Have you lost your passport or ID card, or has it expired just before your trip? If you are a Dutch national and cannot obtain a new travel document from your municipality in time, you may be eligible for an emergency passport from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. 

Am I eligible for an emergency passport?

You can apply for an emergency passport if you meet the following conditions:

  • You have Dutch nationality.
  • You can prove that your journey cannot be postponed.
  • You can prove that you were unable to apply for a new passport or ID card from your municipality in time (not even with a fast-track procedure).
  • Your country of destination accepts a Dutch emergency passport as a valid travel document.

An emergency passport is a temporary document valid only for the duration of your upcoming journey. Please note that the Marechaussee assesses each application on a case-by-case basis; issuance is never guaranteed.

Step-by-step guide: how do I apply for an emergency passport?

Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are travelling to. Ask if they accept an emergency passport and whether there are any additional requirements, such as a visa.

Make sure you have the following documents with you:
  • Proof that your journey cannot be postponed, for example, flight tickets and hotel reservations;
  • Proof that you were unable to apply for a travel document in time, not even with a fast-track procedure;
  • Any other travel document(s) you may have;
  • A valid form of identification, such as a valid Dutch driving licence, and/or a recent, certified extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP) showing your nationality, in an envelope. The envelope must be sealed by the municipality. Certified means the document is identical to the original;
  • A recent passport photo that meets the necessary requirements.
Or, if no identifying documents can be provided:
  • A certified copy of your recent application for a new travel document (RAAS form), in an envelope. This envelope must also be sealed by the municipality.

Contact the Marechaussee by telephone. We will check with you to ensure you have the correct documents. At some locations, we can schedule an appointment for you straight away to avoid waiting times. You can find our telephone number on the contact us page.

Take all your documents to one of the Marechaussee's issuing offices. Are you travelling with a minor child? Both parents or legal guardians must be present to give their consent. If one of them cannot be present, you must provide a written letter of consent and a copy of their identification document.

Upon your return to the Netherlands, you are required to hand in the emergency passport to the Marechaussee or to your municipality.

Where and when can I apply for an emergency passport?

You can visit the 24/7 emergency document desks at:

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: Departures Hall 1
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport: Brandenburgbaan 6
  • IJmuiden: Sluisplein 33

You can also visit the following locations during their opening hours:

  • Eindhoven Airport: Luchthavenweg 25 (06:30 - 22:00)
  • Groningen Airport Eelde: Machlaan 8 (06:30 - 22:00)
  • Maastricht Aachen Airport: Vliegveldweg 134 (06:30 - 22:00)

Costs

An emergency passport costs €60. You can pay with a debit card, cash, or credit card. Transaction fees may apply to credit card payments.