Netherlands diplomatic mission in the United States
Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C., United States
Find the official address, contact details and opening hours of the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C. Learn how to apply for Dutch passports and identity cards, arrange consular appointments, collect documents and find the correct visa application centre in the United States.
Contact
Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.: Contact Details
Washington, DC 20008
United States
By appointment only
Important: the embassy receives visitors by appointment only. If you need to collect a completed Dutch passport, identity card or another document, you must make a separate online collection appointment.
Location
Where Is the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.?
The Dutch Embassy is located at 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States.
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States and the seat of the country’s federal government. The embassy represents the Netherlands in diplomatic relations with the United States.
Planning your visit
Use the complete visiting address when arranging transportation. Allow sufficient time for travel and any security procedures at the embassy.
Bring your appointment confirmation and the original supporting documents required for your application.
Embassy or visa application centre?
The embassy accepts Dutch passport and identity card applications, selected consular certificates, legalisations and MVV visa sticker appointments.
Regular Schengen visa applications are handled through VFS Global, including its application centre in Washington, D.C.
The VFS Global application centre is a separate location. Do not travel to the embassy for a regular Schengen visa appointment.
Before travelling: confirm whether you have an embassy appointment or an appointment with VFS Global. The address and procedures are different.
Diplomatic representation
About the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C. is the diplomatic representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the United States.
The embassy maintains relations with the United States federal government and supports cooperation between the two countries on political, economic, security and international affairs.
It also provides consular services for Dutch nationals residing in or visiting the United States.
Consular services at the embassy
The embassy offers Dutch passport and identity card applications, emergency travel documents, nationality procedures, selected certificates, legalisations and residence-related services.
Other Dutch missions in the United States
The Netherlands maintains several consulates-general in the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Francisco.
The services offered at these locations are not necessarily identical. Some applications can also be submitted through authorised VFS Global centres.
Choose a convenient application location
Dutch citizens in the United States do not always need to travel to Washington for a passport or identity card.
Depending on the service, authorised options may be available closer to home.
Consular services
Consular Services at the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Passports and ID Cards
Dutch nationals can book online appointments for new passports and identity cards.
Nationality Procedures
Naturalisation and nationality option procedures can be arranged by contacting the embassy’s consular team.
Certificates and Legalisations
The embassy provides selected legalisations, certificates of residence and certificates of life.
Emergency travel documents
If your Dutch passport or identity card is missing and you urgently need to travel, contact the embassy about an emergency travel document.
Request an appointment by emailing was-ca@minbuza.nl.
Prepare evidence of your identity, nationality and intended travel arrangements.
Naturalisation
Eligible applicants seeking Dutch nationality through naturalisation from abroad can request an appointment by emailing the embassy.
Check the relevant eligibility requirements before starting the procedure.
Dutch nationality option procedure
Applicants who qualify for Dutch nationality through the option procedure can also request an appointment by email.
The embassy will advise which supporting documents are required.
Legalisation of a signature
To have your signature legalised, make an online appointment with the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Bring valid identification and the document requiring your signature.
Legalisation of an ID copy
If you need a certified copy of your identity document, request an appointment by emailing was-ca@minbuza.nl.
Confirm that the receiving organisation accepts the type of certification offered.
Certificate of life
If a pension provider or another organisation needs confirmation that you are alive, book an online appointment for a certificate of life.
Certificate of residence
A certificate confirming your place of residence can be requested from the embassy by email.
An initial personal appointment is not necessary to submit the request.
Certificate of Dutch nationality
The eligibility and application procedure for a certificate of Dutch nationality depend on your circumstances and nationality history.
Consult the official instructions before submitting an application.
Basic civic integration examination abroad
Eligible applicants can arrange the basic civic integration examination abroad at the embassy.
Request an appointment by emailing was-ca@minbuza.nl after completing the necessary registration procedure.
DigiD activation code
The embassy in Washington also offers appointments for collecting a DigiD activation code.
Make an online appointment and bring the documents required for your activation procedure.
Orange Carpet Visa Facility
Eligible companies and organisations can request registration for the Orange Carpet Visa Facility by emailing a completed application form to was-ca@minbuza.nl.
Qualifying Schengen visa applications under this programme are submitted through VFS Global.
Appointment procedures differ: passport applications, signature legalisation, certificates of life and DigiD activation code collection use online booking. Emergency documents, nationality procedures, ID copy legalisation and the civic integration examination require contact by email.
Travel documents
Applying for a Dutch Passport or Identity Card in the United States
Dutch nationals residing in the United States can apply for a passport or identity card at the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Several consulates-general and authorised VFS Global centres also accept applications.
1. Prepare Your Checklist
Create a personal documents checklist for each applicant and gather the required originals and supporting evidence.
2. Book an Appointment
Make an online appointment at the embassy or choose another authorised application location in the United States.
