Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Amsterdam?
Yes. As of May 2026, Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Amsterdam. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and the Netherlands is a full member of the Schengen Area. The visa you apply for is a Netherlands Schengen visa, which allows entry to all 29 Schengen countries, not just the Netherlands.
If you are visiting Amsterdam only, or spending more nights in Amsterdam than anywhere else on your trip, apply through the Netherlands embassy or consulate via VFS Global in India.
How to Apply
- Book a VFS Global appointment for the Netherlands. VFS Global handles Netherlands Schengen visa applications in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and other cities.
- Complete the Schengen visa application form (Annex I), available at the Netherlands consulate website or the VFS portal.
- Gather all required documents (see below).
- Attend your appointment at the VFS centre. Submit your documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
- Pay the €80 fee at the centre.
- Track your application via the VFS online portal. Processing typically takes 15—30 working days.
- Collect your passport with the approved visa from the VFS centre, or opt for courier return.
Documents Required
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond your planned return date, at least 2 blank pages)
- Previous passports, if any, for travel history
- Completed and signed Schengen application form (Annex I)
- Two recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm, plain white background)
- Cover letter explaining your trip purpose and itinerary, including specific Amsterdam attractions or plans
- Confirmed return flight bookings
- Hotel bookings for every night (Amsterdam hotels or Airbnb bookings are accepted)
- Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen countries
- Last 6 months bank statements showing consistent balance and income
- Last 3 months salary slips and employer letter with leave approval
- Last 2 years income tax returns
Costs & Fees
- Schengen visa fee: €80 (approximately ₹7,200), non-refundable
- VFS service charge: approximately ₹2,500—₹3,000
- Travel insurance: approximately ₹1,500—₹3,000 depending on duration
- Total estimated cost: approximately ₹11,000—₹14,000 per person
Tips
- Amsterdam is a natural gateway to the wider Schengen Area. Many Indian travellers combine it with Belgium (Brussels and Bruges are 2 hours by train) or Germany (Cologne is under 3 hours). A Netherlands Schengen visa covers all of these.
- Book the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum tickets in advance online. They sell out weeks ahead, especially in spring and summer.
- Keukenhof Gardens, about 40 kilometres south-west of Amsterdam, is open mid-March to mid-May and is one of the most visited flower gardens in the world.
- The OV-chipkaart (public transport card) works on all Amsterdam trams, metros, and buses. Load it at any airport or train station machine.
- Visit in April or May for tulip season and long daylight hours, or September to November for fewer crowds and mild weather.
- Amsterdam is compact and best explored on foot or by bicycle. Bike rental is widely available from €12—€15 per day.
- For a complete guide to the Netherlands Schengen visa including full document requirements, see the Netherlands visa page.