Fast border crossing with iris scan
Privium members cross the border in the blink of an eye
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. Please do not forget to check whether you need other travel documents, such as a visa.
A number of European countries, including the Netherlands, have abolished internal border checks in order make travel between them easier. You do not need to pass through Passport Control if you are flying between Schiphol and another country in the Schengen zone.
When travelling from Schiphol to a non-Schengen country, you have to pass through Passport Control. Your passport is also checked when you arrive from a non-Schengen country. These checks are carried out by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, a branch of the Dutch armed forces with police powers.
Well before you travel, check that your passport, identity card and any visas you need are still valid. Some countries require that your passport remain valid for a certain period after arrival.
eGate is an automatic self-service border checkpoint. You cross the border faster than with a manual inspection because you scan your own passport. You can use the automatic gates if you are 14 or over and hold an EU passport that contains a microchip. Follow the instructions at the gate for a smooth passage. Watch the video below to see how the system works.
The eGates use biometrics. The photo that the eGate takes of your face is used for border control only and is deleted after 24 hours.
You need to obtain a visa for some travel destinations. If you are travelling from the Netherlands to the United States or Canada, you need permission to travel in the form of an ESTA (US) or eTA (Canada). You must apply for this at least 72 hours before departure.
If you are travelling alone with a minor (a child aged under 18), as well as valid passports you need permission from their non-accompanying parent(s) or guardian(s).
You cannot travel alone with a minor (a child aged under 18), without permission to do so from their non-accompanying parent(s), guardian(s) or custodian(s). This rule is enforced to prevent child abduction.
If your passport has been lost or stolen, has expired or is about to expire, please apply for a new one as soon as possible. Dutch citizens should apply through their local authority (i.e. Town Hall). If you are travelling before the local authority has time to issue a new passport, please ask them to initiate the emergency issuance procedure. This procedure will allow you to obtain a travel document from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. The Emergency Documents Desk at Schiphol is located between Departures 1 and 2.
Non-Dutch citizens should contact their own embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
If your passport is lost or stolen at Schiphol, this poses a serious security risk for yourself and others. Report the matter to the Marechaussee post on Schiphol Plaza as soon as possible.
Privium members cross the border in the blink of an eye
What items you can and can’t travel with on the plane
Hold baggage rules and what constitutes an ‘odd-sized’ item
Schiphol is easy to reach by train, bus, taxi and car.
You can check in online or at Schiphol. What works for you?
Check your passport’s validity and any visa requirements
Be well-prepared and clear security with ease