Roberta Aguirre
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has implemented procedures to protect travellers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 18 July 2021, passengers from Indonesia must perform a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test at the airport before departure. However, as of 30 December 2020, transiting passengers are exempt from the requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. US citizens are permitted to transit Schiphol airport, remaining airside, without the need for a negative COVID-19 test. However, as of 26 January 2021, all airline passengers to the US aged two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 test required | No |
| Transit time less than 75 minutes | Proceed directly to the next boarding gate |
| Transit time more than 75 minutes | Ushered to a designated transit holding area |
| Transit through the UK | Negative COVID-19 test and passenger locator form required |
| US citizens | Permitted to transit and remain airside |
| US citizens travelling to India | Must fill out Air Suvidha Form |
| US citizens travelling to India, not fully vaccinated | Must undergo RT-PCR test |
| US citizens travelling to India, fully vaccinated | No RT-PCR test required |
| US citizens, recovered from COVID-19 | Must have recovered at least 11 days ago and have proof of recovery |
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What You'll Learn
Transit requirements for US citizens
US citizens are permitted to transit through Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, provided they remain airside and do not enter the Netherlands. However, there are specific requirements that must be met for a successful transit through the airport.
Firstly, it is important to understand the distinction between 'airside' and 'landside' transit. Airside transit means you do not pass through border control and remain within the airport, whereas landside transit involves passing through border control and entering the country, even if briefly. For US citizens transiting through Amsterdam, an airside transit is necessary.
Secondly, US citizens must adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements. As of January 26, 2021, all airline passengers aged two years and older, travelling to the United States, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test (viral test) taken within three calendar days of their travel date. This applies to those transiting through Amsterdam, and the test must be obtained before arriving at the airport. It is worth noting that some countries may require a negative COVID-19 test for all incoming travellers, including those in transit, so checking the requirements for your final destination is essential.
Additionally, transit passengers with a connection time of less than 75 minutes will be directly escorted to their next boarding gate. For connection times exceeding 75 minutes, passengers will be guided to a designated transit holding area.
Furthermore, depending on the length of your stay in the Netherlands, you may require a visa. Typically, a short-stay Schengen visa is necessary for stays of less than 90 days. However, in some cases, an airport transit visa may also be required, so it is advisable to check the specific visa requirements for US citizens transiting through the Netherlands.
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Transit time and navigating the airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has implemented procedures to help protect travellers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is some information about navigating the airport and transit times.
If you have a connecting flight at Schiphol Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if your transit time is less than 75 minutes, you will be escorted directly to your next boarding gate. If your transit time is more than 75 minutes, you will be guided to a designated transit holding area. It is recommended that you have at least 6-7 hours for a comfortable layover if you plan on visiting central Amsterdam.
The time it takes to get through the airport depends on various factors. Schiphol Airport has six runways, and if you land on the Polderbaan runway, it could take up to 15 minutes to taxi to your gate. From there, you need to walk to passport control and the luggage/customs area, which can take up to an additional 60 minutes, depending on the gate location. If you are arriving from outside the European "Schengen area" or departing to a country outside of the Schengen area (such as the UK or US), you will need to go through passport control.
If you have separate tickets for your connecting flights, you will need to collect your luggage and re-check it. However, if you have a single ticket, your luggage will automatically be transferred to your next flight. It is recommended that you have your luggage checked through to your next destination to save time. If you need to store your luggage, there are baggage storage points around the airport, with four located airside (after security) and one before security.
The time required for passport control and security checks can vary, but it typically moves quickly. If you are travelling to the US, you will need to process through US-bound security checks and passport control.
Overall, it is recommended that you schedule enough time for your layover at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, especially if you plan on visiting the city. The airport staff are usually very helpful, and you can ask for assistance if you have any mobility issues or other concerns.
