Netherlands diplomatic mission in Syria
Dutch Embassy in Damascus, Syria
The Dutch Embassy in Damascus has suspended all its services. Find official contact information, emergency assistance and guidance on where residents of Syria can apply for Dutch passports, identity cards, visas and consular certificates.
Current operational status
Is the Dutch Embassy in Damascus Open?
All services of the Dutch Embassy in Damascus are suspended. The embassy does not accept visitors for Dutch passport applications, identity cards, visa applications or regular consular appointments.
NetherlandsWorldwide continues to list the Embassy of the Netherlands in Damascus as a Dutch diplomatic mission. However, its official contact page confirms that all embassy services have been suspended.
The embassy therefore cannot be treated as an operating public consular office.
What should residents of Syria do?
Dutch nationals and other applicants who need a government service should follow the country-specific instructions published by NetherlandsWorldwide.
Depending on the service, authorised application locations may be available in Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye or another country in the region.
Urgent assistance
NetherlandsWorldwide directs people requiring urgent assistance to the Dutch Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.
You can also call the NetherlandsWorldwide contact centre, which is available 24 hours a day.
Practical assistance inside Syria may be limited by local conditions.
Official contact
Dutch Embassy in Damascus: Contact Information
The current official contact page does not provide a public visiting address or consular opening hours in Damascus.
Applicants should not use a historical address from an older directory when looking for current Dutch government services.
Important: do not travel to the former embassy premises expecting consular assistance. Contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the designated mission outside Syria instead.
Diplomatic representation
About the Dutch Embassy in Damascus
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Damascus is the officially listed Dutch diplomatic mission in Syria.
Diplomatic representation and public consular services are distinct functions. A mission may remain in official government records even when its public services are suspended.
Current service restrictions
The Dutch government confirms that all services at the embassy in Damascus have been suspended because of the situation in Syria.
As a result, passport renewals, identity card applications, visa appointments and document collection are not available there.
Regional Dutch representation
The Dutch Embassy in Beirut is identified as a contact for urgent assistance relating to Syria.
Other Dutch missions in the region may accept specified government applications from residents of Syria.
Why application locations differ
Passport applications, Schengen visas, residence visa stickers and consular certificates follow different procedures.
Applicants should therefore select the correct service before choosing a country in which to submit their application.
Alternative consular services
Where to Obtain Dutch Consular Services if You Live in Syria
There is no operating Dutch consular application counter in Damascus. Residents of Syria must use authorised services outside the country.
Beirut, Lebanon
The Dutch Embassy in Beirut is a regional contact for urgent assistance and selected consular services.
Amman, Jordan
The Dutch Embassy in Amman is one of the possible application locations for Dutch passports and identity cards.
Türkiye
The Dutch Embassy in Ankara and Consulate-General in Istanbul provide authorised government services, depending on the application.
Emergency travel documents
If your Dutch passport or identity card has been lost or stolen while you are in Syria, the Dutch Embassy in Damascus cannot issue a replacement or emergency travel document.
Contact NetherlandsWorldwide to discuss the assistance available in your circumstances.
Certificates and declarations
Certain Dutch consular certificates can be requested remotely from the embassy in Beirut or Dutch missions in Türkiye.
Other procedures may require an appointment outside Syria.
Other government services
If you need a Dutch government service not specifically mentioned here, use the official appointment guidance for Syria to identify a suitable application location.
Important: an embassy outside Syria may require an advance appointment and specific supporting documents. It cannot automatically arrange permission for you to enter the country where it is located.
Dutch travel documents
Applying for a Dutch Passport or Identity Card if You Live in Syria
Dutch nationals living in Syria cannot apply for a passport or identity card at the embassy in Damascus.
NetherlandsWorldwide identifies Dutch embassies or consulates-general in other countries, including Lebanon, Jordan and Türkiye, as possible application locations.
1. Prepare Your Checklist
Create a personal passport or identity card checklist and gather the required documents.
2. Choose a Location
Check the application procedures and appointment availability in Lebanon, Jordan or Türkiye.
3. Apply in Person
Bring the completed application form, identification and original supporting documents to your appointment.
Applying in Lebanon
The Dutch Embassy in Beirut is an authorised regional application location for eligible Dutch nationals residing in Syria.
Follow the Lebanese appointment instructions and confirm that the service is available before travelling.
Applying in Jordan
The Dutch Embassy in Amman is another possible application location.
Consult its country-specific passport instructions for the appointment method and required documents.
