travel documents canada to netherlands

What do I need to travel to the Netherlands?

• Answer a maximum of 7 questions to find out which documents you need if you are travelling to the Netherlands, or back to the Netherlands.

Travelling to the Netherlands

If you are a visitor, get the information you need to smoothly navigate the process and procedures to enter the Netherlands.

Passport control

Are you travelling from a non- Schengen  country to the Netherlands? You will need to present your identification document at border control, such as your passport or national ID card.

• have your identification document ready – take it out of a holder or wallet if you use one
• remove your face covering or sunglasses if you are wearing them
• pass through passport control together if you are in a family

If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can use the  EU, EEA & CH  channel to have your passport or ID card checked - this is typically quicker than other channels.

If you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

Your passport (and visa if you have one) will be checked at border control. You will usually be asked why you are coming to the Netherlands.

You may need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay.

Self-service passport control

eGates use facial recognition technology to check your identity against your passport photo. You can use eGates if you are 14 or older and have an e-passport from an eligible country. For more information, see  Self-service passport control .

Travelling with a passport or ID card

To enter the Netherlands, you must possess a valid travel document. This can be an ID card (for travel within Europe) or a passport. Depending on your nationality, you might also need a visa. Are you a national from a country outside the  EU, EEA  or Switzerland? Then you must have a passport or travel document issued within the last 10 years. Your travel document should also be valid for a minimum of 3 months after leaving the Schengen area. Any children travelling with you must have their own valid travel document.

Travelling with children

If you are travelling with a child under 18, you must be able to show that the child's parent(s) have granted permission for you to do so. Check with your country of departure's local authorities for the rules regarding leaving the country with a minor. This will help avoid delays and the risk of missing your flight.

Emergency passport

Are you abroad and has your Dutch passport or ID card been lost or stolen? Overseas, you can apply for an emergency passport at a  Dutch embassy or consulate . You will receive a Dutch laissez-passer if an emergency passport cannot be issued in time. Do you not hold Dutch nationality? Then contact the embassy of your own country.

The need for a visa mainly depends on your nationality, destination, and length of stay. Even if you do not require a visa, there are rules for travelling to the Netherlands without a visa. For more information, see  Visa .

Update April 12, 2024

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Netherlands

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Netherlands - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to  terrorism.

Country Summary : Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in the Netherlands. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the Netherlands.  

If you decide to travel to the Netherlands:   

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by large crowds or foreign nationals.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the Netherlands.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

A passport must be valid for at least three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area . The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not accepted by Dutch authorities for visa-free entry into the Netherlands.

Two pages required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

10,000 Euros or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy the hague.

John Adams Park 1 2244 BZ Wassenaar Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310 2209 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +31 (0) 70 310 2209 Fax: +(31) (0) 70 310 2207

U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam Museumplein 19 1071 DJ Amsterdam Telephone: +(31) (0) 20 575-5309 (Emergencies involving U.S. citizens only ) Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310 2209 (All other calls) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310-2209 Fax: +(31) (0) 20 575 5330 Email:   [email protected]  

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on the Netherlands for information on U.S.-Netherlands relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Visit the  Embassy of the Netherlands  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
• If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Dutch immigration authorities do not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into the Netherlands.  If traveling on this emergency passport, please be aware that you will be refused entry by immigration officials and/or held at the airport until a return flight to the United States is available.  We strongly urge U.S. citizens in possession of the 12-page U.S. emergency passport to replace it with a full-validity passport before traveling to the Netherlands by air. 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the Netherlands.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

Crime: While the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are often targeted by pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves and are active in and around train, tram, and metro stations in city centers; and aboard public transportation, especially to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Thieves often work in pairs: one distracts you, often by asking for directions, while the other moves in on your unguarded property. Use your hotel safe, and keep baggage locked or secured when you are away. Avoid leaving valuables in automobiles, especially electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, GPS devices, and mobile telephones. Never leave your personal items or baggage unattended.

