U.S. Visa Services for Dutch Nationals at the Consulate General in Amsterdam
Nonimmigrant visa types, application process & important policy updates — May 2026
Overview: Who Needs a U.S. Visa from the Netherlands?
Most Dutch passport holders do not need a visa to visit the United States for short stays of up to 90 days — they travel under the Visa Waiver Program using an approved ESTA. If you are in this situation, see our guide on travelling to the United States from the Netherlands. However, a full visa application at the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam is required if you intend to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, if your ESTA was denied, or if your circumstances exclude you from the Visa Waiver Program. For a full overview of the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands, see our homepage.
• Immigrant visas: Since May 2024, the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam no longer handles most immigrant visa services. These are now processed at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany.
• Diversity Visa (DV) lottery: The Department of State has paused all visa issuances to diversity immigrant visa applicants. Check travel.state.gov for current status.
• Interview waivers: Since October 1, 2025, interview waivers for nonimmigrant visas are only available in very limited circumstances. Most applicants must attend an in-person interview — see our dedicated page on renewing a U.S. visa in the Netherlands for details.
• Country-based restrictions: From January 1, 2026, entry and visa issuance has been suspended or limited for nationals of 39 countries and individuals using Palestinian Authority travel documents. Applicants may still submit and attend interviews but may be ineligible for issuance.
Nonimmigrant Visa Types Processed in Amsterdam
The U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam processes all nonimmigrant visa applications for residents of the Netherlands. Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary visits — whether for tourism, study, work, or other purposes. The most common categories are detailed below. If you are unsure which visa type you need, use the official U.S. Visa Wizard on travel.state.gov.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 — Business / Tourism | Tourism, family visits, medical treatment, short business trips | Required if ESTA denied or VWP ineligible |
| F-1 — Academic Student | Full-time study at a U.S. educational institution | I-20 from a SEVP-approved school required |
| M-1 — Vocational Student | Vocational or non-academic study programmes | I-20 from an approved institution required |
| J-1 — Exchange Visitor | Exchange programmes, au pairs, research, internships | DS-2019 from sponsoring organisation required |
| H-1B — Specialty Occupation | Employer-sponsored skilled work in a specialty field | Approved USCIS petition from U.S. employer required |
| H-2A / H-2B — Temporary Workers | Agricultural (H-2A) or non-agricultural (H-2B) seasonal work | Approved USCIS petition required; Netherlands is eligible |
| L-1 — Intracompany Transferee | Transfer within a multinational company to a U.S. office | Approved USCIS petition required |
| E-1 / E-2 — Treaty Trader / Investor | Trade or investment under the U.S.–Netherlands Treaty of Friendship | Substantial trade or investment in the U.S. required |
| O-1 — Extraordinary Ability | Individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, science, business, or sport | Approved USCIS petition required |
| K-1 — Fiancé(e) | Travel to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen | Petition filed by U.S. citizen fiancé(e) |
| C-1/D — Transit / Crew | Transit through the U.S. or service on a vessel | Relevant employer documentation required |
How to Apply for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa in the Netherlands
Determine the correct visa category
Use the U.S. Visa Wizard to identify which visa type applies to your purpose of travel. Applying for the wrong category will result in denial and loss of your application fee.
Complete the DS-160 online application form
Go to ceac.state.gov and complete the DS-160 form. Answer all questions honestly. Print the confirmation page with the barcode when finished — you will need it at every subsequent step. Do not start your appointment scheduling until your DS-160 is submitted.
Pay the MRV fee
Pay the non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee through the U.S. visa appointment portal for the Netherlands. The fee varies by visa type — check the current schedule at travel.state.gov. The fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment.
Schedule your interview appointment
Through the same portal, schedule your interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam (Museumplein 19). As of September 6, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants must schedule their interview at the embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality. Interview waivers are available only in very limited circumstances — most applicants must attend in person.
Gather your documents
Prepare all required documents before your interview date. Standard requirements apply to all applicants (see list below). Additional documents vary by visa category — student visas require your I-20, work visas require the approved USCIS petition, etc. Review the specific requirements for your visa type at nl.usembassy.gov/visas.
Attend your interview
Arrive at Museumplein 19, Amsterdam at your scheduled time. Do not bring a mobile phone, laptop, or any electronic device — these are prohibited and cannot be stored on site. Payment at the Consulate is by credit card only (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, or Diner’s Club) — no cash, euros, or Dutch PIN cards accepted.
Receive your passport with visa
Plan to be without your passport for at least 3 business days after your interview. The Consulate does not offer same-day issuance. Your passport can be collected in person at the Consulate (Monday–Thursday, 15:00–16:00) or returned by courier. For urgent cases, contact [email protected].
Documents Required for All Applicants
- Printed DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your intended stay in the U.S., and at least one blank visa page
- All previous passports containing U.S. visas, if any
- One recent passport-size photograph meeting U.S. visa photo standards
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Appointment confirmation letter (printed or on mobile)
- Supporting documents specific to your visa category (I-20, DS-2019, employer petition, etc.)
- Evidence of ties to the Netherlands demonstrating your intention to return
Consulate General Hours for Visa Services
| Service | Days open | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa interviews | Monday – Thursday | 08:30 – 17:00 | By appointment only |
| Passport collection | Monday – Thursday | 15:00 – 16:00 | In-person collection or courier return |
| Friday, weekends & holidays | — | — | Closed — Dutch & U.S. public holidays |
E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader & Investor Visas for Dutch Nationals
The Netherlands has a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation with the United States, which makes Dutch nationals eligible for E-1 (Treaty Trader) and E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas. These are particularly relevant for Dutch entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors operating between the two countries. The E-2 visa allows Dutch nationals to live and work in the United States as investors or key employees of an enterprise in which a substantial investment has been made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a U.S. visa in the Netherlands if I am not a Dutch citizen?
Yes. Any person legally residing in the Netherlands may apply for a U.S. visa at the Consulate General in Amsterdam, regardless of their nationality. You must be able to demonstrate your legal status in the Netherlands (valid residence permit) and show a genuine connection to the country where you are applying. As of September 6, 2025, applicants are required to apply at the embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality.
How long does it take to get a U.S. visa in the Netherlands?
Appointment wait times vary depending on visa category and seasonal demand. Once your interview is complete, plan for at least 3 business days for passport processing and visa printing. Some cases require additional administrative processing under Section 221(g), which can add several weeks or months with no guaranteed timeline. Start your application well in advance — at least 2 to 3 months before your planned travel date. For full guidance on the renewal process, see our dedicated page on renewing a U.S. visa in the Netherlands.
Can I bring an attorney to my visa interview?
No. Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the Consulate waiting room or to the interview. You may consult with a lawyer before your appointment to prepare, but the interview itself must be attended by the applicant alone (or with one accompanying person in specific circumstances, such as minors or applicants with disabilities).
