicant is staying with a relative or friend, an inovation letter mentioning this must be submitted.
- In case of a pre-paid tour, details of the tour with a proof of payment to the tour operator should be provided.
- Proof of employment: a letter from company stating monthly wages, continuing employment after period of leave and duration of vacation, etc.
- If student: letter from school/college/university in South Africa certifying the student status of the applicant.
- Proof of possession of travel medical insurance: to cover any expenses, which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during the stay(s) in Schengen area. The insurance shall be valid throughout the territory of the Member States and cover the entire period of the intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30000.
Visa Processing Time
Usually 15 days. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. It is recommended to apply no later than 45 days before your trip.
Visa Validity
A Schengen visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
VFS Service Fees: EUR 23 [ZAR 475]
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.
SA Representative
SA Embassy
36 Wassenaarseweg, 2596 CJ The Hague
Tel: + 31 70 392 4501
E-mail: info.thehague@dirco.gov.za
Web: www.zuidafrika.nl
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