Most retailers in the Netherlands only accept a “chip and pin” card and will not accept a standard U.S. credit card containing only a magnetic strip. ATM and credit card users are advised to keep an eye on their cards at all times. If you feel uncomfortable using your card for any reason, use cash. Contact your credit card provider for further guidance.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 112 or 0900-8844 for non-emergency cases.  See above for contact information for the U.S. Embassy The Hague and U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes in the Netherlands.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

The organization Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands) provides a range of services for victims of crime, traffic accidents or disasters within the Netherlands. For more information, visit their webpage .

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is well-regulated and rules in regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide lifesaving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Despite common misperceptions, marijuana and hashish are controlled substances in the Netherlands, and although not enforced in defined tourist areas, possession is a crime that can result in a fine. “Coffee shops” are havens for petty criminals who prey on tourists and other individuals under the influence of drugs. Persons who visit “coffee shops” have become victims of pickpocketing, identity theft, sexual assault, and other crimes. Visitors are cautioned against using such substances, as they are often counterfeit and can cause illness or death. It is illegal to take any controlled substance, such as marijuana, into or out of the Netherlands.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers  
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in the Netherlands. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities : Dutch law guarantees equality and the right to access for people with disabilities. Information about accessibility in the Netherlands for travelers with disabilities is available on the Netherlands main online portal for visitors.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Testing:  For information about COVID-19 testing in the Netherlands, visit the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport webpage .

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in the Netherlands if they are residents.  Visit the Dutch government’s COVID-19 page for more information about obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine in the Netherlands. Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Good medical facilities are widely available in the Netherlands. Pharmacies (“Apotheek”) are widely available and can assist with emergency prescription needs. Some common medications are not available in the Netherlands without a prescription, and some prescription drugs cannot be imported into the country.

For emergency services in the Netherlands, dial 112.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas coverage.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Carry an adequate supply of prescription drugs in their original container in your carry-on luggage. Carry a letter from your pharmacist or medical doctor with you, as some drugs are subject to confiscation by local customs agents.  Check with the government of the Netherlands to ensure the medication is legal in the Netherlands. If you are traveling with any pre-existing medical conditions, bring a letter from your physician that describes your medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of any prescribed drugs.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Lanes in the center of many urban two-way streets are reserved for buses, trams, and taxis.
• In cities, pedestrians should be mindful of trams and buses, which often cross or share bicycle and pedestrian paths. Serious and sometimes fatal accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists colliding with trams and buses occur each year.
• Motorists should be especially mindful of the fact that bicyclists have the right-of-way; motorists must yield to bicyclists.
• Pedestrians should not walk along bicycle paths, which are often next to the sidewalk and usually designated by red pavement.

Traffic Laws:  

• A valid driver’s license issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles in the United States is valid for use in the Netherlands while in tourist or visitor status. Please check here (Dutch only) for more information.
• You must use seat belts and child seats.
• Driving is on the right side of the road, as in the United States.
• Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar. Traffic cameras are common throughout the Netherlands, and it is possible to receive a ticket for traveling even 2-5 km/h over the limit. Different limits may apply to certain hours of the day, as posted.
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to vehicles and bicyclists coming from the right at intersections or traffic circles unless otherwise posted.
• The maximum allowable blood-alcohol content in the Netherlands is 0.05 percent.
• The maximum allowable blood-alcohol limit for those who have had a driver’s license for less than five years is 0.02 percent.
• Use of cellular telephones for talking or texting while driving without the use of a hands-free device is prohibited and is punishable by significant fines.
• Bicyclists and pedestrians should be particularly cautious during the winter months, when paths, roads, and especially bridges can become icy and extremely slippery.

Public Transportation: 

Rail is often a convenient alternative to driving, particularly in the areas around Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, where road congestion is frequent. Rail network information is available at http://www.ns.nl/en . It is relatively safe to travel by rail from city to city, compared to some other European countries but be aware of pickpockets. Taxi service in the Netherlands is safe but expensive. Trams and buses are both convenient and economical but are often frequented by pickpockets.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions .

