Netherlands diplomatic mission in Afghanistan
Dutch Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan
The Dutch Embassy in Kabul is closed until further notice. Find official emergency contact information and learn where residents of Afghanistan can apply for Dutch passports, identity cards, Schengen visas and other consular services.
Current operational status
Is the Dutch Embassy in Kabul Open?
The Dutch Embassy in Kabul is closed until further notice. It does not accept visitors for passports, identity cards, visas, emergency travel documents or other regular consular services.
NetherlandsWorldwide continues to list the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kabul among the Dutch diplomatic missions for Afghanistan.
However, its official contact page confirms that the embassy is closed. No reopening date is currently announced.
What does the closure mean?
Dutch nationals living in Afghanistan cannot visit the embassy to renew their passports or apply for identity cards.
Residents who need a visa for the Netherlands must likewise use an authorised application location outside Afghanistan.
Alternative application countries
The Netherlands identifies Pakistan, India, Iran and the United Arab Emirates as possible countries for several Dutch government services.
Which location is appropriate depends on the application and the applicant’s circumstances.
Urgent assistance
If you need urgent help, contact NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247.
Assistance inside Afghanistan may be severely limited because the embassy is closed.
Official contact
Dutch Embassy in Kabul: Contact Information
The official contact page does not publish an active visitor address or public opening hours for the closed embassy.
Do not rely on historical addresses or telephone numbers for appointments in Kabul.
Important: the embassy’s continued appearance in the official diplomatic directory does not mean that its premises are open or that applications can be submitted there.
Diplomatic representation
About the Dutch Embassy in Kabul
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Kabul is the officially listed diplomatic mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Afghanistan.
Diplomatic representation and public consular operations are separate matters. A diplomatic mission may remain listed in official government records even when its premises are closed.
Current situation
The embassy in Kabul is closed until further notice and does not provide public consular services.
People needing Dutch government documents must use alternative application arrangements published by NetherlandsWorldwide.
Services for Dutch nationals
Dutch citizens living in Afghanistan may need to travel to another country to apply for passports, identity cards or other documents.
Visa applicants
Residents of Afghanistan cannot submit ordinary Dutch Schengen visa applications in Kabul.
Eligible applicants must use the procedure for an authorised location outside Afghanistan.
Emergency assistance
The closed embassy cannot issue emergency travel documents in Kabul. People in urgent need of assistance should contact NetherlandsWorldwide.
Alternative services
Where to Obtain Dutch Consular Services if You Live in Afghanistan
The Netherlands provides several alternative application options for residents of Afghanistan.
Pakistan
The Dutch Embassy in Islamabad is an authorised application location for selected travel documents, visa procedures and certificates.
India
The Dutch Embassy in New Delhi and designated consulates-general provide selected Dutch consular services.
Iran and the UAE
Authorised application locations are also available in Iran and the United Arab Emirates, depending on the service.
Passport and identity card applications
Official guidance identifies Pakistan, India, Iran and the United Arab Emirates as possible application countries.
Visa applications
The same four countries provide alternative application options for eligible Schengen visa applicants residing in Afghanistan.
Certificates and other services
Some certificates require an appointment at a Dutch embassy or consulate-general in India or Pakistan.
Choosing the correct location
Do not assume that every application type is accepted at every Dutch mission or visa centre.
Check the country-specific instructions for the service you require.
Important: appointments outside Afghanistan may require substantial travel. Verify your eligibility, appointment availability and entry requirements for the destination country before making plans.
Dutch travel documents
Applying for a Dutch Passport or Identity Card if You Live in Afghanistan
Dutch nationals living in Afghanistan cannot apply for a regular Dutch passport or identity card at the embassy in Kabul.
NetherlandsWorldwide identifies four alternative application countries:
- Pakistan.
- India.
- Iran.
- United Arab Emirates.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Create a personal checklist for your passport or identity card application.
The checklist specifies the documents required for your circumstances, including nationality and residence evidence.
Step 2: Choose an application country
Review the country-specific passport application guidance for Pakistan, India, Iran or the United Arab Emirates.
Check whether the selected mission can accept your application.
Step 3: Arrange an appointment
Follow the booking instructions for the authorised embassy or consulate-general.
The appointment procedure may differ between countries.
