How to Watch Het Afscheid on Netflix in the US with a VPN (2026)

Het Afscheid (1966), also known internationally as Farewells, is available in Netflix Austria’s catalog. Directed by Roland Verhavert, this Belgian-Dutch drama stars Petra Laseur, Julien Schoenaerts, and Senne Rouffaer. Based on the novel by Ivo Michiels, the movie follows sailors waiting aboard a cargo ship whose departure date remains uncertain. The official Netflix Austria page for Het Afscheid displays the film, its original Dutch audio, English subtitles, and download information.

Het Afscheid does not appear in the available US streaming listings checked in October 2026. An independent availability checker reports no current US streaming options, although a matching JustWatch US listing could not be verified. Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN all provide Austrian VPN connections that can assign Austrian IP addresses. Each service offers different server options, connection protocols, and privacy features.

Connecting to an Austrian VPN server does not guarantee access to Het Afscheid through Netflix. Netflix may recognize VPN traffic and restrict users to titles with worldwide licensing. Its official VPN support policy explains these restrictions. Viewers must also follow Netflix’s applicable conditions and their VPN provider’s terms.

How to watch Het Afscheid on Netflix with a VPN

Netflix Austria lists Het Afscheid, but establishing an Austrian VPN connection does not automatically provide access to the country’s Netflix catalog. If Netflix and your VPN provider permit the connection, follow these eight steps to check the movie’s availability.

1. Choose a VPN provider. Private Internet Access is our Editor’s Choice for its documented Austrian connections and flexible settings, followed by ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Review each provider’s geographic-access restrictions before subscribing.
2. Download and install the official VPN application on your Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or another supported device. Launch the application and sign in.
3. Open the server selection menu and choose Austria. Select an Austrian server rather than allowing the application to connect automatically to another country.
4. Fully close Netflix, including browser tabs and any Netflix application running in the background.
5. After establishing the VPN connection, reopen Netflix through the website or official application.
6. Sign in using your existing Netflix account credentials. A VPN connection does not require a separate Netflix subscription.
7. Search for Het Afscheid (1966). You can also search for Farewells, the movie’s international English title.
8. If Netflix displays Het Afscheid and permits playback, select the movie and start watching. If the film remains unavailable or Netflix reports a VPN error, follow the service’s official guidance.

Het Afscheid takes place around a cargo ship waiting in the port of Antwerp. The government has assigned the ship a secret mission, but the crew does not know when it will depart.

Each morning, the sailors must report aboard. Some can return home in the evening, while others remain on the ship because they live too far away.

Pierre Wesselmans, a radio operator, can spend his evenings with his wife, Laure. His fellow sailor Jessen has no such opportunity. Their different circumstances create tensions as the uncertainty continues.

The film explores duty, personal relationships, isolation, and the psychological effects of waiting. Rather than focusing on action, it examines how an uncertain future changes ordinary interactions between people.

The Netflix Austria listing for Het Afscheid identifies Dutch as the original audio language. It lists English, German, French, Croatian, Italian, and Dutch subtitles.

Netflix Austria classifies the movie as suitable for viewers aged 10 and older. Independent film records place its runtime at approximately 83 to 85 minutes.

There is an important availability qualification. The official German-language Austrian Netflix page displays the movie without an unavailability warning and includes a download option. JustWatch Austria also identifies Netflix as a streaming provider. However, the English-language Austrian page returned an unavailability warning in a separate check.

These conflicting responses mean the public listing cannot guarantee playback. Check the current Netflix catalog before paying for a VPN subscription.

Best VPNs for watching Het Afscheid on Netflix

Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN all offer Austrian VPN server connections. Their differences include specialized streaming servers, supported protocols, and automatic server selection.

The following table uses official provider documentation. Austrian server availability does not guarantee access to Netflix Austria or any specific movie.

VPN	Server locations in Austria	Option to try first
Private Internet Access (Editor’s Choice)	Austria and AT Streaming Optimized	Austria for permitted connections; AT Streaming Optimized for eligible streaming activity
ExpressVPN	Austria, with one country-level location listed in its public server directory	Austria
NordVPN	Its Austrian page displays 33 server locations and explicitly identifies Vienna	Automatically selected Austria server, with Vienna as a documented destination

All three providers can assign Austrian IP addresses. However, Netflix may detect VPN traffic and limit viewers to movies with worldwide licensing. None of these services guarantees that Het Afscheid will appear or play.

1. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is our Editor’s Choice because it offers a standard Austrian server connection, a specialized streaming option, and flexible protocol settings.

According to the official PIA server directory, updated October 20, 2026, the provider offers two Austrian connections: Austria and AT Streaming Optimized.

