17
April
2026
|
12:59
Europe/Amsterdam

May holidays approaching: Schiphol ready for departures and homecomings

The May holidays are just around the corner. Schiphol is working with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Dutch Customs and all other partners at the airport to prepare for this busy period. We expect 3.5 million travellers at the airport during the holidays, both departing from and arriving back in the Netherlands.

Suitcases are being packed and plans are being made. For many people, the moment of departure is drawing near. Travellers are flying from Schiphol to popular destinations including Spain, the United Kingdom and Italy to enjoy sunshine, time with family and city breaks. And the holiday feeling already starts at Schiphol. At the same time, we are also preparing for returning travellers. The airport is just as much a point of arrival as of departure after all. For many people, Schiphol is the first welcome home after their holiday.

Committed to a pleasant and safe journey
Behind the scenes, thousands of colleagues are working together every day to ensure smooth and safe travel. This happens all year round, regardless of the time of year or circumstances. Everything is geared towards offering travellers a good start and a reliable return home, even during busy times. We are providing travellers with useful information with our Smooth Security Check campaign, offering practical tips to go through security well-prepared, and we are deploying enough staff to assist travellers and support the flow of travellers.

Entry/Exit System (EES): not for Dutch nationals
The European Entry/Exit System (EES) was recently introduced by the European Union. It applies within the Schengen area to travellers with a non-EU passport entering or leaving Europe. These travellers go through an additional registration step at kiosks, after which the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee carry out border control. Nothing changes for Dutch nationals and all other travellers with an EU passport. They do not need to queue for EES and can follow the signs for EU travellers and, where possible, use self-service passport control.

Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and Dutch Customs
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee is responsible for border control and passport checks, and watches over security at the airport. Customs monitors the goods entering and leaving the Netherlands. Together with Schiphol Security and all other partners at the airport, they ensure calm, clarity and a predictable journey both upon departure and arrival in the Netherlands.

Lounge 1
A lot of work has been done in the terminal to ensure a pleasant start to the holidays. In Lounge 1, there are 23 new shops and catering establishments, including Today Duty Free and Dutch brands such as My Jewellery and Donsje. Travellers who want to take a look around before their flight now have a lot more to discover. Furthermore, a new clock by Maarten Baas was unveiled in early April. With a playful and typically Dutch design, it’s a tribute to everyone who keeps Schiphol running day and night.

8 tips for a smooth journey

  1. Plan your journey to Schiphol carefully. Take potential congestion and roadworks into account, as well as any disruption to public transport, and decide in advance what is the best way for you to travel to the airport. 

  2. Check in online if possible. Please arrive at the airport at the times recommended by the airline (usually 2 hours before European flights and 3 hours before intercontinental flights). 

  3. Make use of a free timeslot for security. Enjoy a smooth security check. These timeslots can be booked from three days before departure in the Schiphol app and on schiphol.nl.  

  4. Travel smart. Pack smart, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and remove old suitcase labels and barcode stickers from your hold baggage. Thanks to 3D CT scans, electronics do not need to be taken out of hand baggage. Liquids, gels, creams and pastes can only be taken in containers not exceeding 100 ml.  

  5. Power banks in hand baggage. Power banks are not allowed in your hold baggage. This is an international safety requirement. Most power banks consist of lithium-ion batteries, and these can overheat due to damage, breakdown or short-circuiting. When this happens, the battery gets very hot and can even catch fire. So always carry your power bank in your hand baggage.  

  6. Check your documents. Check the validity of your passport and use self-service passport control whenever possible. Please ensure you join the correct queue at passport control upon arrival. Travellers with an EU passport do not need to use the EES kiosks and can follow the signs for EU travellers. Pay extra attention to the rules when travelling with minors.  

  7. Be aware of customs rules. Find out in advance what can and cannot be brought into the country upon your return. Check the Customs website.  

  8. Up-to-date information for a smooth arrival. Use the Schiphol app, website or WhatsApp to receive real-time updates on your flight, walking and waiting times, and the progress of your journey through the terminal. This makes it easy to keep track of everything from landing to leaving for home.