Lois Larson
Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol, is the Netherlands' main international airport. It is a bustling hub that serves as a gateway to the country and beyond. Upon arrival, passengers are funnelled through an area resembling a shopping mall, before reaching the vast lobby with high ceilings. Here, they proceed to the immigration and customs area, where they undergo the necessary checks before entering the country. Customs at Amsterdam Airport enforces strict rules on prohibited items, such as drugs, weapons, and endangered species, while also facilitating VAT refunds for eligible visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol |
| Location | Amsterdam, Mokum, the capital of the Netherlands |
| Customs | There are customs rules which govern what you are allowed to take with you, even when you exit the Netherlands. |
| VAT Refund | Non-EU visitors can get a VAT refund on goods purchased in the Netherlands. |
| Customs Rules | Drugs, weapons, rare or endangered animal or plant species are not allowed in baggage. |
| Large sums of cash | If you are carrying €10,000 or more in cash out of the EU, you must declare it. |
| Customs App | Download the Customs 'Reisapp' (travel app) for information. |
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What You'll Learn
Amsterdam Airport is called Schiphol
Schiphol is also well-connected by public transport, with a train station located underneath the airport, offering direct services to Amsterdam and other major cities. Bus services are available from the bus station in front of the terminal building, and there are various taxi options, including regular cars, luxury vehicles and minivans.
The airport is built on the single-terminal concept, with one large terminal split into three departure halls. It has six runways, with plans for a seventh, and handles a high volume of passenger and cargo traffic. In 2019, Schiphol accommodated 70.5% of passengers travelling to and from Europe, 10.6% to and from North America, and 10.1% to and from Asia.
Schiphol offers a range of facilities and services, including relaxation zones, lounges, and a variety of food and drink options. It also features duty-free shopping, with luxury brands and local souvenirs available. Customs rules govern what passengers can bring in and out of the country, and prohibited items include drugs, weapons, and protected or endangered animal and plant species.
The name Schiphol has an interesting etymology. Before 1852, a large lake called the Haarlemmermeer polder occupied the land where the airport is now located. Violent storms often threatened ships in the shallow waters of the lake, and many were lost, leading to the name Schiphol, which translates to 'ship grave' in English. After the lake was dredged in the mid-1800s, a fortification named Fort Schiphol was built, and the airport later opened as a military airbase in 1916.
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Customs and passport control are two different checkpoints
After this, you will head to baggage claim. Here, you will pass through customs, where you will declare any prohibited items and pay taxes on items that exceed the permitted amount. Customs enforces rules to ensure that prohibited items do not enter the country. These items should never be packed in your baggage and include drugs, weapons, and protected or endangered animal and plant species. Certain items may attract taxes when imported into the Netherlands, such as cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol.
If Amsterdam is your final destination, you will go through passport control and customs at Schiphol. However, if you are changing planes to another European destination in the Schengen zone, you will go through passport control and then to the section of the airport where flights to Schengen countries depart. You will go through customs at your final destination, which will be the same process as Amsterdam. If your final destination is a non-Schengen country, you can change planes without going through passport control, and you will go through passport control and customs at your final destination.
It is recommended that you allow ample time for these processes when booking connecting flights. For intra-EU flights, it is normally advised to allow two hours, plus an hour to land, clear immigration, and collect baggage, and an additional hour buffer for potential delays. This means that you should not book an onward flight less than four hours after your first flight's scheduled arrival time.
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Download the Customs 'Reisapp' for more information
Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol, is the Netherlands' main international airport. Customs at Amsterdam Airport oversee the import, export, and transport of goods, ensuring taxes are paid and regulations are followed.
If you're travelling to Amsterdam, it's important to be aware of the customs rules and procedures at the airport. To make this process easier, you can download the Customs 'Reisapp' (travel app) on your phone. This app provides detailed information about what you can and cannot bring into the country. It covers a range of items, including drugs, weapons, animal and plant species, cash amounts, and more.
The Customs Reisapp is particularly useful for international travellers who may be unfamiliar with Dutch or European customs regulations. It offers a convenient way to access important information before and during your trip, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Additionally, the app can assist with VAT refunds. Non-EU visitors can use the app to navigate customs regulations and reclaim VAT on goods purchased in the Netherlands. This feature simplifies the process of obtaining tax refunds, making it more accessible to travellers.
By downloading the Customs Reisapp, you can easily access essential information about customs regulations at Amsterdam Airport. The app empowers you to confidently navigate the process, ensuring you comply with the rules and have a pleasant journey.
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VAT refunds are available for non-EU visitors
Customs at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is located in Departure Hall 3.
If you are a non-EU visitor to Amsterdam, you can claim a VAT refund on goods purchased in the Netherlands. The standard VAT rate is 21%. To be eligible for a VAT refund, you must meet the following conditions:
- You live outside the EU and can show proof of residence.
- You will take the purchased products with you in your luggage within three months of purchase.
- The total value of the invoice is at least €50, including VAT.
When you arrive in the Netherlands, start thinking about your VAT refund. The process begins with your first purchase. You can apply for a VAT refund at the Amsterdam Airport or online. Before leaving the Netherlands, go to the customs desk at Schiphol Airport in Departure Hall 3 with your unused purchases, receipts, passport, and flight details. Customs officials will verify the items and provide a stamp on your tax-free form as proof of validation.
Some retailers participate in networks operated by refund intermediaries like Global Blue, GWK Travelex, or Vatfree.com, while others may choose to handle the VAT refund process independently. If you made purchases from an independent retailer, you may need to mail your stamped tax-free form(s) directly to the store.
It is important to note that the refund service providers or retailers might charge a processing fee, which will be deducted from your refund.
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There are two lines: 'Nothing to Declare' and 'Goods to Declare'
Customs and Immigration at Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol, is a process that all arriving passengers must go through. The customs area is located before the baggage claim area, and there are two lines: 'Nothing to Declare' and 'Goods to Declare'.
If you are travelling with prohibited items, you must declare them. Drugs, weapons, and rare or endangered animal or plant species are not permitted in your baggage. Certain items, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and valuable goods, may be subject to quantity limits or additional taxes. If you are carrying a large sum of cash, you may need to submit a Customs Declaration.
When approaching the 'Nothing to Declare' line, you may encounter a line on the floor indicating where to wait until called. You will then proceed to the officer's ticket window, where you will be greeted and asked for your passport. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, occupation, and other questions to understand your reasons for entering the country. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and directly.
If you have goods to declare, you will need to go through a different process. You may be asked to provide details about the items you are carrying and pay any applicable taxes or duties. It is important to familiarise yourself with the customs rules at Amsterdam Airport to ensure a smooth declaration process.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Amsterdam Airport uses a planner that indicates how busy the airport will be on a given day. This can help you prepare for potential wait times at customs and passport control.
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Frequently asked questions
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
After deplaning, you will go through Immigration, where you will show your passport, and then you will head to the baggage claim. After that, you will go through Customs.
Customs enforces rules to ensure prohibited items do not enter the country. You will be funnelled through an area with shops, and then you will come out to a large area with high ceilings. There will be two lines: 'Nothing to Declare' and 'Goods to Declare'. If you are a tourist, you are unlikely to need to declare anything.
Prohibited items include drugs, weapons, and rare or endangered animal or plant species.
Yes, you can get a VAT refund at Customs if you are a non-EU visitor. You can apply for the refund at the Amsterdam Airport or online.