3. Attend in Person
Bring the printed checklist, completed and signed application form, and all required passports and identity cards.
Application documents
Your personal checklist will identify the documents required for your situation.
The official Washington instructions specifically require a completed, printed and signed application form, together with the documents listed on your checklist.
Applications for children
Children must attend their passport or identity card appointment in person.
For passport applicants under 18 and identity card applicants under 12, consent from parents or legal guardians may be required.
If a parent or guardian cannot attend, a signed consent declaration and a dated, signed identification copy may be necessary.
Existing passports and identity cards
Bring all Dutch and foreign passports and identity cards you possess, including expired documents.
If you still need your current document while your application is processed, you may be allowed to keep it temporarily.
Other application locations
In addition to Washington, eligible applicants can use Dutch consulates-general in Atlanta, Miami, New York and San Francisco.
Selected VFS Global locations in Boston, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles also accept Dutch passport and identity card applications.
Different requirements may apply at VFS Global, particularly if your previous document has been lost or stolen.
Special rule for missing documents
If your passport or identity card is lost or stolen and you do not have a photocopy, the official guidance directs you to the embassy or a consulate-general rather than VFS Global.
Applying in the Netherlands
Dutch nationals living in the United States can also apply at a participating border municipality in the Netherlands.
Collecting your new document
The embassy will notify you when your new passport or identity card is ready.
In Washington, you must make a separate online appointment to collect it.
Receiving a document by mail
Depending on the application, you can request delivery by providing a prepaid shipping label when applying.
Follow the official mailing instructions, including any requirements for returning your previous document before the replacement is dispatched.
Important: Washington does not offer walk-in collection of completed passports and ID cards. Book a collection appointment or arrange an approved mailing option during the original application.
Official Passport and ID Card Guidance for the United States
Visas and residence
Applying for a Visa for the Netherlands in the United States
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, residence status, travel documents and purpose of travel.
Do US passport holders need a Schengen visa?
United States passport holders generally do not need a Schengen visa for ordinary short visits to the Netherlands of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Separate immigration conditions apply to work, study and long-term residence.
Short-stay Schengen visas
Eligible applicants living in the United States can submit a Schengen visa application for the Netherlands through VFS Global.
Authorised locations include Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Regular Schengen visa applications are not submitted at the embassy’s consular counter.
1. Check Requirements
Confirm whether your nationality requires a visa and whether the Netherlands is responsible for your application.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Complete the visa application form and gather the supporting documents for your intended visit.
3. Book with VFS Global
Arrange an online appointment at an authorised VFS Global application centre in the United States.
Visa application timing
A Schengen visa application can generally be submitted up to six months before travelling, or nine months for eligible seafarers.
Submit your application at least 15 calendar days before your intended journey, allowing additional time for appointment availability.
Applicants from Caribbean territories
Special regional arrangements permit eligible residents of certain Caribbean territories, including the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands and US Virgin Islands, to apply through VFS Global in Miami.
These applicants should follow the specific passport submission and return instructions published for their place of residence.
MVV visa stickers
If the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has approved your residence application, you may need an MVV visa sticker.
Eligible applicants can arrange an online appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C., if their IND decision authorises an application in the United States.
Other authorised Dutch locations include Miami, New York and San Francisco.
Caribbean visas
Eligible applicants can arrange long-stay Caribbean visa applications through VFS Global.
Check the relevant country-specific guidance for short-stay Caribbean visa procedures.
Airport transit visas
If your nationality and journey require an airport transit visa for the Netherlands, apply through VFS Global in the United States.
Orange Carpet Visa Facility
Companies and organisations meeting the programme requirements can request registration through the embassy.
Schengen visa applications under the Orange Carpet Visa Facility are submitted through VFS Global.
Important: use VFS Global for regular Schengen and airport transit visa applications. Eligible MVV visa sticker applicants can book directly at the Dutch Embassy in Washington when their IND approval letter permits this.
Opening hours
Opening Hours of the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The embassy publishes the following appointment-only opening hours:
Appointments required
Every published weekday opening period is subject to appointment requirements.
Check the specific booking procedure for your passport, identity card, MVV, certificate or legalisation request.
Document collection
The embassy requires an online appointment to collect a completed passport, identity card or other document.
No regular walk-in collection schedule is published for Washington.
Public holidays and closures
The embassy closes on selected US and Dutch public holidays.
Its published 2026 closure calendar includes Thanksgiving on 26 November and Christmas Day on 25 December.
Review the official contact page for the complete and current list of closure dates.
Remember: opening hours do not mean that you can arrive without a booking. Even collection of completed documents requires an appointment in Washington.
Appointments
How to Make an Appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Online Embassy Appointments
Book passports, identity cards, MVV stickers, signature legalisations, certificates of life and document collection online.
Email Appointments
Email was-ca@minbuza.nl for emergency travel documents, naturalisation, the option procedure and ID copy legalisation.
