The Netherlands will implement temporary border controls: here is what you need to know
The Netherlands is going to temporarily control its borders. These controls will last for 6 months. The government wants to ensure that fewer people enter the Netherlands without valid visas and to prevent international crime.
Starting 9 December 2024, the Netherlands will begin temporary border controls. These controls will be at airports and at the borders with Germany and Belgium. Anyone travelling to the Netherlands by car, train or plane may be checked. The
Normally, there are almost no border controls between the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium because these countries are part of the
There are now too few people who can control the borders
Anyone crossing the border may be checked starting Monday, 9 December. Still, little is likely to change for the time being. Due to a shortage of personnel at the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMaR), the checks will mainly take place at 5 of the more than 840 border crossings. This means that many people are likely to notice little of the checks.
You may notice this when you pass a border control:
You travel by car: Cars may be checked at special roadside checkpoints. There may be delays due to the checks.
You travel by train: On international trains, the KMar can check you even when you are on the train.
You travel by plane: Checks are made upon arrival of flights from countries that the Netherlands believes have a higher risk of travellers without valid visas or crime.
Despite border controls, you can still apply for asylum in the Netherlands
Do you want to apply for asylum and are checked at the border? Then indicate during the check that you want to apply for asylum. The KMar will take you to a reception centre in the Netherlands where you can make your application. Have you already applied for asylum in another country within the European Union (EU)? If so, the Netherlands will check this. The country where you are already registered is responsible for your application, according to the rules of the
As a refugee from Ukraine, you must have proper travel documents with you
Are you from Ukraine and want to travel out of the Netherlands? Then make sure you have valid travel documents with you. Usually this is your passport. Please note that you will also need the proper documents when returning to the Netherlands.
Are you travelling with children under 18 within the EU and 1 parent or guardian is not travelling with you? Then you need permission from the parent or guardian not travelling with you. On the website of the Dutch central government you can download a form to arrange this for your child.
Form for travelling abroad with a minor child