Passport renewal rush causes longer wait times nationwide
Millions of Dutch citizens face delays renewing passports and ID cards due to a surge in applications. The 2014 extension of document validity to 10 years has now expired, leading to crowded offices and longer processing times. Plan ahead to avoid travel disruptions.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Cause of surge | 2014 policy change: passport/ID validity extended from 5 to 10 years |
| Current impact | First wave of extended-validity documents now expiring |
| Expected delays | Longer wait times for applications and collections |
| Appointment requirement | Mandatory for both application and collection |
| Emergency passport conditions | Standard rules apply; passport peak not a valid reason |
| Municipality restriction | Applications must be processed in your own municipality |
| Contact number | 071-5806300 (office hours) |
The Dutch government extended passport validity in 2014 to reduce administrative burdens and costs for citizens. Municipalities are now responsible for managing the surge in renewals, ensuring efficient processing while maintaining strict identity verification standards.
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Increased crowds due to passport peak
Since 2024, there has been an increase in the number of applications for passports and ID cards. This is because in 2014 the validity period of these documents was extended from 5 to 10 years. The first documents with this longer validity period have now expired, meaning many people need to renew their passports or ID cards.
This so-called passport peak is causing extra crowds when applying for and collecting travel documents. This could mean you may face longer waiting times.
What will you notice?
You may experience longer waiting times when applying for and collecting a new travel document. We are doing our best to prevent this from happening. However, it is possible that an application may take longer than usual. Spring is always a busy period for applications, and we expect this extra peak during the passport rush as well.
What can you do?
- Check your travel documents in good time. This way, you will know when you need to renew your document and can plan accordingly.
- Make an appointment well in advance to renew your passport and/or ID card. This will help you avoid the crowds and ensure you receive your new travel document on time.
Scheduling an appointment
You will need an appointment both to apply for and to collect your new document. You can schedule and view your appointments yourself, including what you need to apply for and collect a new document. It is also possible to make an appointment by phone. To do so, call 071-5806300 during office hours.
Emergency applications for an emergency passport or outside your municipality
- Applying for a travel document on an emergency basis is only possible under the regular conditions. View the conditions here
- The passport peak is not a valid reason for an emergency passport. Regular conditions also apply to emergency passports. More about emergency passports on Rijksoverheid.nl
- It is not possible to apply for a new travel document outside your own municipality. This can only be done in your own municipality.