New passport rules could tighten issuance process

WILLEMSTAD – Proposed new passport regulations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands could introduce stricter procedures for issuing passports in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. This is reported by Curacao Chronicle. 

Under the proposal, the passport application, approval and delivery would each have to be handled by different employees. The measure is designed to strengthen internal controls and reduce the risk of errors or fraud by preventing one person from overseeing the entire process.

The draft rules also update requirements for passport storage, expand the use of mobile fingerprint equipment and replace some paper forms with digital services. Exceptions would be allowed in cases of temporary staff shortages or for emergency travel documents.

The proposal was submitted to Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten for consultation at the end of 2025. It has not yet been confirmed whether the new rules have been formally adopted or when they would take effect.