Applying for an entry visa for the Netherlands in Costa Rica

Your personal details

In the subject line of your email, state: Entry visa application

In the body of your email, state:

• your surname and given names
• your current location
• the telephone number on which you can be reached
• your date of birth
• your nationality.

Your documents

Attach the following documents to your email:

• a scan or photo of your passport or ID card
• a scan or photo of your expired residence permit or as much information as possible about your residence permit, such as your alien registration number (V number); if your residence permit was stolen, also include a police statement

At your appointment you should:

• submit the documents on your checklist together with your passport
• have your fingerprints taken (only if you are 12 or older)
• answer questions about your trip
• pay the visa fee
• indicate whether you want to collect your passport (with visa affixed) or have it sent to you (at any address)
• will hear when you can collect your passport

The overview of consular fees in Costa Rica tells you what your visa will cost.

Usually, you will receive an email in response to your application within 15 days. This may take longer in some situations. In that case, you will receive a response within 45 days.

Find out more about visa application processing times

You can not track the status of your application yourself. You will receive an email when you can collect your passport.

If you want to have your passport sent to you, you can ask during your appointment how to arrange this.

If you want to collect your passport in person, you will be given a collection date during your appointment. You can also have someone else collect your passport for you.

If you collect your passport yourself, you must bring: 

• a valid identity document; and 
• your payment receipt.

If someone else collects your passport for you, they must bring:

• a valid identity document
• a signed letter from you authorising them to collect your passport; and
• your payment receipt.

Check that all the information on your visa is correct, including your name and the validity period.

Find out more about the information on your visa

If any of the information is incorrect, or if you cannot use the visa, for example because the validity period does not match the dates of the airline tickets in your application, contact the Netherlands embassy in San José.

Email the Netherlands embassy

Your entry visa is valid for 7 days after the date shown on the visa. You must return to the Netherlands within that period.

You are only allowed to travel to the Netherlands via another country in the Schengen area if this is stated on your visa. The visa states the countries you are allowed to travel through on your way to the Netherlands. The entry visa does not give you the right to stay in any country other than the Netherlands.

See what countries are in the Schengen area

Check what you need for your trip back to the Netherlands

When you arrive in the Netherlands or another Schengen area country, the visa in your passport will show border control that you are allowed to stay in the Netherlands.

Apply to the IND for a new residence permit once you have returned to the Netherlands.

• Find out how to extend your temporary residence permit
• Find out how to renew your permanent residence permit document