Netherlands Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands. The visa costs EUR 87, valid for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. The Netherlands is home to Amsterdam's historic canal ring, world-class museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House), tulip fields, and the Port of Rotterdam.
China passport holders require a visa to enter Netherlands.
Apply at VFS Global centers for Dutch Schengen visa applications in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other cities. Documents required: Schengen application form, valid passport, two passport photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000), hotel and flight bookings, bank statements (3 months), employment letter, and the EUR 87 fee. Processing: 10 to 15 calendar days.
Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to Netherlands: What You Need to Know
The Netherlands processes Schengen visa applications for Chinese citizens through the Dutch Embassy in Beijing, Consulate-General in Shanghai, and VFS Global centers across China. The Netherlands has strong economic ties with China and is the largest recipient of Chinese investment in Europe. Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft, and Keukenhof (tulip season) are top destinations for Chinese visitors.
Practical Tips
Amsterdam's major museums require advance online booking; the Anne Frank House in particular sells out weeks in advance. Keukenhof Gardens (tulip season, mid-March to mid-May) is extremely popular with Chinese visitors and also requires pre-booking. Amsterdam is a highly bicycle-friendly city; rent a bike but be very careful as cycling infrastructure is complex for newcomers. UnionPay is accepted at major Dutch hotels and retailers. The Netherlands uses the euro. Rotterdam's modern architecture and Kinderdijk windmills are day-trip highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese citizens apply for a Dutch Schengen visa?
Apply at VFS Global centers for Dutch visa applications in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other cities. Documents: Schengen application form, valid passport, two passport photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000), hotel and flight bookings, bank statements (3 months), and the EUR 87 fee. Processing takes 10 to 15 calendar days. The Anne Frank House requires advance online booking and sells out weeks ahead.
When is Keukenhof open and do I need to book in advance?
Keukenhof Gardens is open only during tulip season, typically from mid-March to mid-May each year. It is one of the world's most visited flower gardens and is particularly beloved by Chinese tourists. Online advance booking is required; tickets can sell out especially on weekends. The exact dates change slightly each year; check keukenhof.nl for the current season schedule.
What are the best day trips from Amsterdam?
Popular day trips from Amsterdam include: Keukenhof (tulip season), Zaanse Schans (traditional windmills and wooden houses, 20 minutes by train), Kinderdijk windmills near Rotterdam (1 hour by train), The Hague and Delft (1 hour by train), and Haarlem (15 minutes by train). All are accessible without a car on Dutch public transport.
What payment methods work in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands uses the euro and is one of Europe's most cashless societies. Cards including UnionPay are accepted almost everywhere. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at a growing number of Amsterdam tourist businesses and department stores. ATMs are widely available but some charge withdrawal fees for international cards. Contactless payment is the norm.