Whether or not you require a visa for the Netherlands depends on a number of factors:

Nationality/passport:

If you are travelling on a passport of one of the countries on this list you require a visa for a stay of less than three months in the Netherlands.


Method of travel:

If you are travelling through the Netherlands over land, e.g. by road or by train, passport holders of countries whose nationals require a visa for the Netherlands (see above list) should be in possession of a valid Schengen visa.
Your nationality, type of residence permit and itinerary will determine if you require a transit visa when travelling by air.


School trips exemption:

Pupils, school children and high school students in general eduction, who would normally require a visa because of their nationality, are exempt from the visa requirement for the Netherlands if their names are entered on a 'List of Travellers' form. This form is available from the British Council

Please note that this form is not a valid travel document in itself. Each pupil must therefore carry a valid individual document containing the holder's personal details and photograph, such as:
- a valid passport;
- a valid travel document or
- a valid identity card.

Further information about the school trip exemption can be obtained from the British Council. Please note that the British Council cannot give general visa advice.


EU/EEA family members:

Under Directive 2004/38/EC, a family member of an EU/EEA national does not require a visa for the Netherlands if he/she qualifies as a family member of a Union citizen to whom the provisions of this directive apply. The type of residence permit, the country of residence of the EU/EEA national and the actual details of the trip will determine if a visa is required for the specific trip.

1. Holder of a 'Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA National':

• accompanied by the EEA national or joining the EEA national (not a Dutch national*) who is moving to or residing in the Netherlands: no visa required. Please note that the residence permit must be endorsed in a valid passport or travel document and that you may be requested by the immigration authorities to provide documentary proof of the relationship (e.g. original birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate) and of the use of the right of free movement of the EEA national (e.g. a registration certificate).
  
  Furthermore, this only applies when travelling directly to the Netherlands. When travelling to the Netherlands through another country, please check with the appropriate Embassy.
  
• not accompanied by the EEA national or not travelling to the Netherlands to join the EEA national (not a Dutch national*): visa required.
  Regular Schengen visa procedures apply.

The above rules for holders of a residence card also apply to holders of an EEA family permit issued under the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2000 (a stamp endorsed in the holder's valid passport).

2. Family member of an EU/EEA national who holds a different type of residence permit travelling with the EU/EEA national to the Netherlands: visa required.

When travelling to the Netherlands without the EU/EEA family member, regular Schengen visa procedures apply.
This also applies to spouses/children of British nationals who do not hold a Residence Card as a Family Member of an EEA National.

*Please note that EU nationals who have always lived in the country of their nationality are not exercising EU treaty rights and are therefore not considered Union citizens. Their family members therefore are not covered by the provisions of Directive 2004/38/EC.