Do Nigerian citizens need a transit visa for the Netherlands?

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Passport🇳🇬 Nigeria
Connecting in🇳🇱 Netherlands

Usually yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Nigerian citizens are on the EU-wide airport transit visa (ATV) list, so they generally need an ATV to change planes at airports in the Netherlands such as Amsterdam Schiphol, even without leaving the airport, unless an exemption applies.

Airside transitTransit visa needed unless exemptLast checkedPending

Exemptions: when you don't need the transit visa

  • A valid visa or residence permit for an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
  • A valid visa for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply)
  • A valid residence permit for the USA, Canada, Japan, Andorra or San Marino
  • Family members of EU citizens, and holders of diplomatic passports

Can you leave the airport?

To leave the airport, or if your onward flight goes to another Schengen country, you need a Schengen visa (type C).

Airside vs landside: what it means

Airside

You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.

Landside

You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for the Netherlands.

Read the full airside vs landside guide →

Tips before you book

  • Apply for the ATV at the consulate of the country where you change planes, 3–4 weeks before travel.
  • Consider routing via a Gulf hub or Istanbul, where airside transit usually needs no visa.

Layover guides for the Netherlands

AMS
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol →

Frequently asked questions

Do Nigerian citizens need a transit visa for the Netherlands?

Usually yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Nigerian citizens are on the EU-wide airport transit visa (ATV) list, so they generally need an ATV to change planes at airports in the Netherlands such as Amsterdam Schiphol, even without leaving the airport, unless an exemption applies.

Can Nigerian citizens leave the airport during a layover in the Netherlands?

To leave the airport, or if your onward flight goes to another Schengen country, you need a Schengen visa (type C).

Who is exempt from the Netherlands transit visa requirement?

Common exemptions include: A valid visa or residence permit for an EU/EEA country or Switzerland; A valid visa for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply); A valid residence permit for the USA, Canada, Japan, Andorra or San Marino; Family members of EU citizens, and holders of diplomatic passports.

Other transit rules for Nigerian passport holders

🇦🇪 United Arab EmiratesNo transit visa needed (airside)🇶🇦 QatarNo transit visa needed (airside)🇹🇷 TürkiyeNo transit visa needed (airside)🇸🇬 SingaporeNo transit visa needed (airside)🇬🇧 United KingdomTransit visa needed unless exempt🇩🇪 GermanyTransit visa needed unless exempt🇫🇷 FranceTransit visa needed unless exempt

Official sources

Not yet checked against official sources. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.