Emergency passport

How it works

An emergency passport may only be used as a travel document, and not as proof of identity. The emergency passport is only valid for the length of the travel. 

Some countries do not allow people to travel with an emergency passport. They might also set additional or different requirements for travel documents, such as visa requirements. For more information, contact the relevant embassy or consulate.

Eligibility

You can apply for an emergency travel document if all the following apply:

• You have Dutch nationality;
• You cannot obtain a passport or identity document in time;
• You cannot postpone your trip;
• The Marechaussee must be able to ascertain your identity and nationality;
• You must ensure that documentary evidence is available (see below).

How to apply

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee issues emergency passports. This costs €51 (2022). You need the following documentary evidence to show that you need an emergency passport: 

• Travel documents, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations;
• Other travel documents, if applicable;
• A valid proof of identity, such as a Dutch driving licence, and/or an envelope containing a recently certified copy of the entry in the Persons Database stating your nationality. This envelope must also be closed and sealed by the municipal authorities. Certified means that the document is a certified copy of the original;
• A recent passport photo that meets all requirements.

Or, in case you do not have a valid proof of identity:

• An envelope containing a certified copy of your recent application for a new travel document (RAAS form). This envelope must also be closed and sealed by the municipal authorities.

Locations

In the Netherlands, you can apply for an emergency passport at the following Marechaussee locations:

• Brigade Grensbewaking, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Departure Hall 1, Emergency Documents Office;
• Brigade Noord-Holland, Post IJmuiden (near ferry);
• Brigade Drenthe-IJsselstreek, Post Groningen Airport Eelde;
• Brigade Oostgrens-Noord, Coevoorden
• Brigade Zuid-Holland, Post Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Post Hoek van Holland;
• Brigade Brabant Zuid, Eindhoven Airport;
• Brigade Limburg Zuid, Maastricht Aachen Airport.

If you are abroad, you can apply for an emergency passport at a Dutch embassy or consulate. You will be issued with a Dutch laissez-passer if it is not possible to issue an emergency passport in time.