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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do South Africa citizens need a visa for Netherlands?

Visa required

South Africa citizens need a visa to enter Netherlands. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa required
South Africa → Netherlands
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Everything for your trip to Netherlands

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South Africa vs Netherlands: passport comparison

South Africa

61

visa-free countries

Global rank: #97 · mobility 111.5

Netherlands

125

visa-free countries

Global rank: #10 · mobility 171.3
52

countries both South Africa and Netherlands can enter visa-free together

South Africa + Netherlands: passport compatibility

54%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where South Africa and Netherlands travel together — by entry type:

52 both visa-free
21 both visa on arrival
19 both e-visa / eTA
14 both need a visa
91 access differs

Where South Africa and Netherlands can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Only South Africa is visa-free (9)

Your odds of getting the visa: South Africa → Netherlands

Visa guides tell you whether a visa is required. This block answers the second question — will you get it. Figures come from the European Commission's official 2025 statistics, broken down per country pair.

2,9%
of Netherlands visa applications refused in South Africa
-11,6 pp below the Schengen average (14.5%) — refused less often than average
+0.1 pp year-over-year: 2024 was 2.8%, now 2.9%
21,622applications filed
20,631visas issued
637refusals
#101strictest of 118 countries
Where Netherlands visa applications are filed: Cape TownPretoria

The Commission counts applications by where they were filed — at consulates located in South Africa — rather than by the applicant's nationality. For most countries these nearly coincide, but applications filed there by other nationals are included too. 2025 data. Source: European Commission, DG HOME

How the entry rule changed: South Africa → Netherlands

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The South Africa → Netherlands rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

1rule changes for the South Africa passport, 1 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

Netherlands: good to know

Amsterdam

Capital

Euro (EUR)

Currency

Central European Time (UTC+1)

Time zone

+31

Calling code

C, F

Power plug

230V / 50Hz

Voltage

Right-hand

Driving side

Where else South Africa goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for Netherlands

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do South Africa citizens need a visa for Netherlands?
South Africa citizens need a visa to enter Netherlands. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — South Africa or Netherlands?
The Netherlands passport is stronger: 125 visa-free countries versus 61. Global rank: South Africa #97, Netherlands #10.
Where can South Africa and Netherlands citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 52 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for Netherlands?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between South Africa and Netherlands?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

South Africa passport ranking

Where else the South Africa passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport