ETIAS for The Netherlands

The ETIAS visa waiver for the Netherlands will be an entry requirement to travel to the country. It will be operational from 2026 . ETIAS stands for Electronic Travel and Information Authorisation System. Applicants will be able to complete an online application with their personal details and travel documents.

The Netherlands is a founding member of the European Union and has been a decisive member in the region. In 2016, the EU decided to develop ETIAS to improve security. The system will screen travellers information against other relevant security databases.

The Netherlands is the constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands along with three islands in the Caribbean. Though a small country, Holland is the second largest exporter of food and agricultural products in the world.

The Netherlands has been a founding member of the European Union, the Eurozone, G-10, NATO, OECD, and WTO.

It is also a founding member of the Schengen Agreement. In 1985, the Netherlands, along with four other member states, signed the agreement to abolish border controls. Today there are 26 Schengen Member countries.

The Netherlands ETIAS is a visa waiver to travel to the country from 2026 . This European visa waiver for the Netherlands and all Schengen member countries is being developed to improve security in the region.

The Netherlands has a visa liberalisation policy which allows several foreign travellers to visit the country without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. The EU is working on launching the ETIAS visa waiver for visa-exempt travellers. It will be operational from 2026 .

In 2018, nearly 19 million tourists travelled to the Netherlands. The country has the highest English-proficiency in the world, which helps visitors communicate and connect better with locals.

Amsterdam is the country’s capital and became known for its tolerance and openness. The city attracted over 4 million visitors in 2018. One of its main attractions includes the Red Light District.

The Hague is the seat of the Cabinet, the States General, the Supreme Court, and the Council of State in the Netherlands.

The Hague is also the home of international law and arbitration. The International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Europol and about 200 more international governmental organisations are situated in this city. This is one of the reasons why The Hague receives a great number of international visitors as well.

The Netherlands is extremely well connected. Public transport is well organised and it’s easy to reach any place by train, tram, or bus. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam. It is the busiest airport in Europe. Schiphol has a train station that connects it to the rest of the country.

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE NECESSARY TO TRAVEL TO THE NETHERLANDS?

When travelling to The Netherlands, not all travellers are required to have medical insurance. However, it is advised that foreign visitors do have medical or travel insurance. This also includes European travellers who are recommended to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS THE NETHERLANDS

As of 2026 , citizens from countries with a visa waiver agreement with the EU can register online with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Obtaining travel or medical insurance is not an ETIAS requirement to visit The Netherlands. Foreign nationals from visa exempt countries, however, are still advised to have one.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA

Non-EU nationals who need a Schengen Visa to travel to the Netherlands should have medical insurance to enter the country.

Holders of a Schengen visa must meet a set of criteria to travel to any of the Schengen member countries. Having medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory.

THE NETHERLAND’S BORDER CONTROLS

One of the goals of the Schengen Agreement was to eliminate border controls within its member states. This allows EU nationals to travel with their national ID when crossing the border to enter The Netherlands.

Nationals from visa exempt countries, on the other hand, should have their passport to gain entry into Holland. ETIAS will go live in 2026 and will become an entry requirement for visa-free travel to the Netherlands.

Travellers who require a Schengen Visa to travel to The Netherlands must also present:

Foreign nationals can also expect being asked questions about the purpose of the visit and the length of their intended stay.

ARRIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS BY TRAIN, PLANE, AND ROAD

A great number of visitors arrive at Schiphol airport, the Netherlands largest aerodrome.

There are other airports in the country situated in Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Maastricht. These are smaller, less crowded than Schiphol, and low-cost airlines operate through them.

All airports are well connected to the rest of the country by public transport.

Arriving in the Netherlands by train is a great alternative to flying.

Dutch trains run directly from city centre to city centre. Stations are divided into Intercity stations, where local and international trains call, and Sprinters, which are smaller and only local trains call.

Utrecht Centraal is the busiest and largest railway station in the country.

Travelling to neighbouring countries is easy and quick.

Travelling to the Netherlands by road is another option available to foreign visitors. Drivers must be 18 years or older and have a valid foreign license.

Non-EU travellers must always have a valid passport with them. From 2026 , visa-exempt visitors will be eligible for ETIAS as well.

The Netherlands has attractive, lively, artsy, modern cities that also carry a great deal of history.

WHAT TO SEE IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam offers a range of activities.

From visiting Museumplein, home to several famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk museum.

For photography head to FOAM and cinematic fans can get to the EYE filmmuseum by ferry.

While in Amsterdam, many visitors take the opportunity to visit Anne Frank’s house, a must-see in the city.

DUTCH DISHES TO TRY

Gastronomy in the Netherlands is pleasantly surprising.

The country has renowned Michelin star chefs. Some of its renowned restaurants include Ciel Blue, de Librije, and Oud Sluis.

You could also enjoy the city like a local and try out fries with mayo, the crunchy kroketten at a FEBO or the famous Pannekoeken.

BEYOND AMSTERDAM: ROTTERDAM AND UTRECHT

Amsterdam is not the only city worthy of your time. Rotterdam and Utrecht are both impressive in their own way.

ROTTERDAM, NAZI TARGET DURING WWII

In 14 May 1940, Rotterdam was bombarded during the German invasion. Its historic city centre was destroyed, and then entirely demolished for its reconstruction with the exception of Laurenskerk.

While in Rotterdam, go to the Old Harbor, the Cube Houses, Market Hall to get a feel of its architecture.

ENJOYING UTRECHT’S ARCHITECTURE AND CANALS

Utrecht displays beautiful old buildings and houses.

It features intimate cafés, hidden courtyards, and vibrant bars.

Utrecht’s canals count with unique wharfs and wharf cellars. The wharfs were added in the 12th century to create an inner city harbour system. These wharfs are now bars, restaurants, and craft shops.

GETTING AROUND THE NETHERLANDS

A significant means of transportation in the Netherlands is the bicycle, even the Prime Minister rides his to work.

Renting a bike is the best way to explore cities or their surroundings. There are plenty of natural reserves, parks and lakes to disconnect.

WHATS IS THE NETHERLANDS FAMOUS FOR?

The Netherlands is famous worldwide for its:

To see what the country looked like in the 17th or 18th centuries, visit Zaanse Schans, 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) north of Amsterdam.

Remember that from 2026 , all non EU visitors will need an approved ETIAS for the Netherlands in order to visit the country.