The standard Austria connection provides an Austrian IP address for permitted browsing and other online activities.

AT Streaming Optimized is a specialized connection that PIA offers to improve performance for eligible streaming activities.

PIA does not separately identify Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, or other Austrian cities as selectable locations in its current public server directory.

Users should therefore choose from the documented Austria and AT Streaming Optimized options rather than assume that individual cities are available.

To establish a connection, open the PIA application and select the VPN SERVER section. Search for Austria and choose the standard Austrian location.

To locate the specialized option, type streaming into the server search field. The application displays its available streaming-optimized connections, including AT Streaming Optimized.

However, PIA has an important usage restriction.

According to the company’s official streaming support guide, customers should connect to a VPN server matching the country where they currently reside.

PIA also explicitly prohibits using its service to circumvent geographic restrictions imposed by content providers.

Therefore, American viewers should not interpret its Austrian server options as permission to bypass Netflix Austria’s regional licensing restrictions.

For permitted connections, PIA supports WireGuard and OpenVPN. Both protocols encrypt internet traffic, but they offer different performance characteristics.

WireGuard uses a lightweight protocol design that can provide efficient connections with relatively low overhead. It is a sensible starting point when connection speed and responsiveness matter.

OpenVPN provides additional configuration flexibility, including UDP and TCP transport modes.

UDP generally prioritizes speed, while TCP can help maintain connectivity on networks that interfere with particular kinds of VPN traffic.

Users can change their preferred protocol through the application’s Settings menu.

If an Austrian VPN connection becomes unstable, disconnecting and switching protocols may help identify whether the problem involves the local network or VPN configuration.

PIA also distinguishes physical servers from virtual server locations.

A virtual location assigns an IP address associated with one country while physically hosting the server in another country.

Austria does not appear in PIA’s published virtual-country location list. The company therefore does not classify its Austrian connection as a virtual location hosted abroad.

Users can review the official PIA virtual server documentation for further information.

Connection stability matters when streaming video. Unreliable Wi-Fi, an outdated VPN application, or congested network routes can interrupt playback even when the VPN connects successfully.

For users physically located in the United States, routing traffic through Austria also introduces additional network distance compared with using a nearby American server.

PIA recommends clearing browser cookies and cached data, updating its application, and disconnecting and reconnecting when users experience technical problems during permitted streaming activity.

Users can also compare WireGuard and OpenVPN to determine which protocol works more reliably on their network.

However, these measures cannot override Netflix’s licensing agreements. Netflix may recognize the Austrian connection as VPN traffic regardless of the selected protocol.

Private Internet Access ranks first because of its two documented Austrian server options, streaming-related features, and connection flexibility. Its prohibition against circumventing geographic restrictions remains a significant limitation for American subscribers.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers an Austrian VPN location with support for several modern VPN protocols.

Its official Austria VPN page explains how users can establish an Austrian connection through the application.

The provider’s public server directory identifies Austria as a selectable country. It does not list multiple separately named Austrian cities.

Although ExpressVPN discusses secure connections in Vienna, users should not assume that Vienna and other Austrian cities appear as distinct choices in its application.

For a permitted Austrian connection, the standard Austria location is the appropriate starting point.

To connect, open ExpressVPN and access the VPN Locations menu. Search for Austria and select the available Austrian location.

ExpressVPN also offers Smart Location, which recommends a VPN server based on factors including distance, latency, and download speed.

However, Smart Location may recommend a country other than Austria. Users who specifically need an Austrian IP address should select Austria manually.

According to the official ExpressVPN server directory, its Austrian connection supports Lightway UDP, Lightway TCP, WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, and OpenVPN TCP.

The directory also lists IKEv2 support, although availability can depend on the operating system and application.

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol. It focuses on efficient encrypted connections and quick reconnection when network conditions change.

WireGuard provides another modern encrypted connection option, while OpenVPN offers additional compatibility and configuration flexibility.

For permitted streaming activity, Lightway is a practical initial choice because it emphasizes connection efficiency.

Users experiencing unstable connections can compare available protocols through the application settings.

ExpressVPN also distinguishes physical VPN servers from virtual locations.

A virtual location provides an IP address associated with one country while the actual server hardware operates elsewhere.

Austria does not appear in ExpressVPN’s published list of virtual server locations.

According to the company’s official virtual server documentation, locations outside that list use infrastructure physically hosted in their advertised countries.

ExpressVPN therefore identifies Austria as a physically hosted location rather than a virtual Austrian IP address routed through another country.

The provider also operates servers with high-capacity networking technology, although its general infrastructure capabilities should not be confused with guaranteed performance on every individual connection.

For video playback, connection quality depends on server congestion, internet speed, local Wi-Fi performance, and routing conditions.

