Laos passport → Netherlands

Netherlands visa for citizens of Laos

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa · Short Stay (90 days)

Citizens of Laos 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 Visa · Short Stay (90 days)
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
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	€55 per day of stay

How to apply

1
Complete the online application form
Fill in the Schengen visa application form on the official Netherlands visa portal
2
Gather required documents
Collect all documents listed above, including passport, photos, insurance, and proof of funds
3
Book an appointment at VFS Global in Vientiane, Laos
Schedule an in-person appointment through VFS Global website for biometrics and submission
4
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit VFS Global center with all documents; fingerprints and photo will be taken
5
Pay visa fee
Pay the €80 visa fee at the center (additional service fee may apply)
6
Submit passport and application
Hand over your passport and complete application to the VFS officer
7
Track application status
Use VFS tracking service to monitor progress
8
Collect passport with decision
Return to VFS Global or opt for courier; visa will be affixed inside passport

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
Issued within last 10 years, valid at least 6 months beyond stay
Completed and signed visa application form
Must be printed and signed
Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45 mm, white background)
Must meet Schengen photo requirements
Proof of residence in Laos (e.g., valid visa or residence permit if non-citizen)
For applicants not holding Lao passport but residing in Laos

Travel

Flight itinerary / round-trip ticket reservation
Confirmed reservation is sufficient
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings / invitation letter)
Covers entire stay

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements last 3 months)
Minimum €55 per day of stay
Visa processing fee receipt
Pay at time of submission

Employment

Employment letter / proof of leave (if employed)
Stating position, salary, and approval of leave

Supporting

Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Valid for entire Schengen area and duration of stay
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and itinerary
Briefly describe travel plans
Copy of previous Schengen visas (if applicable)
Optional
Helps demonstrate travel history

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €55 per day of stay

Recent bank statements (last 3 months)
Sponsorship letter (if applicable)

Sponsor must provide proof of funds and relationship if not self-funded

Good to know

Applications must be submitted in person; no walk-in service without appointment
Processing time starts only after submission; incomplete documents cause delays
Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision at border

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of funds

Provide clear, recent bank statements showing adequate balance for entire stay

Missing travel health insurance

Purchase insurance covering all Schengen countries with €30,000 minimum coverage

Inconsistent travel itinerary

Ensure flight and accommodation bookings align with purpose of visit

FAQ

Do citizens of Laos need a visa for the Netherlands?

Citizens of Laos need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa · Short Stay (90 days).

How long can citizens of Laos stay in the Netherlands?

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €90.

How long does Netherlands visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Laos need for the Netherlands?

Valid passport (with at least two blank pages); Completed and signed visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45 mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Flight itinerary / round-trip ticket reservation; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings / invitation letter); 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. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

netherlandsandyou.nl

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