customs - Amsterdam Message Board (2024)

FAQs

How strict is Amsterdam customs? ›

You can take a lot of things with you to or from the Netherlands, but there are of course exceptions. Some things, like illegal drugs, fake weapons and endangered animal products may never be brought into the Netherlands. For medicines, food items and large sums of cash there are separate rules.

That time can vary, at Schiphol, it has taken me from 15minutes to almost an hour. It all depends on how many planes landed at that time. Of course, most times, the planes from North America land early (Jet Stream helps) so your time out the door may not be long after your estimated arrival time.

If they ask if you have anything to declare you can say: “I declare that I have…” and then tell them anything important that you have with you. Here are a few examples of things you may wish to declare… Anything from the aforementioned list that you think you can bring. Nothing.

Do you have to go through security again for connecting flights? That depends! If you travel to a non-Schengen country, you'll need to go through additional security and passport checks. If you stay within the Schengen region, no additional checks are needed.

If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions. Officers may not select you for questioning based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

You will, however, go through immigration/passport control in Amsterdam. Unless you have an unreasonable delay, this should be plenty of time. As noted, you won't have to clear customs, but you will have to go through passport control and security.

Customs at Schiphol What can/cannot travel with you? You can take many things with you when you travel to or from the Netherlands, with a few exceptions. Custom rules exist for items like drinks, tobacco, medicines, meat, fish, (products made of) protected animal and plant species, as well as large sums of cash.

Do you have to go through security again for connecting flights? That depends! If you travel to a non-Schengen country, you'll need to go through additional security and passport checks. If you stay within the Schengen region, no additional checks are needed.

Drugs (Opium Act)

You are not allowed to carry narcotics (drugs) such as hashish, cocaine and heroin across the border, or to import or export these substances.

You do not have to answer any questions – including questions about who you are, who else is in the home, or your immigration status. You have the right to remain silent.

How to answer customs questions? ›

Answer loudly, clearly, and briefly. Don't think for a long time before you answer. Sometimes the questions just require “yes” or “no” as an answer. Also, remember that you should have all necessary documents ready (visa, work permit, birth certificate, etc.)

Delta and KLM operate in the same terminal in Amsterdam. Special meals and other requests for your journey will be accommodated when requested up to 48hs before your flight.

Pier F is mainly dedicated to the airlines-members of the Skyteam alliance (KLM, Kenya Airways, Etc.) and is kitted with 8 gates. What's more, Pier G has 13 gates.

Most of the time, your baggage will be automatically sent to your connecting flight. The only exception is if you're travelling on two separate tickets. In that case, your baggage will be delivered to baggage reclaim area. All you need to do is collect your baggage from the carousel and check it in again.

You can take a maximum of 1 litre of liquids in your hand luggage in containers of 100ml each. The liquid content of each container must not exceed 100ml. Please put the liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols in a re-sealable, transparent 1-litre bag. Anything more or larger must be stored in your hold baggage.

Passport control at Schiphol Passports and travel documents. Most travellers at Schiphol have to pass through passport control, except those travelling to or from a Schengen country. However, you should always carry a valid passport or identity card when travelling by air.

Customs and hand baggage

Some restricted items may be permitted in limited supply or forbidden outright, when travelling to or from the Netherlands. Restricted items include drinks, tobacco, medicines, meat, fish, (products made of) protected animal and plant species, as well as large sums of cash.