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Self-service passport control (eGates)

eGates are machines that check your passport automatically. They use a camera to look at your face and match it to your passport photo. This is a fast and safe way to go through passport control.

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Where are the eGates?

You can find 78 eGates at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. They are located where you arrive, depart, and transfer to other flights.

Who can use eGates?

You can use eGates if:

  • You are 14 years old or older.
  • You have an electronic passport (e-passport). This kind of passport has a small camera symbol on the front cover.
  • You are traveling to or from a country that allows eGate use

Those travelling with ID cards cannot use the eGates.

Countries that can use eGates

Connecting flights

If you are changing planes at Schiphol, you need to check if your country allows the use of eGates. Whether you can use the eGates, and which list to check, depends on your journey:

  • Arriving from outside the Schengen Area and connecting to a flight within the Schengen Area: check the "Arriving into the Netherlands" list. See if the country you are arriving from is on this list. If it is, you can use the eGates.
  • Arriving from inside the Schengen Area and connecting to a flight outside the Schengen Area: check the "Departing from the Netherlands" list. See if the country you are departing to is on this list. If it is, you can use the eGates.

How to use eGates

  • Take your passport out of any cover and open it to the picture page.
  • Place your passport picture-side down on the scanner. It will take a few seconds to read.
  • Take off anything that might cover your face, like some glasses, hats, or scarves.
  • Stand on the footprints and look at the camera. Stay still.
  • The doors will open if everything is okay. You can then continue your journey.

If the eGate does not work for you, a border control officer will check your passport.

Why might eGates be closed?

Sometimes, eGates are closed. This can happen because:

  • It might be a quiet time at the airport, and it is easier for officers to check passports.
  • The eGate might need an update.
  • Many people might be arriving who cannot use the eGates, and officers are needed to check their passports.

Your privacy

Your personal information is only kept for 24 hours after you cross the border unless the police need it for an investigation. You can read more about this in the privacy statement.