Step 1: Complete the application form. Complete the online application form, print it out and take it to your appointment.You can fill in an application form online through your account in the online portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Select the visa you need. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. Apply no later than 45 days before your trip. This Visa Application Centre has an additional fee requirement. There are PDF versions of the Schengen form online which you can download for free. One of the first steps when applying for a Schengen visa from the U.S. is to download and complete the visa application form. To apply for ETIAS for the Netherlands, eligible citizens will need to fill out an online application form and provide personal and travel information.