How to get a slot
To book a Netherlands Schengen visa appointment in the UK, create an account at visa.vfsglobal.com, select the Netherlands as your destination, and choose London or Edinburgh: these are the only two UK centres, and there is no Manchester option. Pick a slot from the live calendar as soon as one appears, because availability changes constantly and cannot be predicted.
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Visa fee (child 6–12) | €45 |
| Visa fee (child under 6) | Free |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in any rolling 180-day period |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases) |
| Travel insurance — minimum cover | €30,000 |
| Passport | Issued within 10 years; valid 3+ months beyond your trip |
| Member states | 29 countries |
Step by step
- Set up your VFS account at visa.vfsglobal.com in advance, so nothing slows you down when slots appear.
- Select the Netherlands and choose London or Edinburgh. Compare both: either centre can take your application.
- Pick a slot from the live calendar and complete the online form.
- Pay the fees: 90 euros consulate fee for an adult (about 81 pounds) plus the VFS service fee at checkout.
- Attend in person for biometrics and to submit your documents. Standard processing is 15 days after biometrics.
VFS Netherlands at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | VFS Global |
| Booking site | visa.vfsglobal.com |
| UK centres | London, Edinburgh only (no Manchester) |
| Consulate fee | 90 euros adult (about 81 pounds) |
| Standard processing | 15 days after biometrics |
If there are no slots
Two centres serving the whole UK keeps Netherlands calendars busy, and no wait time can be quoted honestly. The approaches that pay off:
- Recheck the live calendar at different times of day. Batches drop irregularly and cancellations free up slots without notice.
- Check the other city. Edinburgh sometimes has dates when London does not, and the reverse.
- Book up to 6 months ahead, and well before summer if your dates allow.
- Leave slot bots alone. Third-party booking services risk voided appointments and add nothing you cannot do with patience.
Before your appointment
With only two centres, a rejected file at the counter can mean a long trip wasted and another hunt for a slot. Arrive prepared:
- Checklist generator: a tailored document list for a Netherlands application
- Bundler and Compressor: assemble and size your file
- Travel insurance covering at least 30,000 euros of medical costs
- Bank statements and accommodation proof that line up with your form
Multi-country trip? Check the Netherlands is the right state to apply to before you book.
Round out your application
A confirmed slot deserves a clean file behind it. Start with getting a Schengen appointment in the UK and the full Netherlands visa from the UK guide, plus Netherlands processing times. Work out the total with the cost calculator, or skip the whole chase: our done-for-you Schengen service includes booking the VFS appointment for you.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
How do I book a Netherlands visa appointment with VFS in the UK?
Create an account at visa.vfsglobal.com, select the Netherlands as your destination, choose London or Edinburgh, and pick an available slot from the live calendar. You then attend the centre in person to give biometrics and submit your documents for the Dutch consulate.
- 02
Does VFS take Netherlands visa applications in Manchester?
No. The Netherlands is served from London and Edinburgh only, with no Manchester centre. Applicants in the north of England usually compare both cities and take whichever shows the earlier slot, since either centre can handle their application.
- 03
What does a Netherlands Schengen appointment cost in the UK?
The Dutch consulate fee is 90 euros for an adult, roughly 81 pounds, plus the VFS Global service fee shown during booking. Optional extras such as courier return or premium lounges cost more. Standard processing is 15 days after your biometrics appointment.
- 04
Why are there no Netherlands appointment slots at VFS?
With only two UK centres, Netherlands calendars tighten quickly before holiday seasons. Slots release in batches and cancellations reappear at random times, so check the live calendar at different hours, compare London against Edinburgh, and book as early as you can, up to six months before travel.
Free tools that pair with this guide