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Netherlands Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit the Netherlands — apply through the Netherlands embassy/consulate or an approved visa application center; visa fee is 80 EUR; processing commonly 15 days (up to 30), with approval resulting in a sticker visa in your passport.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area; it must have been issued within the last 10 years; there should be at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Specific forms: Schengen visa application form for the Netherlands (short-stay) – completed online and signed; there is no separate DS-160; you will submit a signed form to the visa application center or embassy along with your documents.
  • Financial proof: Recent bank statements for the last 3 months demonstrating sufficient funds to cover travel and stay; if you are hosted, include a sponsorship letter from your host and their recent bank statements; provide your employment letter or pay slips as proof of regular income.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation/host letter from a Dutch resident; round-trip flight reservation or detailed travel itinerary.
  • Photo specification: One or two recent passport photos; size 35x45 mm; white background; full-face visibility; no large shadows; no tinted glasses (except for medical reasons with doctor’s note).
  • Biometrics: Yes – biometrics are required for first-time applicants and will be collected at the visa application center or embassy when you submit your documents.
  • Travel health insurance: Travel medical insurance valid in the Netherlands and across the Schengen area with minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation; include policy number, insurer name, coverage dates, and a clearly dated certificate.

Visa types

  • Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) – Schengen visa for tourism, visiting family or business; Official name: Schengen visa for the Netherlands (short stay); Valid up to 90 days in any 180-day period; single or multiple entries; approximate fee: 80 EUR (~USD 85–95).
  • Long-stay MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) – for stays longer than 90 days (studies, work, family reunification); You enter the Netherlands with MVV and then apply for a residence permit; Official name: MVV (long-stay visa); Fee: 192 EUR (~USD 210); stay duration depends on purpose and subsequent residence permit.
  • Student residence (via MVV route) – If you intend to study long-term, you apply for MVV to enter; after arrival you apply for a residence permit for study.
  • Employment/work routes – If you have a Dutch job offer, your employer may initiate a residence-permit application (e.g., Highly Skilled Migrant or General Employment) in combination with an MVV; the entry visa remains the MVV; After arrival you obtain a residence permit.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Start at the official Netherlands visa information portal and follow the steps to select your visa type; portal URL: https://www.government.nl/topics/visa-for-the-netherlands. Steps: 1) Confirm visa type; 2) Gather required documents; 3) Book an appointment at the nearest visa application center or Dutch embassy; 4) Attend the appointment and submit biometrics; 5) Pay the visa fee and VFS service charges if applicable; 6) Wait for a decision; 7) Passport return with visa if approved.
  • Visa on arrival: This option is not available for the Netherlands for Afghan citizens.
  • Sticker visa (normal route): Provide the documents to the visa center or embassy; biometric data collected; application reviewed by IND; decision communicated; if approved, passport is returned with a visa sticker.
  • Interview requirement: Interviews are not routinely required, but may be requested for security or document verification reasons.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6-11; 0 EUR for children under 6. Approx USD: 85–95 for adults, 40–50 for children.
  • Local currency: In Pakistan-based applications, fees and service charges are paid in local currency (PKR) at the visa application center or online as directed; approximate PKR values depend on current exchange rates; typical total cost including service fee is around PKR 24,000–32,000 for adults (excluding MVV).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Approximately PKR 7,000–9,000 per applicant, depending on the center and service level.
  • Total cost estimate: Short-stay visa (80 EUR) + service fee + potential courier; total varies by center.
  • Standard processing time: 15 calendar days from appointment date; for MVV long-stay applications, processing may take 4–12 weeks depending on the case.
  • Express/priority option: Some centers offer expedited processing at an additional fee where available; exact fees vary by center and country; check with the local VAC.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Plan well in advance: You can apply up to 6 months before travel and as early as 15 days prior depending on circumstances; aim to apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel to allow for additional checks.
  • Common rejection reasons (Afghanistan applicants): Incomplete documents, mismatch between declared purpose and supporting documents, insufficient funds, lack of a clear travel itinerary, absence of host/sponsor documents, inconsistent data across forms, or weak ties to home country.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: In Afghanistan's case, applications are typically submitted via the Dutch embassy/consulate network (often handled through VFS Global centers in Pakistan such as Islamabad) rather than direct processing in Afghanistan; check the latest guidance on government.nl and the Netherlands embassy sites for your region.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Always verify the current travel advisories on the official Netherlands government site (government.nl); geopolitical situations and visa policies can change; ensure you meet all entry conditions before you travel.
  • Extension options inside Netherlands: Short-stay visas (Type C) cannot be extended in most cases; if you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay permit (MVV/residence permit) from outside the Netherlands or at an IND office after meeting eligibility; extensions of stay within the Schengen area are generally not granted.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.