Landing at Schiphol? Here’s what to expect
Last update: June 10, 2026 at 11:52, Amsterdam
Passport control during the holiday period
During the May holidays, passport control at Schiphol may be busier upon arrival. This is because many flights land at the same time during peak moments and because of a new European border system. The Entry/Exit System (EES) was introduced on 10 April and applies to non-EU travellers. For these travellers, EES replaces the passport stamp.
If you are travelling through Schiphol with a Dutch passport or another EU passport, nothing changes for you. You do not need to use the EES kiosks and can simply follow the signs for EU travellers. Make sure you join the correct queue for EU passports to avoid unnecessary waiting and use the eGates where possible if you are older than 14. Staff may ask you to walk a bit further to a quieter checkpoint, which often helps reduce your waiting time.
This is the first holiday period since the introduction of EES. Together with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and other partners, we are doing everything we can to ensure a smooth journey, with clear signage and extra assistance in the terminal.
Advice
Before departure or upon arrival, check your travel schedule on schiphol.nl or in the Schiphol app so you’re well prepared for possible crowds. Always follow the signs and instructions from staff at the airport. expected crowd levels. At the airport, always follow the signs and staff instructions.