Aviation Safety Oversight: 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the Netherlands’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Netherland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:

Mariners planning travel to the Netherlands should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Netherlands . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Schengenvisa.info

Traveling from canada to the netherlands.

Topics on this page:

Visa-free travel from Canada to the Netherlands? Read the entry conditions for the Netherlands here

Conditions for visa-free travel from canada to the netherlands, how long can a canadian stay in the netherlands, netherlands embassy in ottawa, medical travel insurance for canadians.

• What does the Travel Risk Insurance cover for Ukrainians?

How much does medical travel insurance cost?

Take out the compulsory medical travel insurance here.

Canadians are not required to have a visa if they want to travel to the Netherlands or another Schengen country. However, entry conditions do apply, such as the obligation to take out travel medical insurance.

People regularly come over from Canada to visit the Netherlands. Usually it is a family visit. Of course you also want your guest from Canada to be properly insured for unexpected emergency medical assistance. For this you can easily take out medical travel insurance here on this website so that your guest is well insured during his or her stay in the Netherlands.

Canadians who travel to the Netherlands, for example to visit family, can do so without first applying for a visa. Nevertheless, there are rules for visa-free travel. For example, a guest from Canada must have:

• A valid travel document (passport). The travel document must be valid for 3 months after the end of your stay in the Netherlands. It should also not be older than 10 years.
• A reservation for a hotel or other accommodation; or
• An invitation from the person with whom the Canadian will be staying in the Netherlands.
• Evidence that shows that you have sufficient financial means for the stay in the Netherlands, the transit and/or the return journey. You must be able to demonstrate that you have access to € 55 per day. This can be done, for example: with one or more bank statements, traveller's checks or cash. Does someone in the Netherlands guarantee the costs of the trip and accommodation? Then make sure you have the form  proof of guarantee and/or private accommodation have with you. For visa-free travel, it is not mandatory to legalize the signature at the municipality.
• Costs for returning to the country of origin for medical reasons.
• Urgent medical care.
• Emergency treatment in hospital.
• An employer statement.
• Proof of enrollment in a school of school-going children.
• Proof of ownership of an owner-occupied home and/or other immovable property.
• An option on or (provisional) reservation of a return ticket.

Please note: If you do not meet the above conditions or cannot provide the required documents, for example the policy of a medical travel insurance, entry to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries may be refused.

It does not matter for the period of stay in the Netherlands whether or not you need a Schengen visa. A foreign visitor/tourist may stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days out of 180. You can also enter and leave the Schengen area during this period. The 90 days can be spread over 180 days, but they can also be used all at once in a row. If you stay in the Netherlands/Schengen area for 90 consecutive days, you will therefore have to wait 90 days before you can travel from Canada to the Netherlands/Schengen area again.

• Ambassador: Ines Coppoolse
• Address: 350 Albert Street | Suite 2020 Ottawa, ON K1R 1A4
• Phone: +16132375031 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Fax: + 16132376471
• Email: [email protected]

Opening hours

Attention : if you have a consular question, just use the contact form below.

Monday to Friday: 9.00:16.30 am – XNUMX:XNUMX pm (by appointment only).

Also check the closing days of the embassy.

Consular questions

• via telephone number +16132375031. Please note: are you calling from the Netherlands? Then call +31 247 247 247.
• through whatsapp.  Send a WhatsApp message directly . Or add the mobile number +316 8238 7796 to your smartphone's contact list and send your message.
• by email through it  contact form. .

Your guest from Canada may travel to the Netherlands without a visa, but medical travel insurance is mandatory. We have summarized the main points of attention:

• Medical travel insurance is always mandatory when visiting the Netherlands/Schengen, even if you are allowed to travel visa-free. We advise you to take out Travel Risk Insurance.
• You can take out EU-approved travel insurance on this website for your guest from Canada and pay the premium for it.
• The Travel Risk Insurance from Allianz Global Assistance meets all requirements set by the Dutch government for medical travel insurance for foreign guests.
• You will receive the policy very soon after your application, usually the same or the next day (even earlier if you request it).
• As long as the policy has not yet taken effect, you can have it adjusted free of charge, for example because the departure date from Canada appears to be different.
• Existing ailments, illnesses and disorders that already existed on or before the commencement date of the insurance are not insured. The medical travel insurance for persons from Canada is exclusively intended for sudden and unexpected medical costs during a stay in the Netherlands or other European countries.

