Americans can visit the Netherlands visa-free for up to 90 days under Schengen rules. ETIAS travel authorization will be required from Q4 2026. Note that the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius) are not part of the Schengen Area and have separate entry requirements.
Americans can visit the Netherlands visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, so days here count toward your total Schengen allowance. Starting Q4 2026, you'll need ETIAS travel authorization (€7, valid 3 years). Here's what you need to know about visiting the Netherlands in 2026.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for the Netherlands?
No, US citizens do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands for tourism or business purposes if staying less than 90 days. This visa-free access is part of the Schengen Agreement.
How Long Can Americans Stay in Amsterdam?
Americans can stay in the Netherlands (including Amsterdam) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule that applies to all 27 Schengen countries.
The 90/180 rule uses a rolling 180-day window, not a calendar period. Use our free Schengen calculator to track your days accurately.
Netherlands Entry Requirements for US Citizens
To enter the Netherlands visa-free, you need:
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area.
Important: Dutch immigration authorities do not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport as a valid travel document for visa-free entry. If you have an emergency passport, replace it with a full-validity passport before traveling to the Netherlands by air, or you will be refused entry.
2. ETIAS Authorization (Starting Q4 2026)
Starting in late 2026, Americans will need ETIAS to enter the Netherlands:
- Cost: €7 (approximately $7.50)
- Validity: 3 years or until passport expires
- Processing: Completed online in minutes
- Required for: All Schengen countries
3. Proof of Sufficient Funds and Onward Travel
You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
Are the Dutch Caribbean Islands Part of the Schengen Area?
It depends on the island:
Caribbean Netherlands (NOT Schengen, NOT EU)
These islands are special municipalities of the Netherlands but are NOT part of the Schengen Area or the European Union:
- Bonaire
- Saba
- Sint Eustatius
Days on these islands do NOT count toward your Schengen 90/180 limit.
Autonomous Countries (NOT Schengen, NOT EU, NOT Netherlands)
These are separate countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands but are NOT part of the Schengen Area or EU:
- Aruba
- Curaçao
- Sint Maarten (Dutch side)
Days on these islands do NOT count toward your Schengen 90/180 limit. You cannot visit Aruba with a Schengen visa — they are separate territories with their own entry requirements.
Marijuana and Drug Laws
Important: Despite common misconceptions, marijuana and hashish are controlled substances in the Netherlands. While possession is not strictly enforced in defined tourist areas like coffee shops, it is still a crime that can result in a fine.
Safety warning:
- Coffee shops are havens for petty criminals who prey on tourists
- Visitors have become victims of pickpocketing, identity theft, and sexual assault
- Counterfeit substances can cause illness or death
- It is illegal to take any controlled substance into or out of the Netherlands
What You Cannot Do on a Tourist Visa
The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot:
- Work for a Dutch employer
- Study long-term (courses over 90 days)
- Establish residence without proper authorization
Credit Cards and Payment
Most retailers in the Netherlands only accept chip-and-PIN cards and will not accept standard U.S. credit cards containing only a magnetic strip. Always carry some cash as a backup.
What If I Want to Stay Longer Than 90 Days?
If you've used your 90 days, you must leave the entire Schengen Area for 90 days before you can return for another 90-day period.
Options to stay longer:
- Student visa (for courses over 90 days)
- Work visa (requires Dutch employer sponsorship)
- Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa (for entrepreneurs/freelancers)
Avoiding Overstays
Overstaying your 90-day limit can result in:
- Fines
- Deportation
- Bans from re-entering the Schengen Area
Track your days: Use our free Schengen calculator to ensure you stay within the 90/180 limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
See FAQ schema below for structured answers
Last verified: February 13, 2026 from travel.state.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for the Netherlands?
How long can Americans stay in Amsterdam?
Are the Dutch Caribbean islands part of the Schengen Area?
Can I visit Aruba with my Schengen visa?
What passport validity is required for the Netherlands?
Track Your Schengen Days
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