Entry requirements for business visitors
If you are travelling to the Netherlands for a conference, trade fair or corporate event, it is important to prepare your trip in advance. Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay. Most business visitors need a valid passport. Some may also need a Schengen visa, while others can travel visa-free for short stays. New European border systems, such as the Entry/Exit System and the upcoming ETIAS travel authorisation, may also affect how you prepare for your journey.
Passport and travel documents
Non-EU visitors should travel with a valid passport. In most cases, your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. You may also be asked to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation or proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay.
Visa or visa-free travel
Some international visitors need a short-stay Schengen visa to travel to the Netherlands. Others can enter visa-free for short business trips, usually for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Always check the official requirements for your nationality before booking your trip.
Entry/Exit System
The European Entry/Exit System is now used for non-EU visitors entering and leaving the Schengen area for short stays. At border control, your passport details, facial image and fingerprints may be registered digitally. This replaces manual passport stamping and helps record your entry and exit from the Schengen area.
Business documents
If you are travelling to the Netherlands for a conference, trade fair, seminar or business meeting, it is useful to carry documents that explain the purpose of your visit. This may include your event registration, invitation letter, hotel booking, return ticket and travel insurance details.
Working during your stay
Attending a business event is not always the same as working in the Netherlands. If you will be performing paid services, installing equipment, supporting an exhibition stand, joining a production crew or working on-site during an event, additional rules or permits may apply. Please check the official Dutch government information before travelling.
Customs and special items
If you are carrying large amounts of cash, professional equipment, product samples or certain medicines, additional customs or documentation rules may apply. Check the official Dutch customs information before departure.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an upcoming pre-travel requirement for visitors from visa-free countries - including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the UK - traveling to most European destinations. Expected to launch in late 2026, it is a quick online authorization (not a visa) that travelers must complete before departure, with approval typically issued within minutes and valid for up to three years. Travelers should watch out for scams and only use the official europa.eu website.
The exact launch date of ETIAS will be announced by the European Union before the system goes live. After the launch, there will be a transitional period and a grace period, giving travelers time to adjust to the new requirement. This means ETIAS is not expected to become fully mandatory immediately after launch. Please check the official ETIAS website for the latest updates before travelling.
What ETIAS means for travelers
For both business and leisure travelers coming from the U.S. ETIAS introduces a simple new step in trip planning: completing a short online application and paying a small fee (around €20) before traveling. While visa-exempt non-EU travelers (including travelers from Australia, Canada, the UK, and U.S.) will still enjoy visa-free access to Europe for stays of up to 90 days, airlines will require an approved ETIAS prior to boarding, making advance preparation essential. ETIAS is designed to enhance security and streamline borders, meaning a smoother arrival experience once in Europe - but with more emphasis on pre-departure readiness, and then travel as usual.
For the latest travel information
Entry requirements may change. For the most up-to-date information about travelling to the Netherlands, please check the official NetherlandsWorldwide website.