Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Stopover, Layover, Transit in Amsterdam
Can I leave Amsterdam schiphol airport during my stopover or layover?
Yes, you can. If your layover time is four hours or more you can manage spending time in the Center of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is one of the few cities where even a short layover can be turned into an inspiring look at the heart of town. This is because the airport has direct trains to the center of Amsterdam and because Central Station is in the middle of the Center. Of course you need the right visa to be able to get through customs.
Do I need a visa to enter amsterdam during my layover?
That depends on your nationality and your final country of destination of your trip.
Nationality
When holding a passport of the following countries you do not need a visa at all: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Serbia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Venezuela.
Not having one of these nationalities?
When going to another Schengen Area country you do not need another visa to enter the Netherlands. The Schengen Area visa is valid in all Schengen countries. The 26 Schengen Area countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Example
When flying from Shanghai, China or New Delhi, India to for example Paris, France and having a layover in Amsterdam it is possible to enter the Netherlands (assuming you have the right visa to enter France). Same is true for a final destination in all other Schengen Area countries.
Not having one of these nationalities and not having a Schengen area visa
When you are not flying to a Schengen Area country and not holding a passport which grants you access to the Netherlands without visa you should request a Schengen Area visa at your nearest consulate.
Check for more information on this question our visa requirements page.
I am travelling to another EU country, can I leave the airport in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can if you have obtained the visa for the other EU country before your departure.
Can I have a layover tour during an overnight layover in amsterdam?
Yes, you can. Make sure to fill in your arrival time. We will send you an email confirmation that we will pick you up at the airport. Check out more information on our overnight layover tour page.
What happens to my luggage during the few hours in Amsterdam?
If you have booked the flight at once, your checked-in luggage will generally stay at the airport to be transported to your connection flight. On some international flights (to the USA or Canada) you may need to collect your luggage and check it in again. If you need to pick up your luggage during your layover, you can lock it at the airport lockers or the lockers at Central Station.
What do I bring on my layover tour in amsterdam?
Since you want to move fast you don’t want to take a lot with you. A must have is a camera/phone to take pictures of the stunning canals. Other practical things are: boarding pass, passport, visa (if necessary), debit or credit card. Check the weather forecast to make sure you got the right clothes on.
How does my Layover Tour look like?
LocalLayover.com mission is to give you an unforgettable experience in Amsterdam. Tours are always customised to the length of time, the composition of the group and the weather conditions.
Example Time schedule for a 6 hour layover
1. Taxiing, arrival, passport control, customs: 30 minutes (When coming through the customs you will see our guide with your name written on a blank paper);
2. Purchasing train ticket: 0 minutes (LocalLayover.com will provide you with a public transportation card);
3. Train travel to and from Amsterdam Central Station: 40 minutes (2 x 15 minute journeys + 2 x 5 minute slack time. During day time there are 10 direct trains every hour to and from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station);
4. Cycling over the canals: 30 minutes (LocalLayover.com has bikes ready for you at Central Station);
5. Eating local food: 30 minutes;
6. Boating over the canals: 45 minutes;
7. Walking over UNESCO Heritage or seeing a Museum of choice: 45 minutes (Please specifiy which museum you would want to see beforehand so LocalLayover.com can purchase ticket beforehand);
8. Return to the airport for connecting flight: 60 or 120 minutes before flight departure (Depending on short or long haul flight);
9. Slack time: 20 minutes (to be realistic with the timing)
Do I need cash money on my layover tour?
No, you do not need cash. Some banks charge extremely high costs for taking cash abroad. Amsterdam is one of the most cashless cities so you do not need cash and you can pay by card at any shop you would like to buy something.
My layover is more than 10 hours and i’d like to sleep somewhere, what to do?
LocalLayover.com can book a hotel, AirBnB or room for you. Send an e-mail to info@locallayover.com about your preferences or fill them in during booking your layover tour. Yes, it is possible to sleep for a few hours for a reduced price and do a tour before or after sleeping.