VFS Global Appointments
Use VFS Global for regular Schengen visas and airport transit visas.
Passport and identity card appointments
Create your personal documents checklist before booking online.
If you need both a passport and an identity card, book a separate appointment for each document.
MVV visa sticker appointments
Book online at the embassy if your IND approval letter permits an application in the United States.
Legalisations
Signature legalisation can be booked online.
For legalisation of an ID copy, request an appointment by emailing was-ca@minbuza.nl.
Nationality procedures
Naturalisation and the Dutch nationality option procedure are arranged by email.
Consular certificates
For a certificate of life, book an online appointment.
Certificates of residence can be requested by email without an initial personal appointment.
Document collection appointments
Once your passport, identity card or another document is ready, make a separate online collection appointment.
DigiD activation code appointments
Online appointments are available for collecting DigiD activation codes at the embassy.
Changing or cancelling an appointment
Online booking confirmations include instructions for changing or cancelling appointments.
For appointments arranged by email, contact the consular team directly.
Document collection
Collecting or Receiving a Dutch Passport in the United States
When your new Dutch passport or identity card is ready, you will receive a notification.
Collection in Washington, D.C.
You must make an online appointment to collect your new passport or identity card from the embassy in Washington.
Do not arrive without a collection booking.
Postal delivery
Applicants may be able to arrange delivery by submitting a prepaid, self-addressed shipping label at the original appointment.
The official mailing instructions identify the following shipping services:
- USPS Priority Mail flat-rate envelope with tracking.
- UPS shipping services.
- DHL shipping services.
- FedEx Express where the applicant has an existing account.
The shipping label must be prepaid. Cash-on-delivery labels are not accepted.
Shipping label requirements
Use the applicant’s name and complete home or business address according to the official mailing instructions.
A separate shipping label is required for each application.
Keep an additional copy of the label for your own records.
Returning the previous document
If you kept your existing passport or identity card during processing, you must return it before the new document can be dispatched.
If your previous passport contains a valid visa or residence permit, inform the embassy before it is invalidated.
Other collection locations
Applicants who submit their applications at another Dutch mission or VFS Global centre must follow that location’s collection instructions.
Do not assume that Washington’s appointment procedure applies to every application location in the United States.
Collection deadline
You must collect your completed passport or identity card, or arrange delivery, within three months after notification that it is ready.
Documents not collected or dispatched within that period are destroyed.
Important: Washington requires a collection appointment. If you want postal delivery, arrange the prepaid shipping label at your original application appointment and follow the embassy’s instructions for surrendering your previous document.
Before your visit
Preparing for a Visit to the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Confirm Your Appointment
Check the service, date, time and application location in your booking confirmation.
Prepare Your Documents
Bring the completed form, printed checklist and required original passports, identity cards and supporting documents.
Arrange Collection or Shipping
If you want your new passport delivered, prepare the appropriate prepaid shipping label before applying.
Documents issued in the United States
Depending on your application, US-issued birth, marriage or other official certificates may need an apostille or other authentication.
Check the requirements for the issuing state and the receiving Dutch authority.
Consular fees
Official fees apply to passports, identity cards, certain visa procedures, legalisations and other consular products.
Check the current US consular fee schedule and accepted payment methods before your appointment.
Travelling from another state
If you live far from Washington, check whether an authorised Dutch consulate-general or VFS Global passport application centre is closer to you.
Consider both the application location and the procedure for receiving your completed document.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals requiring urgent consular assistance in the United States can contact NetherlandsWorldwide at any time.
Emergency assistance: call +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. WhatsApp support is available at +31 857 737 400. Do not share sensitive personal documents through WhatsApp. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.: FAQ
Where is the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.?
The embassy is located at 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States.
What is the telephone number of the Dutch Embassy?
Call +1 202 244 5300. NetherlandsWorldwide is also available on +31 247 247 247.
What are the embassy’s opening hours?
The embassy is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, by appointment only, excluding official closure days.
Can I apply for a Dutch passport or identity card in Washington?
Yes. Prepare your personal document checklist and make an online appointment at the embassy.
Do I need an appointment to collect my new passport?
Yes. The Dutch Embassy in Washington requires a separate online appointment for collecting a completed passport, identity card or other document.
Can my new Dutch passport be sent to me in the United States?
Postal delivery may be arranged by providing a prepaid shipping label when applying. Follow the official mailing instructions and return your previous document when required.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa in the United States?
Eligible applicants can apply through VFS Global in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco or Washington, D.C.
Do US passport holders need a Schengen visa for the Netherlands?
US passport holders generally do not need a Schengen visa for ordinary short visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Different rules apply to longer stays or other purposes.
Can I collect a DigiD activation code at the embassy?
Yes. The embassy in Washington offers online appointments for collecting DigiD activation codes.
How can Dutch nationals obtain urgent consular assistance in the United States?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide on +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.