Netherlands Embassy in Tirana, Albania

Dutch passport, ID card

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Questions and answers about biometric travel documents and how their introduction will affect Dutch nationals living abroad.

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.