Visa, Customs and Tax Refunds

 

The Netherlands is one of the 25 countries forming the Schengen Area. A non-Dutch or Non EU resident must apply for a Shengen visa to visit Amsterdam. One can apply for a Schengen Visa from the nearest Dutch Embassy/Consulate in their country of residence. Some nationals do not need to apply for a Schengen visa if they are staying in Amsterdam for a period less than 90 days so you will need to check what applies to you. The EU nations are included in this. However, there are other nationals who need to apply for a Schengen Visa even for short visits.

 

At the Schiphol Airport, you will be subject to Dutch import regulations. It’s important to know the items which you are allowed to bring and in which quantity to bring them. Firstly, you need to be above the age of 17 years to bring items like tobacco and alcohol into Netherlands. Also, you will need to declare these items; if not declared, you might have to pay a heavy fine. Visitors may import around 250gms of tobacco, or 200 cigarettes. They can also bring 50 cigars, two litres of liqueur or sparkling wine, one litre spirits, 2 litres non-sparkling wine, 50 gms of perfume without any duty charges. Surplus amounts will be subjected to a duty charge. It is also necessary to check with your embassy for restrictions on other items. One more thing: do not bring drugs in or out of the country. Import or export of drugs is considered to be a major offense in Netherlands.

 

If you want to be eligible for a VAT refund, you should always take proper care to ensure that you have saved your cash receipts on all purchases. There’s a simple procedure for this. When you’re leaving Amsterdam, make sure you go to the Customs Office located in Departures and show your passport, receipts and relevant VAT cheques. Also, ensure that you do this before you check in your shopping items with Customs.  The officials will check your goods and subsequently stamp your VAT cheque for the appropriate refund. This stamped cheque can then be cashed in at one of the banks such as ABN AMRO or GWK, situated in the Communications Centre in the Lounge Central. Just for your information, the VAT tax in Amsterdam is 19%. This means quite a healthy refund to splurge in the duty free shops in Schiphol Airport.