At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you can cross the border easily using the eGates. These automated gates compare your face with the digital photo in your passport, allowing you to continue your journey quickly and securely. You will find the 78 eGates located at the departure halls, arrival halls, and in the transfer areas.

Are you eligible to use the eGates?

You can use the automated control if you are 14 years or older and hold a biometric passport (recognisable by the camera symbol on the front cover). Please note that identity cards (ID cards) do not work at these gates; if you are travelling with an ID card, please proceed to the manned desks of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.

Whether you can use the automated gates also depends on your nationality. Select your situation to see the current list of eligible countries:

Are you transferring at Schiphol?

you are transferring at Schiphol to another destination, the correct list of countries depends on your travel route:

  • If you are arriving from outside the Schengen area and flying to a country within this area, please use the 'Arrival in the Netherlands' list.
  • If you are travelling from a Schengen country to a destination outside of it, please use the 'Departure from the Netherlands' list.

How does it work?

Using the eGate takes only a few seconds. Follow these steps for a smooth passage:

  • Remove your passport from its cover and place the photo page face down on the scanner.
  • Ensure your face is fully visible. Please remove any face masks, hats, sunglasses, or headphones. Bulky items around your neck, such as thick scarves, should also be removed. You may continue to wear standard prescription glasses.
  • Stand on the footprints and look directly into the camera until the gate opens.

If the automated check is unsuccessful, an officer from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee will check your passport manually.

Why might eGates be closed?

The eGates may be temporarily unavailable due to software updates or technical maintenance. They are also occasionally closed during quiet periods or when a large number of arriving passengers are ineligible to use the automated system. Since officers must supervise the eGates at all times, it is more efficient during these periods to deploy them to the manual desks to improve the overall flow for all travellers.

Your privacy

Your personal data is stored for a maximum of 24 hours after crossing the border, after which it is automatically deleted. Data may only be retained longer in the event of a specific police investigation. Further details can be found in our privacy statement.