United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Netherlands passport holders
Dutch citizens enter the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 180 days following post-Brexit arrangements. No ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required until January 2025, after which an ETA became mandatory.
Great news! Netherlands passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for stays up to 180 days. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required from January 2025 onward: apply online via the UK ETA app for GBP 10. Approval is typically granted within minutes. Carry your Dutch passport; EU ID cards are no longer accepted at UK border control for Dutch citizens.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Netherlands to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
Post-Brexit, Dutch citizens lost EU free movement rights in the UK and are now subject to the UK's standard immigration rules for non-EEA nationals. The UK introduced an ETA scheme in January 2025 for Dutch passport holders, costing GBP 10 and valid for multiple trips over two years. This is separate from a visa (no visa is needed for stays under 180 days).
Practical Tips
Schiphol to London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and City are all served with very high frequency (30-40 minute flight). Eurostar from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras takes approximately 3.5 hours. The UK uses pounds sterling (GBP). EHIC is no longer valid; travel insurance including healthcare cover is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dutch citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
No visa is required for stays up to 180 days. However, since January 2025, Dutch passport holders must have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. The ETA costs GBP 10 and is valid for two years or until passport expiry.
How do Dutch citizens apply for the UK ETA?
Apply online through the UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation. Fee: GBP 10. Processing is usually within minutes, sometimes up to 72 hours. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport; no printed copy is needed but save the approval email. One ETA covers multiple trips during its validity period.
Can Dutch citizens use their national ID card to enter the UK?
No. Since Brexit, the UK no longer accepts EU national ID cards. Dutch citizens must carry a valid Dutch passport when entering the United Kingdom.
How can Dutch travellers get from Amsterdam to London?
The Eurostar train from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras takes approximately three and a half hours (direct). Flights from Schiphol to London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or City take about 45-55 minutes in the air. When airport check-in and transit time is included, Eurostar is often competitive for central London destinations.