Step 4: Attend in person
Bring the completed application form, printed checklist, passport photograph and required original documents.
Children must also attend passport and identity card appointments in person.
First-time applications
Additional evidence may be required when applying for a Dutch passport or identity card for the first time.
Applicants who need to submit Afghan birth or marriage certificates may be subject to extra document verification procedures.
Check the instructions of the application country before arranging an appointment.
Afghan civil-status documents
Documents issued in Afghanistan may require translation and authentication for use in Dutch government procedures.
The applicable process depends on the document, the receiving authority and the application location.
Applying in the Netherlands
Eligible Dutch nationals living in Afghanistan can also apply for a passport or identity card at a participating border municipality in the Netherlands.
Collecting your new document
Collection or delivery arrangements depend on the application location.
Confirm whether a second visit is necessary before arranging international travel.
Important: do not attempt to submit a passport or identity card application in Kabul. Arrange an appointment at an authorised location outside Afghanistan.
Schengen visas
Applying for a Schengen Visa for the Netherlands if You Live in Afghanistan
It is not possible to submit a Schengen visa application for the Netherlands in Afghanistan.
Residents of Afghanistan who need a visa must apply at an authorised location in another country.
Available application countries
The official guidance identifies:
- India.
- Iran.
- Pakistan.
- United Arab Emirates.
Do Afghan citizens need a Schengen visa?
Holders of ordinary Afghan passports generally require a Schengen visa for a short visit to the Netherlands unless a specific exemption applies.
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm whether your travel purpose and circumstances qualify for an application at the chosen location.
2. Prepare Documents
Complete the official visa form and prepare the required supporting evidence.
3. Apply Abroad
Arrange an appointment with an authorised visa application centre outside Afghanistan.
Application rules differ by country
Some application centres have restrictions on the types of travel for which applicants can submit a visa request.
Always read the specific instructions for India, Iran, Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates before choosing a location.
Travelling to a visa application centre
You must independently meet the immigration requirements of the country where the application centre is located.
A Schengen visa appointment does not automatically give you permission to enter that country.
Biometrics and supporting documents
Applicants normally attend their appointment in person and submit a valid passport, application form and supporting documents.
Biometric information may also be collected when required.
Processing times
Application processing and appointment availability may vary.
Avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements before understanding the application requirements and likely processing timetable.
Important: there is no Dutch Schengen visa application location in Afghanistan. The available alternatives and their eligibility rules must be checked before travelling.
Residence and entry visas
MVV Visa Stickers and Entry Visas for Residents of Afghanistan
MVV visa stickers
If the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has approved your residence application, you may need an MVV visa sticker.
It is not possible to apply for an MVV visa sticker in Afghanistan.
Follow the IND decision
The positive IND decision identifies the Dutch embassy or consulate-general where you can apply.
For applicants living in Afghanistan, the location is often in India, Iran or Pakistan, or at a Dutch consulate-general in the United Arab Emirates.
Apply only at the location authorised in your IND approval letter.
Changing an MVV application location
If you need to apply somewhere other than the location specified in the IND decision, contact the IND for instructions.
Do not independently substitute another mission.
Entry visas for returning to the Netherlands
If your Dutch residence permit has expired or been lost or stolen while you are in Afghanistan, you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.
These applications cannot be submitted in Afghanistan.
The official guidance directs eligible applicants to VFS Global in India, Iran, Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates.
Other visa categories
Airport transit and Caribbean visa applications may follow separate procedures.
Check the current NetherlandsWorldwide instructions for the exact visa category and country where you intend to apply.
Important: an IND approval does not mean that you can obtain an MVV sticker in Kabul. The authorised location is specified in the approval letter.
Consular certificates
Requesting Dutch Consular Certificates if You Live in Afghanistan
Several Dutch consular certificates must be requested outside Afghanistan.
Certificate of legal capacity to marry
Eligible applicants can make an appointment in India or Pakistan.
Official contact options include:
- Dutch Embassy in New Delhi: nde-ca@minbuza.nl.
- Dutch Consulate-General in Bangalore: bgl-ca@minbuza.nl.
- Dutch Consulate-General in Mumbai: bom-ca@minbuza.nl.
- Dutch Embassy in Islamabad: isl-ca@minbuza.nl.
