Netherlands Arrival Card: EES & Entry Requirements

School holiday is coming, so you must have to make sure that the entry rules for your passport and what to expect when you arrive at Dutch border.

For example, the international tourists that want to visit EU for a short stay, you should understand that Entry/Exit Sysytem (EES) is an important part of the border process.

In this guide, you’ll find out whether you need a Netherlands arrival card, what details may be collected at immigration, how EES works and which documents you should have ready for your trip.

Do You Need a Netherlands Arrival Card?

There is no general standalone for Netherlands arrival card that all tourists need to complete before travelling but the travellers should check whether they also need a visa and meet Netherland's entry requirements.

For Non-EU travellers that visit for a short stay may also need to be registered in the European Entry/Exit System (EES) when crossing the external Schengen border.

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System is the European Union's digital border system for registering a non-EU nationals travelling for short days.

The Netherlands started introduced EES from October 2025, with the system is being rolled out progressively at Dutch border crossings.

If you are subject to EES, you will normally have your:

• Passport details scanned
• Facial image recorded
• Fingerprints scanned
• Entry and exit recorded electronically

Who Needs to Register in EES?

Some travellers are exempt, include for those who are certain residence permit holders and specific categories covered by EU rules.

EES generally applies if you:

• Are a non-EU national
• Are visiting for a short stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
• Are not a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
• Do not hold a Dutch residence permit or long-stay visa

What Happens at Netherlands Immigration?

Step 1: Present Your Passport and Fill in Personal Details

Step 2: Facial Image captured and Provide Fingerprints

Step 3: Your Entry Details Recorded Digitally

Step 4: Proceed to The Passport Control Once Border Officer Completes The Task

Is the Netherlands Arrival Card the Same as EES?

Netherlands Arrival Card for Singapore Travellers

In conclusion, if you are travelling to the Netherlands, you do not need to look for a traditional Netherlands arrival card in the same way that you look for other countries that use mandatory online arrival forms.

Instead, you can focus on your visa or visa free eligibility, passport requirements and EES registration.