--- title: Netherlands visa for citizens of Afghanistan description: "Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90 + €25 service fee. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/netherlands/afghanistan lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Netherlands visa for citizens of Afghanistan Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Application site: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/short-stay-schengen-visa ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa (Short Stay) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Visa validity:** 90 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 15–45 days - **Government fee:** €90 + €25 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient balance (approx. €55 per day of stay) ## How to apply 1. **Complete the Schengen visa application form** — Fill out the online form on the Netherlands visa portal or VFS Global website. 2. **Gather required documents** — Collect all documents listed above, ensuring they are in order and translated if necessary. 3. **Book an appointment at VFS Global or the embassy** — Schedule an appointment online through VFS Global for biometrics and document submission. 4. **Attend the appointment in person** — Visit the VFS Global center or embassy on the scheduled date with all documents and passport. 5. **Submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo)** — Biometrics are collected at the center; they are valid for 5 years for Schengen visas. 6. **Pay the visa fee** — Pay the government fee (€80) and service fee (approx. €25) at the center. 7. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15 calendar days; may be longer for complex cases. 8. **Collect passport with decision** — Either pick up in person or opt for courier delivery (additional fee). ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area. - **Completed and signed Schengen visa application form** (Identity): Download from official website or VFS Global portal. - **Two recent passport-size photographs (35x45mm, white background)** (Identity): Must meet ICAO standards. - **Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)** (Travel): Valid for entire Schengen stay. - **Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation** (Travel): Not necessarily paid ticket, but confirmed booking. - **Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement)** (Travel): For entire duration of stay. - **Bank statements for last 3 months** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds for stay and return. - **Employment letter (or proof of self-employment/student status)** (Employment): Include salary, position, and approved leave. - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Only if traveling with family. - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and itinerary** (Supporting, optional): Helps clarify travel plans. - **Previous Schengen visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Copies of previous visas and travel stamps. - **Visa fee payment receipt** (Financial): Pay at VFS Global or embassy. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** €55 per day of stay - Bank statements - Sponsorship letter - Traveler's checks Bank statements must be original or certified copies, not older than 3 months. ## Good to know - Afghan passport holders may face additional scrutiny due to security concerns. - Ensure all documents are translated into English or Dutch by a certified translator. - Visa does not guarantee entry; border officials may refuse entry. ## Common refusal reasons - **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields and sign the form. - **Insufficient funds or unclear source of income** — Provide clear bank statements and proof of employment. - **Lack of travel insurance or invalid coverage** — Purchase insurance that meets Schengen requirements. - **Previous visa violations or overstay in Schengen area** — Provide explanation and evidence of compliance. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for the Netherlands? Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (Short Stay). ### How long can citizens of Afghanistan stay in the Netherlands? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the Netherlands visa cost for citizens of Afghanistan? Government fee: €90 + €25 service fee. ### How long does Netherlands visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of Afghanistan need for the Netherlands? Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Two recent passport-size photographs (35x45mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement); and 6 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for the Netherlands? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? Applications go through https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/short-stay-schengen-visa. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay. ## Sources - [netherlandsandyou.nl](https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/short-stay-schengen-visa) ## More - [Netherlands visa for every passport](/visa/netherlands) - [Every destination for Afghanistan passport holders](/visa/passport/afghanistan)