Check your passport validity now to avoid holiday travel delays
Planning a spring getaway? Ensure your passport or ID card is valid to avoid long waits. Processing times can stretch for weeks, so apply early to secure your travel documents in time for your trip.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Peak application period | Spring (busy season) |
| Standard processing time | 5 working days after appointment |
| Urgent request cost | Extra fees apply |
| Required documents | Recent passport photo (max 6 months old), all passports/ID cards (including expired) |
| Appointment preparation | Check photo requirements on Government.nl |
| Municipality example | Zandvoort (Lea Helmink, team manager) |
Municipalities in the Netherlands are responsible for issuing passports and ID cards to residents. They manage the application process, including appointments, document verification, and delivery, ensuring citizens meet legal requirements for travel and identification.
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Is your passport or ID card still valid?
You need a valid passport or ID card if you are planning to travel abroad on holiday soon. Have you already checked whether your card is still valid? If not, apply for a new one as soon as possible.
Spring is a busy time for applying for new travel documents. Waiting times can be long. It sometimes takes several weeks before you can apply for the travel document. It is therefore important that you make an appointment in good time.
After the appointment, it will take 5 working days before you can collect your new card, unless you apply for an urgent request, but this will cost extra.
Prepare your appointment carefully
Lea Helmink, team manager customer contact centre, Municipality of Zandvoort: “It is helpful if you have everything arranged before your appointment. That way, we can assist you as smoothly as possible.”
Tips
- Remember to bring a recent colour passport photo; this photo must not be older than 6 months.
- Check the passport photo requirements: Requirements for the passport photo for a passport or ID card | Passport and ID card | Government.nl (link is external)
- Bring all your passports and ID cards to the appointment, including any expired ones.
More information
You can find all information about applying for travel documents at Driving licence, passport and ID card.