What does Travel Risk Insurance cover for Canadians?

Read the policy conditions for the maximum reimbursements and any exclusions.

Medical travel insurance for Canadians only costs € 3 per day because you have to opt for worldwide coverage. The Travel Risk Insurance can be taken out for persons up to the age of 69. Is your guest from Canada older? Then read this information: Travel insurance 70 years and older.

Premium medical insurance

Here you can easily and quickly take out medical travel insurance yourself. You are then the policyholder (premium payer) and your guest from Canada is the insured. You take out the policy and send it to the person coming to the Netherlands (you can also email it because you will receive the policy as a digital file). You can take out a Travel Risk Insurance below:

Take out medical travel insurance here!

The Travel Risk Insurance from Allianz Global Assistance is an international medical travel insurance for foreign travelers under the age of 70 who do not live in the Netherlands. The insurance is the best choice for applying for a Schengen visa and meets all requirements. 

Taking out Travel Risk Insurance is simple and fast. You will receive the policy within 24 hours by e-mail on working days (if you want it sooner, please call or send a message).

√ EU approved medical insurance for foreign travelers. √  Schengen visa guarantee : In case of visa rejection, you do not have to pay. √ Medical costs covered up to € 30.000. Repatriation: all necessary costs. √ Policy conditions in Dutch and/or English. √ Expandable with coverage for special sports and world coverage. √ Cancellation insurance is possible (provided the trip is booked with a Dutch tour operator).

Calculate premium Close immediately

Insurance Card Travel Risk Insurance   » Insurance conditions Travel Risk Insurance in Dutch  » Insurance terms and conditions Travel Risk Insurance in English  »

Allianz Global Assistance is the largest travel insurance and assistance provider in the world. The trusted address to take out medical travel insurance online!

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The sole purpose of this website is to provide practical information about a Schengen visa. We are not affiliated with the EU, the Dutch government or the IND. No rights can be derived from the texts on this website. Always check with the official authorities for the most recent information and regulations.

Netherlands Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Canada to the Netherlands

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to the Netherlands from Canada?

Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Netherlands.

Can I travel to the Netherlands if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter the Netherlands without restrictions.

Can I travel to the Netherlands without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter the Netherlands without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the Netherlands?

Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Netherlands.

Can I travel to the Netherlands without quarantine?

Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the Netherlands?

Mask usage in the Netherlands is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the Netherlands?

Restaurants in the Netherlands are open. Bars in the Netherlands are .

Entering Netherlands from Canada with ETIAS

Before travelling to the country from Canada, it’s essential to check Netherlands entry requirements for Canadian citizens . From 2025, Canadians who travel to the Netherlands or other Schengen countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver before their trip.

The visa waiver for the Netherlands and Europe is being implemented as a border management tool to screen potential security risks and streamline document checks. It is intended to improve security within European borders and to make travel safer and easier for everyone.

The online ETIAS Netherlands application is simple and will only take around 10 minutes to complete. It will also greatly speed up the process of entering the country and the Schengen Area as a whole.

Please note that ETIAS is not a visa, but will nevertheless be mandatory for eligible travellers. Read on to learn more about the ETIAS Netherlands and if you need a visa to visit the Netherlands.

Can Canadians travel to the Netherlands?

Yes, you can travel to the Netherlands from Canada provided that you have a relevant visa or travel authorisation and a Canadian passport.

You should keep in mind, however, that temporary travel restrictions from Canada to the Netherlands and other limitations may apply.

You should check the latest information and government announcements before travelling to the Netherlands from Canada .

Do Canadians need a visa for the Netherlands?

No, Canadians do not need a visa for the Netherlands . To enjoy visa-free travel, Canadians need to intend to visit the Netherlands for short-term trips of maximum 90 days and for business or leisure.