Certificate of marital status
Applicants needing a certificate confirming their marital status should follow the official appointment guidance for India or Pakistan.
Certificate of residence
Eligible applicants can also arrange a certificate of residence through designated Dutch missions in India or Pakistan.
Certificate of Dutch nationality
The correct procedure depends on the applicant’s Dutch nationality history and personal circumstances.
Consult NetherlandsWorldwide to identify the correct route.
Supporting evidence
Certificates may require proof of identity, nationality, civil status or residence.
Documents from Afghanistan can be subject to additional verification requirements.
Important: certificate applications cannot be submitted at the closed Dutch Embassy in Kabul. Check the available procedure at the selected mission abroad.
Consular appointments
Making Dutch Consular Appointments from Afghanistan
The Dutch Embassy in Kabul is closed and does not accept consular appointments.
Passports and identity cards
Choose an authorised application location in Pakistan, India, Iran or the United Arab Emirates.
Follow the booking instructions for that location.
Schengen visa applications
Use an authorised application location outside Afghanistan.
Confirm that the centre accepts your particular application category before booking.
MVV visa stickers
Follow the location specified in the positive IND decision.
Certificates
For selected certificates, request an appointment through an authorised Dutch mission in India or Pakistan.
Emergency documents
Emergency Dutch travel documents cannot be issued at the closed embassy in Kabul.
Contact NetherlandsWorldwide for information about your specific situation.
Reopening information
No reopening date or public appointment timetable is currently confirmed.
Always consult the official embassy contact page for changes.
Travel and safety
Important Information for Dutch Nationals in Afghanistan
Review Travel Advice
Follow the current Dutch government travel advisory for Afghanistan.
Check Entry Requirements
Verify that you can enter the country where your consular appointment will take place.
Contact Official Support
Use NetherlandsWorldwide for urgent consular questions and information about current procedures.
Security situation
The Dutch government advises against all travel to Afghanistan.
The embassy in Kabul is closed and cannot provide direct consular assistance inside the country.
International travel for an appointment
If you need to apply in Pakistan, India, Iran or the United Arab Emirates, review the destination country’s visa and entry requirements.
Confirm that your passport or other travel document is valid for the journey.
Consular fees
Official fees and payment methods depend on the product and application location.
External service providers may charge additional fees.
Documents issued in Afghanistan
Afghan civil-status records may be subject to translation, authentication and verification requirements.
If documents cannot be obtained, contact the Dutch authority or mission handling your application for instructions.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals who need help can contact NetherlandsWorldwide at any time, although assistance inside Afghanistan may be severely limited.
Emergency contact: call +31 247 247 247. WhatsApp support is available at +31 857 737 400. Do not share sensitive identity documents by WhatsApp. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Dutch Embassy in Kabul: FAQ
Is the Dutch Embassy in Kabul open?
No. The Dutch Embassy in Kabul is closed until further notice.
Where is the Dutch Embassy in Kabul located?
The embassy is officially listed in Kabul, Afghanistan. Its current contact page does not publish a visitor address for public consular appointments.
How can I contact the Dutch authorities from Afghanistan?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day.
Can I apply for a Dutch passport at the embassy in Kabul?
No. Dutch nationals living in Afghanistan must apply at an authorised location outside the country, for example in Pakistan, India, Iran or the United Arab Emirates.
Where can I apply for a Dutch identity card if I live in Afghanistan?
NetherlandsWorldwide identifies Pakistan, India, Iran and the United Arab Emirates as alternative application countries.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Afghanistan?
No. Schengen visa applications cannot be submitted in Afghanistan. Eligible applicants must use an authorised location in India, Iran, Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates.
Can the embassy in Kabul issue an emergency Dutch travel document?
No. The embassy is closed and cannot assist with emergency travel document applications inside Afghanistan.
Where can I apply for an MVV visa sticker?
Use the Dutch embassy or consulate-general specified in your positive IND decision. Common regional locations include India, Iran, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Where can I request a Dutch certificate of residence or marital status?
Eligible applicants can follow the official procedures for designated Dutch embassies or consulates-general in India or Pakistan.
How can Dutch nationals obtain urgent consular assistance in Afghanistan?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first. Assistance inside Afghanistan may be severely limited.