Visa information
It is the delegate’s responsibility to investigate the visa requirements for the Netherlands and apply for a visa, if necessary.
Visa applicants may apply for a short-stay visa free of charge from representative entities from the Netherlands for the purpose of attending the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018). However, the visa applicant must pay a service charge of 30 EUR if they apply through an external service provider. Please note that the International AIDS Society will not reimburse this service charge in the case of a visa denial.
Delegates are advised to apply for their visa, if required, by 1 June 2018, to ensure adequate processing time.
General information about visas for the Netherlands
You may need a short-stay Schengen visa if you want to visit the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days. This depends on your nationality. Visas must be applied for from the relevant Dutch embassy, consulate or representing consular Schengen office in the delegate’s country of residence.
The nationality of the participants and delegates will determine whether or not they are required to apply for a visa. Delegates are requested to visit this website for more information.
In most countries, the applications should be submitted at an external service provider’s office. The external service provider will charge a handling fee of 30 EUR. In some countries, the Netherlands is represented by another Schengen country for visa affairs. Please take note of the documents to be submitted when applying for a visa for business purposes. Visa application rules differ from country to country.
Useful information
If you require a visa, please consult the full visa application process and requirements made available here.
- Contacts for Dutch diplomatic and consular offices
A list of Dutch diplomatic and consular offices authorized to issue visas is available at this link.
- Application form
Download this document for the visa application form.
Visas for people attending a conference in the Netherlands
If you require a visa, you need to obtain and submit an official letter of invitation from the conference organizers to help facilitate the visa process. Please note that letters of invitation are only issued to registered and paid/approved delegates.
You can request a letter of invitation here.
If you have specific questions, please email [email protected].
Customs requirements
Do not forget that certain goods are illegal to bring into the Netherlands and others require a duty payment. For Dutch customs regulations, please visit this website.
For more information on travelling with medication, please consult this webpage on which medicines fall under the Opium Act for Schengen countries. If the medicine you will be taking to the Netherlands is listed in the Opium Act, you will need to apply for a Schengen certificate. For more information on medicines and customs, please visit this website, or contact the Dutch Public Information Service.