Applying in Türkiye
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the Dutch Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate-General in Istanbul may be an option.
Applying in the Netherlands
Dutch nationals who can travel to the Netherlands may also apply at a participating border municipality.
Proof of Dutch nationality and legal residence
Applicants must provide evidence of their Dutch nationality and the supporting documents listed on their personal checklist.
Requirements may differ for first-time applications, expired travel documents and applications involving children.
Birth and marriage certificates
Syrian civil-status documents may require translation and legalisation before they can be accepted for Dutch government procedures.
The closure of the embassy in Damascus may affect the ability to complete the normal legalisation process.
If a necessary document cannot be legalised, ask the receiving Dutch authority or application mission for instructions.
Applications for children
Children must attend passport and identity card application appointments in person.
Parental or guardian consent may be required depending on the child’s age and the type of travel document.
Receiving your new document
Collection or delivery arrangements depend on the embassy or consulate-general where you submit the application.
Confirm these arrangements before travelling, especially if a second journey may be required.
Important: passport and identity card applications cannot be submitted in Damascus. Choose an authorised location abroad and check the requirements for entering that country.
Official Passport and ID Card Guidance for Residents of Syria
Short-stay visas
Applying for a Schengen Visa for the Netherlands if You Live in Syria
It is not possible to apply for a Dutch Schengen visa in Syria.
Residents who need a visa for the Netherlands must use an authorised application location in another country in the region, such as Lebanon.
Do Syrian citizens need a Schengen visa?
Holders of ordinary Syrian passports generally require a Schengen visa for short visits to the European Netherlands unless a specific exemption applies.
1. Check Visa Requirements
Confirm whether you need a visa and whether the Netherlands is responsible for processing your application.
2. Prepare Documents
Gather the application form, passport and supporting documents for your intended journey.
3. Apply Outside Syria
Choose an authorised application location and confirm its appointment and entry requirements.
Application locations
NetherlandsWorldwide identifies regional application options, including Lebanon.
The availability of appointments may change because of regional conditions. Always check the current instructions of the selected application location.
Travelling to another country for an appointment
Applicants are responsible for meeting the entry requirements of the country where they intend to apply.
Dutch diplomatic missions and external visa providers cannot arrange entry permission at the border merely because an applicant has a visa appointment.
Application documents and biometrics
Applicants must provide the required passport, application documents and biometric information where applicable.
The correct checklist depends on the purpose of travel.
Visa decisions and processing times
Submitting an application does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
Applicants should allow sufficient time for appointment availability and processing before arranging non-refundable travel.
Important: no Dutch Schengen visa applications are accepted in Damascus. Applicants must independently arrange travel to an authorised application country and meet that country’s entry requirements.
Residence and entry visas
MVV Visa Stickers and Other Entry Procedures from Syria
MVV visa stickers
If the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has approved your residence application, you may need an MVV visa sticker.
You cannot obtain an MVV visa sticker at the Dutch Embassy in Damascus.
Follow the IND approval letter
The IND approval letter specifies where you are authorised to apply for the MVV visa sticker.
The official Syria guidance identifies possible locations in Egypt, Lebanon, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.
You may use a location only if it is authorised in your IND decision.
Entry visas for Dutch residence permit holders
If your Dutch residence permit has expired or has been lost or stolen while you are in Syria, you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.
You cannot apply for an entry visa in Syria.
The official procedure directs eligible applicants to the Netherlands application location of VFS Global in Türkiye.
Airport transit and other visa categories
Visa procedures differ according to the document and the purpose of travel.
Use the official country-specific instructions to identify an authorised application location before arranging travel.
Important: an MVV approval letter does not authorise an application at any Dutch mission of your choice. Follow the location specified by the IND.
Consular certificates
Requesting Dutch Consular Certificates if You Live in Syria
Some Dutch consular certificates can be requested by email without first arranging an in-person appointment.
NetherlandsWorldwide lists the Dutch Embassy in Beirut and Dutch missions in Türkiye as contact points for selected certificates.
Certificate of legal capacity to marry
Eligible applicants can request a certificate of legal capacity to marry through:
- Beirut, Lebanon: bei-ca@minbuza.nl
- Ankara, Türkiye: ank-ca@minbuza.nl
- Istanbul, Türkiye: ist-ca@minbuza.nl
Certificate of marital status
A certificate confirming marital status can be requested from the same Dutch missions by email.
Supporting evidence may be required depending on your civil status and residence history.
Certificate of residence
Applicants needing a Dutch consular certificate of residence can also contact Beirut, Ankara or Istanbul.