However, the Netherlands entry requirements for Canadian citizens will change in 2025. The ETIAS travel authorisation will become mandatory for Canadians to enter the Netherlands and the Schengen Area .

ETIAS is not a visa for the Netherlands , but an electronic traveller registration and authorisation system. The same travel purpose and maximum length of stay conditions will apply.

Should a Canadian citizen wish to remain in the country for longer or to stay for other purposes (for example, work or study), they need to obtain a relevant Schengen visa. The same rule will apply after the ETIAS Netherlands implementation.

Dutch embassies and immigration offices abroad will be able to help you figure out which Canada to Netherlands visa is right for you .

Do Canadians need a visa for Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is part of the Netherlands, and so the same entry requirements apply as the rest of the country. You do not need a visa to visit Amsterdam as a Canadian citizen for short stays.

However, as stated above, you’ll need to have an approved ETIAS Netherlands to travel to Amsterdam from Canada from 2025. For stays longer than 90 days, you’ll need to first obtain a Netherlands visa from Canada.

How can Canadians apply for ETIAS to visit the Netherlands?

To get a visa waiver, Canadian citizens must complete the online ETIAS Netherlands application form and meet the Netherlands ETIAS requirements for Canadians .

While completing the application, Canadian travellers will need to provide:

• Data from their passport information page: such as name, country of birth, date of birth, and passport number
• Current address
• Working email address
• Valid debit or credit card

ETIAS Netherlands applicants will also need to answer a few questions about health and security matters. You’ll also need to provide some information on their travel plans for the Netherlands and Europe.

The information provided on the Netherlands ETIAS application is checked against international security databases, and most Canadian applicants will receive an approval within minutes .

In order to receive the ETIAS Netherlands , you’ll need to pay the visa waiver fee with a credit or debit card and provide an email address that the approved permit for Europe will be sent to.

ETIAS visa waiver to the Netherlands from Canada

After receiving a ETIAS Netherlands visa waiver via email , Canadian citizens will be ready to travel to the Netherlands. We advise you to bring a printed or digital copy of the ETIAS document to present at the Dutch border alongside your passport.

Once Canadian passport holders have received the approved ETIAS visa waiver for Europe, they will not only have permission to enter the Netherlands but to visit the other countries in the Schengen Zone.

The ETIAS authorisation to the Netherlands is valid for a period of 3 years . It allows the holder to stay for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. Remember that you’ll need to get a Canada to Netherlands visa for longer consecutive stays.

Passport and document requirements to enter the Netherlands from Canada

The ETIAS requirements for Canadians travelling to the Netherlands and the rest of Europe are straightforward. You have a valid Canadian passport. They must also have at least 2 blank pages free in their passport to receive an entry stamp for the Netherlands.

The passport requirements for the Netherlands for Canadian citizens involve having a passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining after your planned arrival in the Netherlands or other ETIAS countries . You must also have at least 2 blank pages free in their passport to receive an entry stamp to travel to the Netherlands.

Travelling to the Netherlands from Canada

To travel to the Netherlands from Canada, you will need either a visa waiver or Netherlands visa from Canada , depending on the purpose of your stay. This is essential to be granted entry by the Dutch border authorities.

Canadian citizens on business or tourism stays of under 90 days who have the ETIAS Netherlands visa waiver do not require further documentation . A Netherlands residence permit is needed for Canadians wishing to live and work in The Netherlands for longer periods.

If travelling with an ETIAS Netherlands , make sure to carry the passport used during the application online. This is essential to be granted entry into the Netherlands.

Information for Canadians travelling to the Netherlands

The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam are the principal cities and population centres in the Netherlands. Most tourists who travel to the country visit the capital, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The vast number of tourist attractions in Amsterdam include the world-famous canals, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House . This is in addition to its many open-air markets, including the Bloemenmarkt, the only floating flower market in the world.

Outside of the capital city, tourists can visit the incredibly well-preserved historic windmills and houses of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Health information for travellers to the Netherlands

Healthcare in the Netherlands meets very high standards, as is the case in most of the Schengen Area countries, and Canadians can rest assured that they will be well taken care of.

