Probably, most of you know that the Netherlands has a colonial history. Most of those gained independence in the following years, but some countries are still part of the Kingdom of Netherland. They are Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. These territories are not part of the EU, but the citizens have Dutch and EU citizenship. Among these territories, the most popular ones are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. These three are also well-known as the ABC islands. Every year thousands of people travel to Netherlands' overseas territories to enjoy the beautiful nature and relax. Considering that most people will look for such kinds of places after the pandemic, we decided to talk about the Netherlands overseas territories visas application process and answer some questions. In this blog, you will find answers to these questions: the Netherlands overseas territories visas requirements, how much is the visa fee, how to apply for visas, how long are Netherlands overseas territories visas validity, and more.
Netherlands overseas territories and visa governance
When people decide to visit the overseas territories of Netherlands, many questions occur in their heads about Netherlands overseas territories and visa governance. One of the first questions is: Can I visit the European territories of Netherlands with an overseas territory visa? Unfortunately, you can't visit those lands with an overseas territory visa. Despite all of the citizens having EU citizenship, overseas areas aren't part of the Schengen area. Even in the past, countries had their visa policy, but since the end of 2010, they created a general visa system.
Netherlands overseas territories visas requirements (short-term)
If you want to realize your temporary visit to one of the overseas territories of the Netherlands, you must apply for a short-term visa. The reasons to apply for this visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. During the Netherlands overseas territories visas application process, you will need to provide some documents and details. • Application form. Should fill in English and signed by the applicant (Parents should sign for people under 18) • Passport. Validity minimum of three months beyond the date of your departure from the overseas territory, not older than ten years, at least two free visa pages, undamaged pictures securely affixed to passport • Photo. A photo not older than six months, size 3,5x4,5, on the white background, with clear facial features and eyes • Copy of ID card. Validity minimum of three months beyond the date of your departure from the overseas territory • Residence permit/visa copy. Such as in the ID card, validity must be a minimum of three months beyond the date of your departure from the overseas territory (if the applicant's residency and citizenship are different) • Photocopies. Copy of the main page of your passport and prior visas • Travel itinerary. Flight reservation and details of the accommodation, such as an address, contact details, and more • Proof of occupation (if you have). The applicant must provide a letter from the local employer. Also, the applicants must give details of the employer or a company (name, postal address, and telephone number). If a person is an owner of the company, a valid business license copy, company ownership documents, and sponsor's valid passport and residence visa should be provided • Proof of financial means. The applicant can prove it with personal bank statements of at least the last three months before application, personal property, assets, etc. • Medical insurance. It should cover all the duration you intend to stay in any of the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom and must have a minimum of 15,000 USD coverage • Some other documents. It can be documents related to children, the purpose of the visit, and so on Long-term visa If the applicant wants to spend more than short-term in one of the overseas territories, he should apply for a resistance permit. Unfortunately, you cannot apply for a Residence Permit yourself abroad. You need a sponsor within overseas territories (such as your employer, spouse, etc.) for applying for a Residence Permit on behalf. Only after the application for a Residence Permit is accepted, the applicant's sponsor will get information.
Netherlands overseas territories visas validity
A standard visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. On the other hand, if you are from one of the visa-free countries, there can be various time limits. We can summarize them like that: • Dutch or US national: Holders of Dutch or US passports can stay in the country for a maximum of 180 consecutive days in any 365 days • Other Schengen country residents: If you travel to Aruba, you can stay there for a maximum of 180 days in any 365-days. Furthermore, If you visit other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, you can stay there for a maximum of 90 days in 180-days People may want to stay in the country for more than 90 or 180 days in some situations. There can be several reasons for this. For instance, they may want to work in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Under these circumstances, they should apply for a residence permit and work permit. Foreigners who got a residence permit or work permit can work and live only in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. Residence permission and work permit are not related to the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Netherlands overseas territories visa fee and processing time
Foreigners that want to get a short-term visa should pay a visa charge. How much is the visa fee? The short-term Visa payment is 80 EUR (it may slightly vary depending on your country and nationality) per applicant. Additionally, the applicant may also need to pay other administrative fees such as the Visa Application centre fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission. How long processing time takes? The average duration for processing time is 15 calendar days. Still, such as in the fee, it may vary depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.
Netherlands overseas territories visas free
Some nationalities can enter overseas lands of the Kingdom of Netherlands without a visa. They can stay in these lands for up to 90 days. First of all, all European Union citizens have a right to travel to overseas areas freely. Also, there are many other countries on the list that are not part of the European Union. Netherlands overseas territories visas free list is so long, and we can't mention all countries here. Some of them are: • Albania • Antigua and Barbuda • Bosnia and Herzegovina • New Zealand • North Macedonia • Saint Kitts and Nevis • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines • Trinidad and Tobago • United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • United States of America • Hong Kong - People who have British National Overseas passports • Hong Kong - People who have Special Administrative Region passports • Suriname • Sweden • Switzerland • South Korea Some extra situations In addition to the free-visa country list, there can be some additional circumstances. Under these conditions, foreigners can travel without applying for a visa. If any of the following applies to the tourist, he didn't need a visa: • Schengen country. If the person has a multiple-entry short-stay Schengen visa or permission for temporary stay or residence permit for a Schengen country • Overseas France. If the person has a valid residency permit for French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Mayotte, or Reunion • Transiting: If the person transiting through an airport in one of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and has an onward ticket and meet some requirements • People who have a specific travel document • People who have refugee travel document or alien's travel document Please check the website that we mentioned below to learn all exceptions and requirements.
Netherlands overseas territories and visa website
Netherlands overseas territories and visa website, where to find information? If you are looking for a legal website where you can find information about Netherlands overseas territories and visa policy, then you can use this website. Here you will find general information about all of the overseas areas and types of visas. Also, you can find contact details on the website.
How to apply for visas?
After getting some general information about the overseas territories and visa policy, finally, it is time to answer how and where to get a visa. The applicants can realize their short-term application for the overseas territories of the Kingdom of Netherlands in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If none of them are available in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location. Finally, keep in mind that if you want to extend your stay in one of the overseas territories of the Kingdom of Netherlands, you should be in the country, or the sponsor should do it for you.