Prepare evidence of identity, nationality and current residence as requested by the issuing mission.
Certificate of Dutch nationality
The procedure for obtaining a certificate of Dutch nationality depends on the applicant’s circumstances and nationality history.
Consult NetherlandsWorldwide to identify the appropriate procedure.
Documents issued in Syria
Syrian documents intended for use in the Netherlands may require legalisation and sworn translation.
Because the embassy in Damascus is closed, applicants should verify the current procedure and discuss unavailable documents with the Dutch authority requesting them.
Important: these certificate requests are handled outside Syria. Do not attempt to submit them at the suspended consular counter in Damascus.
Appointments
Making Dutch Consular Appointments from Syria
There are no Dutch consular appointments available at the embassy in Damascus while all services remain suspended.
Passports and identity cards
Follow the application and booking procedures for an authorised Dutch mission in Lebanon, Jordan or Türkiye.
Emergency assistance
Contact NetherlandsWorldwide for urgent assistance. The official embassy page directs urgent enquiries to the Dutch Embassy in Beirut.
Schengen visas
Choose an authorised visa application location outside Syria, such as one in Lebanon.
Check current appointment availability and the requirements for entering the application country.
MVV visa stickers
Book only at the location specified in the positive IND decision.
Certificates
Certificates of legal capacity to marry, marital status and residence can be requested by email from Beirut, Ankara or Istanbul.
Other products and services
For another Dutch government service, follow the applicable appointment procedure in Jordan, Lebanon or Türkiye.
Reopening status
No public reopening date or consular timetable for Damascus is confirmed in the official embassy information.
Travel and safety
Important Information for Dutch Nationals in Syria
Follow Travel Advice
Review current Dutch government travel advice for Syria before making any travel plans.
Confirm the Application Country
Make sure the selected Dutch mission or visa provider accepts your type of application.
Check Border Requirements
Verify the entry requirements for Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye or any other country where you need an appointment.
Travel conditions in Syria
The Dutch government advises against all travel to Syria because of the security situation.
The embassy in Damascus is closed and cannot provide local consular assistance.
Travelling for consular services
Applicants who need to travel to a neighbouring country should check border access, immigration requirements and appointment availability before making arrangements.
An appointment at a Dutch diplomatic mission does not guarantee entry into the country where the mission is located.
Document requirements
Prepare all required original documents and translations before attending an appointment abroad.
When a document cannot be obtained or legalised because of conditions in Syria, contact the receiving Dutch authority for instructions.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals in Syria can contact NetherlandsWorldwide around the clock. The assistance available inside Syria may be severely limited.
Emergency contact: call +31 247 247 247 or use WhatsApp at +31 857 737 400. Do not send sensitive personal documents through WhatsApp. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Dutch Embassy in Damascus: FAQ
Is the Dutch Embassy in Damascus open?
No. NetherlandsWorldwide confirms that all services of the Dutch Embassy in Damascus are suspended.
Where is the Dutch Embassy in Damascus located?
The embassy is officially listed in Damascus, Syria. Its current official contact page does not publish a confirmed visiting address for consular appointments.
How can I contact the Dutch authorities from Syria?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. The official embassy page also directs urgent enquiries to the Dutch Embassy in Beirut.
Can I renew a Dutch passport in Damascus?
No. Residents of Syria can apply at an authorised Dutch embassy or consulate-general outside Syria, for example in Lebanon, Jordan or Türkiye.
Where can I apply for a Dutch identity card if I live in Syria?
You must use an authorised application location abroad, such as a Dutch mission in Lebanon, Jordan or Türkiye, or a participating border municipality in the Netherlands.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Syria?
No. Schengen visa applications cannot be submitted in Syria. Eligible applicants must use an authorised application location in another country in the region, such as Lebanon.
Where can I obtain an MVV visa sticker if I live in Syria?
You must use the application location specified in your positive IND decision. The official Syria guidance identifies possible locations in Egypt, Lebanon, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.
What if I lose my Dutch passport while in Syria?
The embassy in Damascus cannot issue an emergency travel document while its services are suspended. Contact NetherlandsWorldwide for advice about available assistance.
Can I request a Dutch certificate of marital status or residence from Syria?
Yes. Eligible applicants can request these certificates by email from Dutch missions in Beirut, Ankara or Istanbul, subject to the applicable requirements.
How can Dutch nationals obtain urgent consular assistance in Syria?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247. Assistance inside Syria may be limited. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.