Dutch Passport Power: Exploring Countless Travel Destinations

As of 2024, Dutch passport holders can travel to a significant number of countries without a visa. According to various sources, Dutch citizens can enter between 149 and 191 countries visa-free. This includes countries in Europe, such as the United Kingdom, and countries outside of Europe, such as the United Arab Emirates.

Within Europe, a Dutch ID card is usually sufficient for travel, but outside of Europe, a valid Dutch passport is required. Some countries also require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance, depending on the country.

Visa-free travel with a Dutch passport

As of 2024, Dutch passport holders can travel to a significant number of countries without a visa. The exact number varies depending on the source. Some sources state that Dutch citizens can enter up to 193 countries and territories with visa-free access or visa on arrival. This includes countries such as Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the entire European Union. Other sources state that Dutch passport holders can enter up to 180 or 160 countries without a visa.

When travelling within Europe, a valid Dutch ID card is usually sufficient for Dutch nationals, except in a few cases where a passport is required, such as entering Türkiye and Georgia. Outside of Europe, a valid Dutch passport is necessary, and some countries may also require a visa.

It is important to note that visa requirements and entry restrictions may change over time, so Dutch citizens should always check the latest information for their specific destination before travelling. Additionally, some countries may have specific requirements, such as a minimum number of blank pages in the passport, passport validity for a certain period beyond the intended stay, or proof of travel insurance.

Countries requiring a visa for Dutch passport holders

As of 2024, Dutch citizens can travel to most countries in Europe and a few others, including Türkiye and Georgia, without a passport, using just their ID card. However, some countries outside Europe require a visa for Dutch passport holders.

Dutch passport holders need a visa to enter 16 countries, according to one source. These include:

• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Sudan

Another source mentions the following countries, which require a visa for Dutch passport holders:

• Abkhazia
• China (except for Hainan)
• India (some states)
• Kazakhstan (some areas)
• North Korea
• Turkmenistan (some areas)
• Tibet
• Yemen (outside Sana'a or Aden)

Additionally, some countries require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or an eVisa.

European travel with a Dutch passport or ID card

As a Dutch citizen, you can travel to most European countries using a valid Dutch ID card. This includes Georgia and Türkiye, which are exceptions to the rule that a passport is needed for travel outside of Europe.

If you are travelling outside of Europe, you will need a valid Dutch passport. This will allow you to travel to 160 countries without a visa, and a further 22 countries with an eVisa.

You can also get a visa on arrival in 28 countries, and 12 countries will require you to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you travel.

A small number of countries will require you to apply for a regular visa before travelling.

Applying for a Dutch passport

As a citizen of the Netherlands, you can travel to 180 countries visa-free. However, you will need a valid Dutch passport to enter most countries outside of Europe. If you are currently living in the Netherlands, you can apply for a passport at the municipal authority where you are registered. You will need to bring a colour photo and your old documents with you. Make sure the photo meets the requirements for accepting passport photos in Dutch travel documents.

If you are living outside of the Netherlands, you can apply for a new passport at most embassies and consulates outside the country and from a number of municipal offices within the Netherlands. You will need to make an appointment first and can find more information on the individual websites of diplomatic missions outside the country. You must go to the embassy or consulate in person so that your identity can be checked. You will also need to bring a completed and signed application form and a recent photograph. You must also be able to prove that you hold Dutch citizenship and provide all your Dutch and foreign travel documents for inspection.

The new passports are produced in the Netherlands and sent to the embassy or consulate where you have applied, so processing your application may take several weeks. The embassy or consulate will let you know when you can collect your new passport. You should collect it in person unless there are special reasons why this is not possible.

Passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18. All children, including babies, need their own passport to travel.

Dutch passport ranking

The Dutch passport is highly ranked in terms of global mobility. According to various sources, it is placed within the top 5 of passport rankings. This high ranking means that Dutch passport holders can travel to a large number of countries without needing to apply for a visa in advance.

One source places the Dutch passport 4th in its 2024 ranking. This ranking is based on the number of countries that allow Dutch citizens to enter without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, or gain entry with an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Dutch passport holders can enter a total of 191 destinations without needing to apply for a physical visa in advance. This includes 149 visa-free countries, 30 visa-on-arrival countries, and 12 eTA destinations.

Another source ranks the Dutch passport 3rd in terms of passport power, with a population of over 17 million. This source also highlights that Dutch nationals can travel within Europe using a valid ID card, without the need for a passport.

A third source ranks the Dutch passport 2nd in the world, stating that Dutch citizens can travel visa-free to 180 countries. This source also mentions that certain countries will allow Dutch passport holders to apply for a visa on entry or an eTA.

Overall, the Dutch passport is highly regarded and allows for a significant amount of travel freedom. Dutch passport holders can visit a large number of countries without the need for a pre-arranged visa, making it one of the most desirable passports in the world.

Frequently asked questions