Netherlands Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit the Netherlands visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Amsterdam is one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities and a popular stop for NZ travellers.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Netherlands without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen. NZ passport holders use the non-EU lane or eGates at Schiphol. The 90-day limit is cumulative across all Schengen states. ETIAS registration will be required once the system launches. Carry your passport at all times.
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
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Netherlands, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Netherlands.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Netherlands.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Netherlands: What You Need to Know
The Netherlands is a popular destination for New Zealand travellers, particularly Amsterdam with its iconic canals, museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House), and liberal culture. The Netherlands is a Schengen member, so NZ visitors' days count toward the shared 90-day Schengen allowance. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest and most connected airports, making it a natural European entry point.
How to Get There
Amsterdam is easily combined with other European destinations: Brussels (2h by train), Paris (3.5h by Thalys), London (4h by Eurostar via Brussels). The Dutch rail network (NS) connects Amsterdam to Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht efficiently. Schiphol Airport has direct connections to most major world cities, making the Netherlands a convenient European entry point for NZ travellers.
Money & Banking
The Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR). Currently around 1.80-1.90 NZD per EUR. Amsterdam is expensive by European standards. The Dutch are very card-friendly: cashless payments are near-universal. Supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo) are well-stocked and affordable for self-catering.
Practical Tips
Amsterdam Schiphol has direct connections to many cities that connect to New Zealand. KLM is the national carrier. The Netherlands is small and well-connected by train: Amsterdam-Rotterdam is 40 minutes, Amsterdam-The Hague 50 minutes. Day trips to Delft, Leiden, Haarlem, and Keukenhof (tulip fields, spring only) are easy from Amsterdam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for the Netherlands?
No. NZ citizens can visit the Netherlands visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam for NZ visitors?
Anne Frank House (book weeks in advance online), Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt, Vermeer), Van Gogh Museum (book in advance), a canal boat tour, the Jordaan neighborhood, Vondelpark, the flower market (Bloemenmarkt), and the Heineken Experience. Day trips: Keukenhof tulip gardens (spring only, must book), Zaanse Schans windmills (40 min), and Haarlem (15 min).
Is Amsterdam safe for NZ tourists?
Amsterdam is generally safe but pickpockets operate in tourist areas (particularly Dam Square, Centraal Station, and the Red Light District). Keep your bag in front, secure your phone, and be aware in crowded areas. The Red Light District (De Wallen) is safe to walk through but use common sense at night.
What is the best way to get around Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is best explored by bicycle (rental from around EUR 10-15/day). The tram network (GVB) covers the city efficiently. The OV-chipkaart (transit card) or day passes cover all GVB transport. Driving in Amsterdam is impractical: traffic is very congested and parking is expensive.
Is cannabis legal in the Netherlands and what should NZ tourists know?
Cannabis (marijuana) is tolerated (not formally legal) in licensed coffee shops in the Netherlands. Possession of small amounts is decriminalized. However: smoking in public outside coffee shops is not permitted, and cannabis cannot be taken out of the country. Some Dutch cities have moved to restrict sales to residents only (not tourists): check current rules before visiting.
What is Keukenhof and when should NZ visitors go?
Keukenhof is the world's largest flower garden, open only from late March to mid-May when the Dutch tulip fields are in bloom. It is located near Lisse (40 min from Amsterdam). It must be visited only in spring. Book tickets online in advance. The surrounding Bollenstreek flower fields are visible from buses and trains between Leiden and Haarlem.
What are good day trips from Amsterdam for NZ travellers?
Keukenhof (spring tulips, 40 min by bus), Zaanse Schans (working windmills, 40 min), Haarlem (charming city, 15 min by train), Leiden (university town, Rembrandt's birthplace, 35 min), Delft (blue pottery, Vermeer, 1h), The Hague (Mauritshuis museum, beach at Scheveningen, 50 min), and Rotterdam (modern architecture, 40 min).