Netherlands Visa RequirementsFor Syria passport holders
Syrian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands. The visa costs EUR 90 (~$98 USD) and must be applied for at the Dutch Embassy in a country where the applicant has legal residency. The Netherlands has a significant Syrian diaspora and is a major European cultural and transit hub.
Syria passport holders require a visa to enter Netherlands.
Apply at the Dutch Embassy or a VFS Global center representing the Dutch Embassy in your country of legal residence. Common locations: Amman (Dutch Embassy), Istanbul or Ankara (Dutch Embassy), Cairo, Abu Dhabi, or Riyadh. Documents: valid Syrian passport, Schengen application form, passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum), flight reservations, accommodation confirmation, bank statements (3–6 months), employment documentation, and proof of legal status in your country of application. If visiting family in the Netherlands: host invitation letter and copies of their Dutch residency/citizenship. Fee: EUR 90 (~$98 USD). Processing: 15 business 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
Syria to Netherlands: What You Need to Know
The Netherlands is a Schengen member and requires a standard Schengen C-visa from Syrian nationals. The Dutch Embassy in Damascus has been closed since 2012. Syrian applicants must apply at Dutch embassies or consulates in their country of legal residency , the Dutch Embassy in Amman (Jordan), Ankara (Turkey), Cairo (Egypt), and Gulf countries all process Schengen visa applications. The Netherlands has one of Europe's larger Syrian diaspora communities, particularly in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, making family visits a common purpose of travel.
How to Get There
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe's major hub airports, connecting to the entire world. From Amman, Istanbul, Cairo, or Gulf airports, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, and others fly to Amsterdam. Amsterdam also has fast train connections to Brussels (1.5 hours), Paris (3 hours), London (4 hours via Eurostar), and Berlin (6 hours). The Netherlands has excellent inter-city rail.
Money & Banking
The Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted everywhere — the Netherlands is highly cashless. Budget €90–150/day for comfortable travel in Amsterdam. The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are less expensive than Amsterdam.
Practical Tips
The Netherlands offers world-class attractions: Amsterdam (Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, canal houses, the Jordaan neighborhood, cycling everywhere), Keukenhof Gardens (tulip season, March–May), the windmills of Kinderdijk (UNESCO), Delft (blue pottery, Vermeer's birthplace), Rotterdam (stunning modern architecture), The Hague (International Court of Justice, excellent museums), and the beaches of Scheveningen. The Dutch cycle culture is extraordinary , rent a bike and explore like a local.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Syrian citizens need a visa for the Netherlands?
Yes. A Schengen visa (EUR 90, ~$98 USD) is required. Apply at the Dutch Embassy in your country of legal residence , commonly Amman, Istanbul, Cairo, or Gulf cities , since the Dutch Embassy in Damascus is closed.
Is there a large Syrian community in the Netherlands?
Yes. The Netherlands has one of the larger Syrian communities in Europe, with significant populations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Family visits are a common reason for Syrian travelers to apply for Dutch Schengen visas.
Can I transit through Amsterdam Schiphol airport without a Dutch Schengen visa?
Syrians with Syrian passports typically require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through Schengen airports including Schiphol , even without leaving the international transit area. Verify current ATV requirements before booking connecting flights through Amsterdam.
What is Amsterdam famous for?
Amsterdam is renowned for its canal network (UNESCO), world-class museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House), cycling culture, liberal social policy, historic Jordaan neighborhood, and vibrant nightlife. It is one of Europe's most culturally rich cities.
Does a Dutch Schengen visa allow travel to Belgium and Germany?
Yes. A Schengen visa for the Netherlands allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries. Belgium and Germany are both Schengen members, and Amsterdam's central location makes train day trips to Brussels and Cologne easy.