Do I Need A Transit Visa for Amsterdam?

You have just learned that KLM flies directly to Amsterdam and you got excited because it is now a direct gateway to Europe instead of a connecting flight in the US. However, you are now you are worried because you are wondering if you need a transit visa for Amsterdam.

Good news, the short answer if you are from Trinidad and Tobago or from the Caribbean, is no (with the exception of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Suriname). You do not need a visa for travel to or travel through Amsterdam (transit visa).

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. It is a member of what is called the Schengen Area which is a group of 27 European countries that have all abolished border control at their mutual borders.

Why is it called Schengen? It's the the name of the city in Luxembourg where the agreement and convention were signed in 1985 and 1990 respectively.

What does this mean for you as a Trinbagonian or a 'Caribbeaner' (with the exception of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Suriname)? It means that you can travel visa free for 90 days through any of these 27 countries.

Unsure of which 27 countries make up the Schengen Area/Zone check out this post.