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Dutch passport, ID card
Dutch passport or ID Card
Dutch passport or ID Card
The Dutch Representations in India are not authorised to apply for a Dutch Identity card (NIK). It is only possible to apply for the NIK at the Dutch representations in those countries where the NIK is a valid document.
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When do I need a passport?
You may be asked to identify yourself when you cross a border, check into a hotel or withdraw money at a bank. In many European countries, you can make do with a Dutch identity card. But in other countries, you will have to produce a passport and sometimes a visa and an inoculation certificate. A driving licence is not an official identity document and is not accepted as such abroad.
Passports and other identity documents
On 1 January 2005, the Compulsory Identification (Extended Scope) Act entered into force. Since then, everyone in the Netherlands aged 14 years and older has been obliged to carry an original valid identity document (not a copy). Failure to produce an original valid identity document is an offence.
Applying for a travel document
As a Dutch national, you can apply for a Dutch passport at Dutch embassies and many consulates. It doesn't matter if you live in the territory served by the embassy or consulate or are staying there temporarily. In some countries, you can also apply for a Dutch identity card at the embassy or consulate.
Biometric information in passports
The EU member states have agreed that fingerprints must be taken from persons applying for travel documents. On 28 June 2009, fingerprints were introduced in diplomatic passports and service passports. These travel documents are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Governors of Curaçao, St Maarten and Aruba. On 21 September 2009, fingerprints were introduced in the Dutch national passport and identity card.
Lost passports
If you lose your passport abroad, the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate can help you obtain a new passport or temporary travel document (emergency passport or laissez passer).
Compulsory identification
On 1 January 2005, the Compulsory Identification (Extended Scope) Act came into force. Since that date, anyone aged 14 and over must be able to produce an original valid identity document and carry it with them at all times. Failure to produce an original, valid identity document is a criminal offence.
One person, one passport
In 2009, a second biometric feature was added to the travel documents of EU member states. Every travel document carries two fingerprints. The EU has amended its regulation governing standards for security features in travel documents. As a result, parents may no longer add their children to their own passports.
FAQs about the new passport
Questions and answers about biometric travel documents and how their introduction will affect Dutch nationals living abroad.