India is one of the world’s most populous countries, with over 1.3 billion citizens. It’s also one of the fastest-growing economies, with a gross domestic product that’s expected to reach $2 trillion by the end of 2020. Needless to say, there’s a lot of opportunity in India for companies and individuals looking to do business there.
But before you can start investing in this massive country, you first need to obtain a visa. And if you’re a citizen of the Netherlands, that could be a lot easier said than done.
In this blog post, we will discuss the visa process for Dutch citizens and outline some of the requirements you must meet in order to apply. We will also provide advice on how to navigate the Indian bureaucracy and secure your visa without any trouble.
Applying For An India Visa For Citizens Of Netherlands
If you are a citizen of Netherlands and you want to visit India, then you need to apply for an India visa. The process of applying for an India visa is long but it is well worth it.
To apply for an India visa, you will need to submit the following paperwork:
-A valid passport (valid for at least six months from the date of your intended travel to India).
-2 passport-sized photos.
-A visa application form (available from Indian embassies or consulates).
-Money (in local currency equivalent).
-Proof of onward/return travel tickets.
-Proof of sufficient financial means (see below).
In addition, you will need to provide additional documentation if you are applying for a tourist visa:
-A hotel reservation confirmation in the name of the guest room at a 4 or 5 star hotel in India (the confirmation must be dated within 14 days prior to your arrival in India).
-A proof of Invitation Letter (either an email or letter on paper) from an Indian organization/institution that you will be accompanying yourself, stating the dates of your visit and the purpose(s) of your visit. The letter should also mention your name, title, nationality and contact information.
-Your round trip airfare tickets between Amsterdam and New Delhi OR Mumbai OR Hyderabad OR Chennai.
Documents Required For An India Visa For Citizens Of Netherlands
Documents Required for an India Visa for Citizens of Netherlands
As a matter of routine, the Indian Embassy in The Hague requires the following documents from Dutch citizens applying for an India visa:
– A valid passport with at least six months remaining on its validity
– A visa application form (available from the Indian Embassy)
– Two recent passport-size photographs
– Proof of accommodation in India – a hotel reservation or evidence of ownership of an apartment/house in a city or town in India.
– Money in euros or US dollars equivalent to the amount of the visa – this will be refunded once the visa is granted.
Dutch citizens do not need to provide the following documents:
– A plane ticket to India
– If travelling with a companion, one full-time caregiver and their proof of accommodation
Tips For A Successful India Visa Application
If you are a citizen of the Netherlands, submit your application online. Make sure to include all the required documentation, such as your passport, visa application form, and two recent photos. If processing your visa application overseas is not an option, visit the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country. India accepts type B visas only from citizens of Netherland and Finland.
How To Get An Indian Visa For Citizen Of Netherlands?
If you are a citizen of the Netherlands and you would like to visit India, here are the steps you need to take:
1. Apply for a visa. There are several ways to apply for a visa: online, through your Dutch embassy or consulate in India, or at an Indian embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process can be time-consuming and may require some documentation, such as a passport photo. You may also be asked to pay a visa fee.
2. Check the list of eligible countries. India is not the only country that allows citizens of the Netherlands to visit; other countries that offer similar tourist visas include Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Before traveling to one of these countries, make sure you are familiar with the specific requirements for that particular country’s visa requirements (for example, if you are travelling to Malaysia, you will need to have an onward ticket).
3. Arrive in India prepared to provide proof of your citizenship and eligibility for a visa. When you arrive in India, you will likely be required to show your passport (or other identification) along with evidence that proves your citizenship: such as your birth certificate or driver’s license. If traveling with children, it is helpful to bring copies of their birth certificates as well as any other documents proving they are citizens of the Netherlands.
Conclusion
The Netherlands Embassy in India has confirmed that Indian citizens can now apply for a Dutch visa online. This new system began operating on 1 May 2019 and allows Indian citizens to apply for a Dutch visa from anywhere in the world.
Previously, Indian citizens were able to obtain Dutch visas only through the Netherlands Foreign Ministry’s visa centre in Nagpur. The Dutch embassy in New Delhi also offers consular services to Indian citizens.
Dutch nationals who are travelling to India should note that they need a passport valid for at least six months after their planned departure from the Netherlands. They will also need a return ticket or hotel reservation confirmation. Finally, they will need proof of humanitarian reasons or financial needs.
Currently, the Dutch Embassy in India is processing around 100 Dutch visas per day. The embassy urges Indian citizens living in the Netherlands with regular income or wealth to apply for a residency permit through the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND).