The ANVR warns its members once again about the long waiting time for applying for a new passport. This can take up to six weeks. The peak is the result of changed rules in 2014. Until 2014, passports and ID cards were valid for five years, but at that time the validity period was changed to ten years. As a result, a large number of people will need a new ID at the same time this year. A number of municipalities are unable to cope with this rush. As a result, waiting times for a new identity document can already be up to six weeks. The advice to customers is to check in time when a passport expires and how long it should be valid in the country they are travelling to. “This allows you to knock on your municipality’s door in time for a new ID, but plan this well in advance,” says ANVR director Frank Oostdam. Several municipalities have already taken measures, such as recruiting new employees for the civil affairs department. In addition, municipalities ensure that sufficient counters are open or extend their opening hours. Not having a valid ID for the holiday destination in time is not a valid reason to cancel or reschedule the trip free of charge, says the ANVR. Applying for an emergency passport at the Marechaussee is only possible in extreme emergencies and is not an alternative to making an appointment with the municipality on time. (Photo Shutterstock).