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Testing requirements for travellers from Indonesia
As of 18 July 2021, passengers travelling from Indonesia to Amsterdam must perform a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test at the airport prior to departure. The test certificate must be issued by an accredited laboratory and must contain a QR code. Passengers who change planes in the international transit area (exclusively non-Schengen) of a German airport and continue their journey abroad must also comply with this rule. Those who are allowed to enter the country must go into quarantine for 14 days, even if they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have recovered from it.
If you are transiting through the UK to another international destination, you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on arrival or on days 2 and 8. However, you must present a completed Passenger Locator Form and proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure to your airline before leaving. If you are a Belgian citizen transiting through London for less than 24 hours, you will also need to present a negative COVID test and a Passenger Locator Form.
If your transit time at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is less than 75 minutes, you will proceed directly to your next boarding gate. If your transit time is more than 75 minutes, you will be ushered to a designated transit holding area.
Before travelling to the Netherlands, make sure to check the latest travel advice from the Australian, British, Canadian, and US governments. Ensure you are up to date with the correct medical and immunization requirements and purchase appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation, and any activities you plan to do in the Netherlands.
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Exemptions for travellers from safe countries
As of 18 July 2021, passengers from Indonesia must perform a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test at the airport prior to departure. The test certificate must be issued by an accredited laboratory and must contain a QR code. Passengers who change planes in the international transit area (exclusively non-Schengen) of a German airport and continue their journey abroad must quarantine for 14 days, even if they are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19.
U.S. citizens (and other non-EU citizens and non-residents) are prohibited from entering the Netherlands, except for those in certain categories of travellers, including passengers transiting through Amsterdam Schiphol airport. U.S. citizens are permitted to transit Schiphol airport, remain airside, and continue onwards to the United States.
If your transit time is less than 75 minutes, you will proceed directly to your next boarding gate. If your transit time is more than 75 minutes, you will be ushered in groups to a designated transit holding area.
Travellers who are fully vaccinated 14 days prior to their travel date can enter the Netherlands, unless they are travelling from a country that has been designated as a safe country. They need to present proof of vaccination when requested. As of 5 February 2022, passengers with a Digital COVID-19 Certificate (DCC) or a hard copy whose primary vaccination series is older than 270 days will no longer be accepted for travel to the Netherlands. Passengers can extend the validity of their certificate by providing proof of a booster vaccination or proof of recovery.
If you are transiting through the UK to another international destination, you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on arrival or on days 2 and 8, but you must present a completed Passenger Locator Form and proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure.
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Quarantine rules for travellers entering the Netherlands
As of December 30, 2020, transiting passengers are exempt from the requirement that all passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. U.S. citizens (and other non-EU citizens and non-residents) are prohibited from entering the Netherlands except for those in certain categories of travellers, including passengers transiting through Amsterdam Schiphol airport.
If you are transiting through the UK to another international destination, you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on arrival. However, you must present a completed Passenger Locator Form and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure.
Travellers entering the Netherlands from the UK are required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. This is a law that is not enforced. Returning travellers from an orange country might get a phone call as a reminder to quarantine. The quarantine period is generally 10 days, which can be shortened to 5 days with a negative test result.
A negative COVID-19 test result, a quarantine declaration, and self-quarantine are mandatory if you are travelling from a high-risk country. These requirements apply even if you have been vaccinated. If you have spent 12 hours or more in another country on your way to the Netherlands, you may need to quarantine when you arrive, depending on the country.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a COVID test is not required for transiting through Amsterdam Airport. However, you may need to show a negative COVID test result if your final destination has such a requirement.
Yes, if you are a US citizen travelling to India, you will need to fill out the Air Suvidha Form. If you are a US citizen, you will also need to complete a 'Vaccine Declaration COVID-19' form.
Yes, there is an EU entry ban in place for countries outside the EU/Schengen area. However, you are exempt from this ban if you are fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the EMA or WHO.
For intra-European (Schengen to Schengen) connections, 40 minutes should be sufficient. For connections to non-Schengen countries, you will need a minimum of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Other sources suggest that 1 hour and 5 minutes is sufficient for an international connection, but 1 hour and 40 minutes may be too tight if you need to collect and re-check your baggage.
