WILLEMSTAD - It is important to have a valid passport, especially now that the summer vacation is approaching and many people are traveling. Due to the extension of the validity period of the Dutch passport in 2014, there has been an increase this year in the number of requests for passport renewal for passports expiring in 2024. This increase is causing longer waiting times at Kranshi for passport applications and for their dispatch from the supplier in the Netherlands. The Cabinet of the Governor of Curaçao and Kranshi advise all Curaçao residents with Dutch nationality to check their passport on time and take action if necessary to avoid additional costs and travel problems.
Dutch Passport Applications Residents with a Dutch passport who notice that their document is about to expire or has already expired should quickly make an appointment at Kranshi for a new passport. The cost for the new document is NAf. 200 for persons aged 18 and older, and NAf. 100 for persons younger than 18. A passport is issued 3 weeks after the passport application.
Emergency Passport An emergency passport can only be requested at the consular department of the Cabinet of the Governor of Curaçao in genuine emergency situations, such as medical evacuations, and is not an alternative for not receiving a new passport on time. The policy for emergency passports is strictly adhered to.
Avoiding Double Costs To qualify for an emergency passport, there must be a demonstrable urgent reason to travel, and the person must meet several additional requirements. Additionally, a new Dutch passport must also be applied for at Kranshi. Therefore, double costs are incurred: the new passport (NAf. 200 for persons aged 18 and older, NAf. 100 for persons younger than 18) and additional costs for the emergency passport (NAf. 112). To avoid this, it is advised to check the validity of the Dutch passport in a timely manner.
Personal Responsibility Depending on the destination, a country may require that a passport is valid not only during the outbound and return journey but also for a number of months after the journey. It is the responsibility of each traveler to check this in a timely manner and to ensure a valid passport. The Cabinet of the Governor of Curaçao and Kranshi are not liable if a trip cannot proceed due to not receiving a new passport or an emergency passport on time. Therefore, the advice is to only book a ticket after receiving the new passport.