However, foreign visitors to the Netherlands are not covered by the Dutch National Health Service . For this reason, we advise Canadian passport holders to get travel insurance covering the possible use of emergency services and hospital stays.

• The Netherlands emergency services number is 112
• Make sure measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date
• Pack a travel health kit. Although quality healthcare in the Netherlands is available, some medication may not be available and the kit may also come in use if travelling outside major city centres
• Carry prescription medication in clearly identified packaging. Check with the government of the Netherlands to ensure the medication is legal in the country

Canadian embassy and consulates in the Netherlands

Travel to the Netherlands is usually very safe for Canadians. However, if for any reason you need consular assistance, you can contact one of the foreign missions for Canada located in the country.

Embassy of Canada in The Hague

• Address: Sophialaan 7, 2514 JP, The Hague, The Netherlands
• Telephone: 31 (0) 70 311-1600

• Travelling to Amsterdam

Traveling to the Netherlands from Canada – what to know

What do you know about the Netherlands?

Do canadian tourists beed a visa to visit europe.

Canadian citizens visiting Netherlands as tourists do not require a visa as long as they do not spend more than 90 days in a Schengen Country. It’s advisable to contact the local embassy if one intends to stay for more than 90 days to be assisted in applying for a Schengen Visa.However, things are about to take a turn in 2020 as the European Union has planned to roll out an electronic travel authorisation. Launched at the World Economic Program, the project will allow Canadians and Dutch travellers to fly paperless between the two countries. Every Canadian citizen visiting a Schengen Area Country must have electronic visa. Worth noting, Schengen Visa can only be used within Dutch borders while ETIAS visa can be used to cross boundaries of other Schengen countries. Schengen Area is a region consisting of 26 European states.

How to apply for ETIAS visa

Revocation of etias travel authorisation, immigration and custom, food and accommodation.

Once in Netherlands, Canadian tourists can find any kind of accommodation that suits their budget. Transportation is relatively expensive compared to other European countries, but the quality of service is something to envy.

Whether you want international delicacies or local Canadian dishes, all kinds of food are offered at a reasonable price. When you visit Dutch, don’t leave before tasting kibbeling and raw herring, the two popular snacks. Kibbeling are cod morsels battered and deep-fried while raw herring is a typical Dutch fish dish. If you want a sweet dish, ask for Stroopwafel.

By the way: If you are going to visit the Netherlands, here might be some fantastic and fun deals for you.

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Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Canada

If you will be visiting the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days – for a holiday, to do business or to see family, for example – you can apply for a Schengen visa. Follow the steps below to apply in Canada.

Step 1: Check before applying

Before starting your application, check whether you need a visa for the Netherlands and, if so, where you can apply for it.

Do I need a visa?

If you are the holder of a Canadian passport, you do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands.

If you have a different nationality and are unsure what the visa requirements are, check whether you need a visa to visit the Netherlands . 

If you plan on applying for a Schengen visa for Luxembourg, check with the embassy of Luxembourg to find out what visa requirements apply to you. 

Don’t need a visa?

If you don’t need a visa for the Netherlands, see what documents you do need to travel to the Netherlands.

Check what you need to travel to the Netherlands

Where can I apply for a visa?

You can apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Canada at:

• the VFS Global application centre in Edmonton, Toronto or Vancouver
• the Netherlands embassy in Ottawa

If you want to apply for a Schengen visa for Luxembourg, you can only submit your application at the VFS Global application centre in Vancouver.

You can only submit an application at the Netherlands’ visa application locations in Canada if you live in Canada.

If you live somewhere else, go to the page Applying for a Schengen visa and select the country where you live to find out where to submit your application. If you still want to submit your application in Canada, first check if that’s possible.

Check whether you can apply for a visa outside your country of residence

I want to visit more than one Schengen country

If you want to visit another Schengen country besides the Netherlands, check whether you should apply for a visa for the Netherlands or the other country.

Find out which Schengen country you should apply for a visa for

Step 2: Gather the documents you need

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Which ones you need depends on your purpose of travel.