Connecting from the United States to Austria may introduce additional latency compared with connecting to an American server.

If a permitted connection becomes unstable, users can disconnect and reconnect to Austria or restart the VPN application.

Selecting another supported protocol may also help when the local network interferes with the existing VPN connection.

However, these adjustments address connection problems rather than Netflix’s regional licensing restrictions.

Netflix may recognize ExpressVPN’s Austrian connection and restrict the catalog to movies available worldwide.

ExpressVPN ranks second because of its documented Austrian infrastructure, Lightway support, WireGuard compatibility, and straightforward server selection.

None of these features guarantees access to Het Afscheid through Netflix Austria.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN offers Austrian VPN connections, automatic server selection, NordLynx, and SmartPlay.

According to NordVPN’s official Austria server page, the provider displays 33 under its Austria server locations figure.

The page explicitly identifies Vienna as an Austrian destination. However, the figure does not establish that 33 different Austrian cities are available, so viewers should check the application for individual server choices.

NordVPN’s automatic selection system makes the initial connection straightforward.

To establish an Austrian connection, open the NordVPN application and search for Austria in the country list.

Select the country and allow NordVPN to choose an available server.

Users who prefer a manual destination can search for Vienna, which the company’s official Austrian server page explicitly identifies.

Vienna provides a documented city-level destination, but users should confirm other Austrian locations through the current application before selecting them.

NordVPN also supports NordLynx, its VPN protocol built around WireGuard technology.

According to the company’s official NordLynx documentation, the protocol focuses on efficient encrypted connections while maintaining privacy protections.

Users can select NordLynx through the application’s protocol settings on supported devices.

Other available protocols provide alternatives when a network interferes with the current connection.

NordVPN also includes SmartPlay in its VPN applications.

According to the company’s official SmartPlay documentation, the feature combines VPN encryption with DNS-related technology to support private streaming.

SmartPlay activates automatically when users connect through a NordVPN application.

It does not require a separate extension, additional subscription, or manual activation.

However, SmartPlay does not override Netflix’s regional licensing agreements.

It also does not guarantee that subscribers connecting from the United States can access movies licensed for Austria.

Netflix may recognize NordVPN traffic and restrict viewers to titles with worldwide streaming rights.

For permitted Austrian connections, NordVPN’s automatic server selection provides a reasonable starting point.

If the connection becomes unstable, users can disconnect and reconnect to obtain another recommended server.

They can also manually select an available Austrian server when the application provides that option.

Changing protocols may help diagnose connection problems caused by particular network restrictions.

Connection stability depends on factors including local internet speed, Wi-Fi quality, network congestion, and geographic distance.

Users connecting from the United States to Vienna may experience greater latency compared with an American server.

NordVPN’s available server options may also change as the provider expands or reorganizes its infrastructure.

With its documented Austrian server availability, Vienna destination, NordLynx, and automatic SmartPlay technology, NordVPN provides a practical third option for permitted Austrian VPN connections.

However, none of these features guarantees that Het Afscheid will appear or play through Netflix Austria.

What to do if Het Afscheid does not appear

If Het Afscheid does not appear in Netflix search results, the problem may involve regional licensing, VPN detection, outdated browser data, or Netflix profile settings. For permitted connections, the following eight troubleshooting steps can help identify technical issues.

1. Close Netflix completely, including open browser tabs and applications running in the background.
2. Disconnect from your current VPN server.
3. Reconnect to Austria using a connection permitted by Netflix and your VPN provider.
4. Try another available Austrian server if the original connection experiences technical problems.
5. Clear Netflix cookies and browser cache to remove outdated session information.
6. Open an incognito or private browser window to determine whether existing browser data contributes to the problem.
7. Reopen Netflix and sign in using your existing account credentials.
8. Search for Het Afscheid or Farewells (1966) again and check whether Netflix displays the correct movie and permits playback.

Private Internet Access users can compare the standard Austria connection with AT Streaming Optimized for activities that comply with PIA’s service restrictions. The provider explicitly prohibits circumventing geographical restrictions imposed by content providers.

ExpressVPN users can reconnect through the documented Austria location or change supported protocols when investigating connection instability.

NordVPN users can reconnect through automatic Austria selection or manually select an available Vienna connection.

Changing servers may improve network stability, but it cannot guarantee that Netflix will display Het Afscheid.

Another important consideration is the movie’s localized title.

The original Dutch title is Het Afscheid. Netflix also uses Farewells for English-language listings and the film has appeared under the French title Les Adieux.

Searching for the original title can help identify the correct movie when an English translation returns unrelated results.

