Longer processing times for Dutch travel documents: frequently asked questions

It is very busy at the moment. We are currently receiving more applications than usual for passports and ID cards. This is because a large number of Dutch passports are expiring at the same time. As a result, we are processing thousands of applications from around the world every week. Like Dutch municipalities, we are also experiencing a period of peak demand.

It may take longer than normal to make an appointment at some locations. It will also take longer for your new passport or ID card to be ready. Unfortunately, we can’t say for certain how long it will take, since this differs per application and per country. 

There are several reasons for this.

• A peak in passport applications. A large number of passports and ID cards are expiring at the same time. That means it is extra busy at all locations that process applications: municipalities in the Netherlands, Dutch embassies and consulates-general, and VFS Global application locations abroad.
• Each week we process thousands of applications from Dutch nationals around the world. For each one, we have to check details such as whether the applicant has Dutch nationality, which takes time. 
• Peak application season. More people than usual submit passport applications in the period around the summer holidays. The peak period extends beyond the summer, but we expect the number of applications to start falling in November.
• A new system. We recently started using a new system for processing applications. Introducing the system took time and temporarily reduced capacity.
• Incomplete applications. Many of the applications we receive are incomplete. That means we have to ask applicants again for the documents we need. This takes time and slows down the process.

It may take longer to get an appointment at an application location outside the Netherlands. It may also take longer than usual for your new passport or ID card to be ready. Unfortunately, we can’t say for certain how long it will take, since this differs per application and per country. Keep this in mind when making travel plans, and check the validity of your travel documents well before you plan to travel.

If your travel document will expire soon and you have not yet booked your trip, we advise you to wait until you have your new travel document before making your final travel arrangements.

If you do not need your new travel document straight away, delay your application until this busy period is over. Waiting times are usually shorter between November and March.

• We have temporarily increased the number of staff processing applications. 
• We are processing applications in the order they were received, from oldest to newest.
• We are developing a system to provide more information about the status of your application.
• We are informing applicants about the documents they need to submit, so that they can help prevent delays by submitting all the documents at once.

You can’t make the waiting time shorter. But you can prevent unnecessary extra delays.

Check your documents

Make sure that you have all your documents ready before you make an appointment. If you are missing any documents, or if your documents have not been legalised or translated, the application will take longer. Create a personal checklist (after selecting your country) to see which documents you need to bring. If any of the following documents are missing, your application will not be processed:

• Application form for passport or ID card (completed in full, printed and signed)
• All Dutch and foreign passports and ID cards in your name
• Permission of one or both parents (for applications for a child aged under 18). 

If possible, submit your application at a later date

If you do not need your new travel document soon, wait until this busy period is over to submit your application. 

Check your email regularly

You will receive an email when your new passport or ID card is ready. You will also receive an email if you need to provide additional documents or have documents legalised. Check your junk/spam folder, too. Sometimes emails can end up there.

Because of the high number of applicants, appointments fill up quickly. But new appointment slots are released on a regular basis. A slot may also become available if someone cancels an appointment. If you are not able to make an appointment, try again later.

Make an appointment at a different location

You can also make an appointment at a different location. The waiting time may be shorter elsewhere. You can make an appointment at:

• a Dutch embassy or consulate-general in a different country;
• a VFS Global application location. VFS Global is a company that accepts applications for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has locations in several countries;
• a border municipality in the Netherlands.

You do not have to submit your application in your country of residence. You can also submit it in a neighbouring country, for instance.

If you received a tracking number during your appointment, you can track the status of your application online. See how to track your status.

We understand the long waiting time is frustrating. We are doing our best to process applications as quickly as possible. If you have been waiting longer than 8 weeks and have not received an email asking you to submit additional documents, contact NetherlandsWorldwide by phone. We cannot provide you with any information if you contact us earlier. Please also note that we cannot speed up your application even if you contact us. We ask for your understanding in this matter.