Which documents do I need?

On the VFS Global website you’ll find a checklist with the documents you need based on your purpose of travel.

Find out which documents you need

Family member of an EU/EEA national or Swiss national?

If you are travelling with a family member who is a national of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, or you’re travelling to visit that family member, you may be eligible for free Schengen visa facilitation.

Find out whether you are eligible for visa facilitation

Step 3: Make an appointment

Once you have all the documents you need for your Schengen visa application, you can make an appointment. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. Apply no later than 45 days before your trip.

How do I make an appointment?

Make an appointment online at VFS Global in Canada

Make an appointment at the Netherlands embassy in Ottawa

• Making an appointment is free of charge. Do not make an appointment with an intermediary because they will charge you money.
• If you are applying for visas for multiple people, make a separate appointment for each person.

Can someone else submit my application for me?

You must appear in person at your appointment to submit your application, even if you’re under 18.

You don’t need to appear in person to submit your application if:

• you have applied in person for a Schengen visa within the past 5 years (59 months), and:
• you submitted a photo with that application, and:
• your fingerprints were taken for that application (only applies if you are 12 or older).

If you meet all 3 conditions, you can have someone else submit your application for you. The appointment must be under the name of the person submitting your application.

If you are not certain whether VFS Global or the embassy has your fingerprints on record, you should submit your application in person. Neither VFS Global nor the embassy can check this for you.

How can I change or cancel my appointment?

To change or cancel your appointment at VFS Global, contact VFS Global in Canada .

If you made an appointment at the embassy, you will receive a confirmation by email. The email contains a link that you can use to change or cancel your appointment. 

Step 4: Go to your appointment

Go to your appointment, and bring all the documents on your checklist from step 2 with you, plus the checklist itself.

See the address of VFS Global in Canada

See the address of the embassy in Ottawa

What happens at my appointment?

At your appointment you:

• submit the documents that are on your checklist, together with your passport
• provide your fingerprints (only if you are 12 or older)
• answer questions about your trip
• pay the visa fees
• indicate whether you want to collect your passport (with visa affixed) or have it sent to you
• receive a reference or tracking number to track the status of your application

How much does a visa cost?

See the overview of consular fees in Canada to find out how much a visa costs and what forms of payment are accepted. In some situations you are not required to pay.

Find out in which situations you do not need to pay the visa fee

You will always need to pay service costs to VFS Global.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

You’ll usually find out within 15 calendar days whether your application was successful. Sometimes it can take longer and may take up to 45 calendar days.

Find out more about processing times for a visa application

How can I track the status of my application?

If you submit your application at VFS Global, you’ll receive a reference number that you can use to track the status of your application online .

If you submit your application at the embassy, you'll receive a tracking number that you can use to track the status of your application online .

Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you

You will receive an email once your application has been processed. The email won’t say whether your application was successful. You can collect your passport or have it sent to you. If your application was approved, the visa will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Having your passport sent to you

For applicants at vfs global.

If you choose to have your passport sent to you, you’ll discuss at your appointment how to arrange this.

For applicants at the embassy

​​ Find out how to have your passport sent to you

Collecting your passport

If you choose to collect your passport, you’ll discuss at your appointment when you can collect it. You can also have someone else collect your passport for you.

If you collect your passport yourself, bring the following with you:

• a valid form of ID
• the proof of payment provided by VFS Global

If someone else collects your passport for you, they must bring the following with them:

• a signed letter from you authorising them to collect your passport

​​​​​​ You can collect your passport on any of the following days:

• Monday: 13:00 - 15:00
• Tuesday: 13:00 - 15:00
• Thursday: 13:00 - 15:00
• Friday: 13:00 - 15:00

You do not need to make an appointment.

Find out the address and closing days of the embassy

Check the information on your visa

Check whether the information on your visa is correct. Your name and the visa’s validity period, for example.

Find out more about the information on your visa

If any of the information is incorrect or you can’t use the visa, for example because the period of validity is later than the dates of the plane tickets in your application, contact the Netherlands embassy in Ottawa.

