Eritrea passport → Netherlands

Netherlands visa for citizens of Eritrea

Embassy / VFSSchengen Short-Stay Visa (C)

Citizens of Eritrea 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.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Schengen Short-Stay Visa (C)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the stay

How to apply

1
Determine visa type and check requirements
Confirm that you need a Schengen short-stay visa for tourism, business, or family visit.
2
Complete the online application form
Fill out the Schengen visa application form on the official Netherlands visa portal.
3
Gather required documents
Collect all necessary documents as per the checklist, including passport, photos, insurance, and financial proof.
4
Book an appointment at the embassy or VFS Global centre
Schedule an in-person appointment for submission and biometric enrollment.
5
Pay the visa fee
Pay the €80 visa fee (plus any service fee if using VFS Global) at the time of appointment.
6
Attend appointment - submit documents and provide biometrics
Visit the embassy or visa centre in person to submit your application and have fingerprints taken.
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can extend up to 45 days in some cases.
8
Collect passport or await delivery
Once approved, collect your passport from the visa centre or embassy, or receive it by courier if available.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond departure)
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure from the Schengen area.
Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.)
Provide confirmed bookings for the entire duration of stay.
Round-trip flight reservation or travel plan
Reservation not necessarily paid, but must match itinerary.
Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation)
Insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area.

Financial

Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, payslips, sponsorship letter)
Minimum amount varies; typically €55–€100 per day of stay.

Employment

Employment letter (or proof of enrolment if student) and leave approval
Letter must include salary, position, and dates of leave.

Supporting

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Form must be filled online and printed for signature.
Recent passport-size photographs (meeting ICAO standards)
Photographs must meet Schengen photo requirements.
Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, etc. if applicable)
Optional
Only required if relevant to the purpose of visit.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and travel plans
Briefly describe why you are visiting and your planned itinerary.
Visa fee receipt
Payment proof from the appointment payment step.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €55–€100 per day of stay

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Payslips (last 3 months)
Sponsorship letter (if sponsored)

Funds must be demonstrably available and from a verifiable source.

Good to know

The visa does not guarantee entry; border guards may refuse entry even with a valid visa.
Biometrics (fingerprints) are required for all applicants aged 12 and over, and are valid for 59 months.
Processing times may be longer during peak seasons (summer, holidays).
Incomplete or incorrect applications may lead to rejection and loss of visa fee.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unreliable proof of financial means

Provide clear bank statements showing consistent income and sufficient funds for the trip.

Lack of strong ties to home country (risk of illegal stay)

Submit evidence of employment, property, family, or other commitments in Eritrea.

Incomplete or inaccurate application form

Double-check all fields and signatures before submission.

Invalid passport or missing blank pages

Ensure passport meets validity and blank page requirements before applying.

FAQ

Do citizens of Eritrea need a visa for the Netherlands?

Citizens of Eritrea need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Short-Stay Visa (C).

How long can citizens of Eritrea stay in the Netherlands?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Netherlands visa cost for citizens of Eritrea?

Government fee: €90.

How long does Netherlands visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Eritrea need for the Netherlands?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond departure); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Recent passport-size photographs (meeting ICAO standards); Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.); Round-trip flight reservation or travel plan; Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation); and 5 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the Netherlands?

At least 3 months.

Plan your trip to the Netherlands

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