When transiting at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, travelers must complete a security check before going to their boarding gates. Known as one of the busiest airports in Europe, Schiphol accommodates a large number of passengers and operates flights by airlines such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
In normal circumstances, it usually takes between 20 and 35 minutes to make a security check at Schiphol Airport. But in peak times, when it’s crowded, it could take 40 minutes or even longer. It is recommended that all travelers transit smoothly at the airport by preparing in advance and being aware of the security wait times.
In normal times, it usually takes 15 to 25 minutes to finish a security check. This waiting period usually occurs during non-peak hours when the airport is experiencing stable passenger traffic. During high-traffic times, such as early-morning international flights, waiting lines usually take 30 to 40 minutes.
Queue times at the airport’s security checkpoint vary throughout the day, depending on the number of flights and the number of people traveling through the airport. Usually, the late afternoon and late evening are faster compared to the morning.
| Current Wait Time | Priority Lane Available |
| 13 minutes | Yes |
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has centralized security checkpoints rather than checkpoints per terminal. The centralized security checkpoints cater to different departure halls and airline carriers.
| Departure Hall | Checkpoint Details | Operating Hours |
| Hall 1 | Main Security Screening Zone | 24 hours |
| Hall 2 | Central Screening Area | 24 hours |
| Hall 3 | International Security Zone | 24 hours |
This system makes it easier to accommodate many passengers in the airport’s security queue line.
Queue time at the security checkpoint depends on the number of flights that are departing at the same time of day. Early morning is usually the busiest period, followed by the quiet late evening.
| Time Slot | Wait Time |
| 12 am – 1 am | 7 mins |
| 1 am – 2 am | 5 mins |
| 2 am – 3 am | 4 mins |
| 3 am – 4 am | 6 mins |
| 4 am – 5 am | 15 mins |
| 5 am – 6 am | 25 mins |
| 6 am – 7 am | 29 mins |
| 7 am – 8 am | 32 mins |
| 8 am – 9 am | 27 mins |
| 9 am – 10 am | 20 mins |
| 10 am – 11 am | 18 mins |
| 11 am – 12 pm | 16 mins |
| 12 pm – 1 pm | 14 mins |
| 1 pm – 2 pm | 17 mins |
| 2 pm – 3 pm | 19 mins |
| 3 pm – 4 am | 15 mins |
| 4 pm – 5 pm | 21 mins |
| 5 pm – 6 pm | 23 mins |
| 6 pm – 7 pm | 19 mins |
| 7 pm – 8 pm | 17 mins |
| 8 pm – 9 pm | 13 mins |
| 9 pm – 10 pm | 11 mins |
| 10 pm – 11 pm | 9 mins |
Note: These wait times are approximations and can vary depending on passenger volume.
Passport Control and Customs checks apply to all travelers coming into Amsterdam from other countries. Passport control and customs processes usually take between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. In some cases, where there is peak activity at the airport, such as the arrival of several long-distance flights, passport control and customs checks take between 45 minutes and one hour.
By checking current security information before reaching the airport, you can organize your trip and avoid queues.
| Service | Information |
| Official Website | www.schiphol.nl |
| Contact Details | +31 20 794 0800 |
At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, there are various ways for people to make the security screening process much faster.
Offered across different departure zones, these security channels are reserved for premium customers.
The Privium membership program offers passengers priority access to the dedicated lanes and automated border control.
The airport is normally busiest in the mornings, with an average waiting time of 20 to 40 minutes.
Average wait times are usually 20 to 35 minutes.
Late evenings and mid-afternoon have shorter queues, averaging less than 15 minutes.
Peak hours are from 5:00 am to 9:00 am, as most long-haul flights depart during this period.
Yes, fast-track and Privium lines are available for eligible passengers to expedite their security clearance