Email the Netherlands embassy

What if my application was refused?

If your application wasn’t approved, you’ll receive a letter stating why. If you disagree with this decision, you have several options.

Find out what you can do if your visa application was refused

Step 6: Prepare for your trip

With your Schengen visa you can travel to the Netherlands or another Schengen country. You must show the visa upon departure and arrival.

Border control may also ask you for other documents. Find out what other documents you need in the checklist for travelling to the Netherlands.

Check what you need for travel to the Netherlands

Do you have a question about applying at VFS Global?

Contact VFS Global in Canada

Do you have a question about applying at the embassy?

Contact the Netherlands embassy

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Information about getting notarial services while you are outside Canada

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Information for Canadian dual citizens who are travelling to another country where they have citizenship

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Buy travel insurance before you travel outside Canada. Bring your insurance information with you. You may need to prove you have travel insurance to enter some countries

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Travel to and from Canada

When you travel to, via, or from Canada, you’ll probably need to arrange a visa or an eTA. Read all about how to organise it.

Apply for an eTA

The Visa Waiver Programme allows citizens of specific countries to travel visa-free to Canada. Instead of a visa, you will have to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

Check which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Programme

If you need an eTA, you can choose to let our partner Sherpa take care of everything for you at a fee. Or you can organise it yourself via the website of the Government of Canada.

Arrange visa

If you need to arrange a visa, our partner Sherpa can take care of your application at a fee. Or you can organise it yourself via the applicable authorities. To check in online via KLM.com, your travel documents (visa or otherwise) must be complete.

ArriveCAN app

Are you travelling to Canada? Using the free ArriveCan app, you can submit your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before your arrival in Canada. By providing this information in advance, you can take advantage of the ArriveCAN express lane upon arrival in Canada, saving time during immigration and customs procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to fly to canada.

To travel to Canada, you need a valid passport plus a visa or an eTA. Through our partner Sherpa, we are happy to help you with that.

What travel documents do I need when travelling outside the Netherlands?

What documents you need depends on what country you are visiting. In countries outside the European Union (EU), you need a valid passport. For Dutch citizens, an  identiteitskaart (identity card) is often enough for travel within the EU. Some countries require a visa.

Travel documents within the EU

Citizens of the Netherlands will need an identity card or passport for travel within the EU, and not just when you cross a border (for example, via an airport). You must also be able to show an identity card or passport if you are staying in an EU country.

Some countries also require a visa. You can apply for a visa at the embassy of the country in the Netherlands you intend to visit.

A Dutch driving licence is not a valid form of identification outside of the Netherlands.

Travel documents outside the EU

Countries outside the EU only accept a valid passport as proof of identification. Most countries will not accept an expired passport. Many countries outside the EU also require a visa.

Visas for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

If you are a Dutch citizen, you do not need a Caribbean visa to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (Kingdom of the Netherlands).

Dual citizenship

If you have dual citizenship (and therefore 2 passports) you can choose which passport you use. It is best to use the passport that has a visa for the Netherlands or another Schengen Area country.

Emergency passports and laissez-passers

If you do not have a valid travel document while outside the Netherlands, in some cases you can obtain an emergency passport or a laissez-passer. You are only eligible if you:

• can prove that you cannot delay your visit;
• are unable to obtain a valid travel document in time.

You will be issued with a laissez-passer if it is not possible to obtain an emergency passport in time. Emergency passports and laissez-passers are only valid as travel documents, and not as identity documents.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Netherlands

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Netherlands set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Netherlands’ embassy in the UK .

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to the Netherlands

There are no COVID-19 travel restrictions for the Netherlands. See the Dutch government website for information on COVID-19.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Passport stamping

At Dutch border control, you may need to:

show a return or onward ticket

show you have enough money for your stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through the Netherlands as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you are a resident in the Netherlands, read our living in the Netherlands guide .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• or for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons) you must meet the Dutch government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you may need on the Dutch government website .

If you are travelling to the Netherlands for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in the Netherlands with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of the Netherlands. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the Netherlands

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

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