Visa and Tourism in the Netherlands

Visa

Visitors from Namibia to the Netherlands need a so called Schengen visa to enter the country. Visa for tourists and other short term visitors can be obtained from the German embassy in Windhoek. It is necessary to make schedule an appointment through the website of the German embassy in Windhoek. It may take several weeks to obtain a visa and you need several documents before you can apply. The detailed requirements and application form are available for download here:

Tourist and business visa: PDF62 KB

Tourism

The Netherlands is a popular destination for tourists. In 2011, the country welcomed 11.3 million visitors from all over the world. Amsterdam is the most popular destination for foreign tourists. The museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Vincent van Gogh Museum, the ring of canals with their mansions, the atmosphere of freedom and creativity – many foreigners want to see them with their own eyes. But the Netherlands is also famous for its flowers: the bulb fields of North and South Holland, with their daffodils, hyacinths and tulips, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The Netherlands has a long coastline, with many interesting towns and villages and areas of natural beauty. Lovers of water sports, such as surfing, sailing and swimming, find conditions ideal on its many beaches and further inland on lakes, rivers and canals. The Dutch themselves like to explore the country by boat or bike. The Netherlands is criss-crossed by thousands of kilometres of cycle track, making it possible to tour the country by bike. Cycling is easier here than in most other countries – as long as you’re not cycling against the wind.

For more detailed information about tourist attractions, hotels, travel etc visit the Netherlands Tourist Bureau: www.holland.com