For example, the 1958 Polish drama Farewells is a different film. Its director, cast, and story have no connection to Roland Verhavert’s 1966 production.

Check your Netflix profile’s maturity settings and preferred languages as well.

Netflix Austria assigns Het Afscheid a 10+ classification. A more restrictive profile could prevent the title from appearing.

The film uses Dutch original audio, with English subtitles among the documented options. Confirm the available subtitles before beginning playback.

Netflix’s official missing-title troubleshooting guide explains that regional licensing, VPN detection, maturity restrictions, blocked titles, and language preferences can affect availability.

If Netflix detects the VPN, it may restrict the available catalog even when the VPN successfully assigns an Austrian IP address.

Switching servers does not necessarily resolve that restriction. Netflix recommends disconnecting the VPN when it causes playback problems.

Netflix may detect the VPN

A VPN routes internet traffic through a remote server and changes the public IP address that websites and streaming services see.

When someone connects to an Austrian VPN server, websites may identify the connection as originating from Austria rather than the person’s physical location.

However, an Austrian IP address does not automatically provide access to every movie licensed for Netflix Austria.

Netflix maintains different regional catalogs because studios and distributors license movies and shows for particular countries.

The company also uses systems that recognize certain VPN and proxy connections.

When Netflix detects VPN traffic, it may restrict users to movies and television shows with worldwide licensing.

Therefore, Het Afscheid can appear in Netflix Austria’s regular catalog while remaining unavailable to someone connecting through an Austrian VPN server from the United States.

Possible outcomes include missing search results, unavailable-title notices, and playback errors.

Netflix’s official VPN and proxy error guidance explains these problems and recommends disabling the VPN when necessary.

Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN cannot independently change Netflix’s licensing agreements.

Their Austrian server connections provide privacy and networking features, not guaranteed access to Netflix Austria’s regional catalog.

Can you use a Netflix ad-supported plan with a VPN?

No. Netflix explicitly states that its ad-supported experience does not support VPN connections.

Subscribers using an ad-supported Netflix plan may encounter playback errors when attempting to watch through a VPN or proxy.

Netflix identifies error E121 as one possible indication that its systems have detected an unsupported VPN connection.

According to the company’s official guidance for VPN errors on ad-supported subscriptions, disconnecting the VPN is the recommended solution.

An ad-free Netflix subscription avoids this particular plan restriction.

However, regional licensing limitations and VPN detection can still affect ad-free subscriptions.

Therefore, upgrading to an ad-free Netflix plan does not guarantee that an American viewer can watch Het Afscheid through Netflix Austria.

Users should confirm the film’s availability before changing their subscription solely to access one title.

Does changing the VPN location change your Netflix account?

Connecting through an Austrian VPN server does not automatically change your Netflix username, password, profiles, subscription, or billing information.

A VPN primarily changes the public IP address associated with your internet connection.

It does not convert an American Netflix account into an Austrian account.

Netflix maintains different catalogs because content licensing agreements vary by country.

According to Netflix’s official account country guidance, subscribers generally cannot change their account country unless they move to another country.

The service may also identify VPN connections and restrict the displayed catalog to titles with worldwide licensing.

For Het Afscheid, establishing an Austrian VPN connection does not automatically alter your account or guarantee access to the movie.

American viewers should also consider the availability of legitimate US streaming alternatives.

At the time of our research, a streaming availability checker reported no US offers for Het Afscheid (1966). However, a matching JustWatch US listing could not be retrieved, so that absence is not independently confirmed across all major services.

Viewers can monitor US streaming directories for future rental, purchase, or subscription availability. Be careful not to confuse the film with other productions titled Farewell or Farewells.

Which VPN should you use?

Private Internet Access is our Editor’s Choice because it offers the documented Austria and AT Streaming Optimized connections, supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, and provides flexible application settings. However, PIA explicitly prohibits circumventing geographical restrictions imposed by content providers and instructs customers to connect to servers matching their current country. US viewers must consider that limitation before attempting to access Netflix Austria.

ExpressVPN provides a documented Austrian connection with support for Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN on compatible devices. NordVPN offers Austrian server connections, explicitly identifies Vienna, and includes NordLynx, automatic server selection, and SmartPlay. Both services offer useful features for permitted Austrian VPN connections, but neither guarantees access to Netflix Austria.

Het Afscheid (1966), also known as Farewells, appears in Netflix Austria’s catalog. The official German-language Austrian Netflix page and JustWatch Austria support its availability, while the available US streaming evidence does not establish a Netflix US listing. Nevertheless, another Austrian Netflix page returned a conflicting warning, and direct VPN playback remains unverified. Licensing restrictions, VPN detection, subscription conditions, and VPN provider terms mean that watching from the United States is not guaranteed.