Do Dutch passport holders need a visa for the USA, UK, and Canada?

Dutch passport holders do not need a traditional visa but must obtain electronic travel authorizations: for the USA, apply for ESTA (valid 2 years, costs $21); for Canada, apply for eTA (valid 5 years, costs CAD $7); for the UK, apply for ETA starting 2025 (costs £10). These authorizations must be obtained online before travel and are typically approved within minutes to 72 hours.

Can Dutch citizens work freely in other EU countries with their passport?

Yes, as EU citizens, Dutch passport holders have full freedom of movement within all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (EEA/EFTA). They can live, work, and study in these countries without needing work permits or visas. Registration with local authorities is typically required after 3-6 months of residence, but no prior authorization is needed to start working.

Is military service mandatory for Dutch passport holders?

No, the Netherlands abolished mandatory military conscription in 1996. Dutch citizens are not required to perform military service. However, all Dutch nationals can be called up in times of war or national emergency until age 45 (men) or 35 (women), though this has never been activated since abolition. Military service is now entirely voluntary.

Which countries require Dutch passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Dutch passport holders must obtain visas in advance for 15 countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, Eritrea, Ghana, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, countries like Russia, China (despite recent visa-free trials), India, and several African nations require e-visas or online visa applications before travel.

Can Dutch passport holders get visa-on-arrival in popular tourist destinations?

Yes, Dutch citizens can obtain visa-on-arrival in 26 countries including popular destinations like Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Requirements vary by country but typically include a valid passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, proof of accommodation, and visa fees payable in cash (USD/EUR) or card. Processing usually takes 15-60 minutes at the airport.

How long does it take to renew a Dutch passport and what are the requirements?

Dutch passport renewal takes 3-5 working days in the Netherlands when applying at your municipality. Requirements include: valid ID, recent passport photo (not older than 6 months), and €74.44 for adults or €56.53 for children under 18. Urgent processing (1-2 days) costs extra. Dutch citizens abroad can renew at embassies/consulates but processing takes 4-6 weeks. Passports are valid for 10 years (adults) or 5 years (minors).

Do Dutch passport holders need visas for popular Asian destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam?

Thailand and Japan: No visa required for stays up to 30-90 days. Vietnam: Dutch citizens can visit visa-free for up to 45 days (as of August 2023 policy). China: Visa-free for transit up to 144 hours in certain cities, or 15-day visa-free stays under trial programs. Indonesia: Visa-on-arrival or visa-free for 30 days. Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia: Visa-free for 30-90 days. India requires e-visa in advance.

Can Dutch citizens travel to Russia, and what are the visa requirements?

Dutch citizens can travel to Russia but must obtain an e-visa or traditional visa in advance. Russia offers e-visas for tourism, business, or humanitarian visits (single entry, up to 16 days) for €40, processed in 4 days. Traditional visas require an invitation letter, application at the Russian embassy/consulate, and take 10-20 working days. Due to EU sanctions and geopolitical tensions since 2022, travel restrictions and flight limitations apply.

Are there any countries where Dutch passport holders face entry restrictions or bans?

Dutch passport holders face practical entry restrictions in North Korea (tourist visas extremely limited), Turkmenistan (invitation required, rarely granted), and Syria (war zone, consular services unavailable). While not officially banned, travel to Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia is strongly discouraged by the Dutch government due to security risks. Israel allows entry but stamps may cause issues for subsequent travel to some Middle Eastern countries. No countries officially ban Dutch passport holders.

Netherlands Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 187 Countries

The Netherlands passport ranks 5th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 destinations worldwide. This powerful travel document provides Dutch citizens with exceptional global mobility, making it one of the most valuable passports for international travel. Consistently ranking in the top 5 since 2011, the Netherlands passport demonstrates the country's strong diplomatic relations and enables hassle-free travel across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond. Dutch passport holders benefit from streamlined border crossings and extensive travel freedom for both business and leisure purposes.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

187

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Netherlands passport

145

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Dutch Citizens

Popular destinations where Netherlands passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
Brazil	Up to 90 days	BR
Singapore	Up to 90 days	SG
Thailand	Up to 60 days	TH
Mexico	Up to 180 days	MX

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Netherlands passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

145 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

26 countries

🔐 ETA Required

16 countries

💻 E-Visa

24 countries

❌ Visa Required

15 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Netherlands's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Official Netherlands Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Government of the Netherlands - Passport

🔗

Government of the Netherlands - Travel Documents

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Travel Advice

🔗

Dutch Government - Apply for Passport

🔗

IND - Immigration and Naturalisation Service

Compare Netherlands Passport with Other Passports

See how Netherlands's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Netherlands (You are here)	#5	187	92/100	40/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Netherlands passport ranks 5th globally in 2025 according to the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 destinations. Dutch citizens can visit major destinations including the USA (with ESTA), Canada (with eTA), UK (with ETA), Australia (with eVisitor), Japan, South Korea, and all EU/Schengen countries without a visa. This makes it one of the world's most powerful travel documents.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Netherlands's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Netherlands Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 187 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 60 days

Up to 180 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Netherlands's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Compare Netherlands Passport with Other Passports

See how Netherlands's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Netherlands (You are here)	#5	187	92/100	40/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Netherlands passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Dutch Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Netherlands's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Netherlands Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Netherlands Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Netherlands passport in 2025 and how many countries can Dutch citizens visit visa-free?

Do Dutch passport holders need a visa for the USA, UK, and Canada?

Can Dutch citizens work freely in other EU countries with their passport?

Is military service mandatory for Dutch passport holders?

Which countries require Dutch passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Dutch passport holders get visa-on-arrival in popular tourist destinations?

How long does it take to renew a Dutch passport and what are the requirements?

Do Dutch passport holders need visas for popular Asian destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam?

Can Dutch citizens travel to Russia, and what are the visa requirements?

Are there any countries where Dutch passport holders face entry restrictions or bans?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Netherlands passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Dutch Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Netherlands's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Netherlands Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Netherlands Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Netherlands passport in 2025 and how many countries can Dutch citizens visit visa-free?

Do Dutch passport holders need a visa for the USA, UK, and Canada?

Can Dutch citizens work freely in other EU countries with their passport?

Is military service mandatory for Dutch passport holders?

Which countries require Dutch passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Dutch passport holders get visa-on-arrival in popular tourist destinations?

How long does it take to renew a Dutch passport and what are the requirements?

Do Dutch passport holders need visas for popular Asian destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam?

Can Dutch citizens travel to Russia, and what are the visa requirements?

Are there any countries where Dutch passport holders face entry restrictions or bans?

Explore More Passport Rankings